BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and savory twist on traditional pizza, combining the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ sauce with tender chicken, melted cheese, and the perfect crust. This pizza is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal with a unique flavor profile. Whether you’re craving something different for your pizza night or want to impress guests at a dinner party, BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s easy to make at home and customize to your tastes.

This guide will walk you through how to create the perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza, share tips for making it even more flavorful, and suggest creative variations to explore. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering homemade pizza that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Bold, Tangy BBQ Flavor: The BBQ sauce infuses the chicken with a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other toppings.
• Perfect for Customization: BBQ Chicken Pizza is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add ingredients that suit your tastes, from extra veggies to different cheeses or spices.
• A Great Combination of Textures: The crispy crust, tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions create a satisfying mix of textures in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza on the table in under an hour.
• A Complete Meal in One: This pizza can stand alone as a meal, as it combines protein, vegetables, and a comforting carbohydrate base all in one dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Pizza:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels (for added sweetness and texture)
• Optional: 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (for added crunch)
• Olive oil for brushing the crust
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. If you’re using raw chicken, season it with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil, and then grill or bake it until fully cooked. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quicker option. Once the chicken is cooked, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

In a small bowl, toss the chicken with BBQ sauce until it’s well coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, follow the instructions on the packaging for preparation. If you’re making dough from scratch, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired size and thickness. A thin crust works great for this pizza, but you can opt for a thicker crust if you prefer.

Once the dough is shaped, transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can brush the dough lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature ensures that the pizza crust will cook quickly and get that perfect golden-brown color.

4. Caramelize the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and the sliced onions. Season with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized. This step adds a deep, sweet flavor to the pizza, balancing out the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.

5. Assemble the Pizza

Once the dough is ready and the oven is preheated, it’s time to assemble the pizza. Start by spreading a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. You can spread the sauce all the way to the edges or leave a little gap, depending on how saucy you like your pizza.

Next, evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the sauce. Scatter the caramelized onions on top of the chicken, followed by the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. You can also sprinkle some extra salt and pepper on top to season the pizza further, but the BBQ sauce usually provides enough flavor on its own.

6. Bake the Pizza

Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on the pizza, as oven temperatures can vary. You can check the bottom of the crust by lifting it slightly with a spatula to make sure it’s crisp and not soggy.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of the pizza to add a burst of color and flavor. You can also drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the pizza for a more intense flavor.

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. This BBQ Chicken Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: To save time, use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. It’ll save you from having to cook the chicken from scratch and will still taste delicious.
• Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Different BBQ sauces have varying levels of sweetness and tang. Choose a sauce that fits your preference. If you like it sweeter, go for a honey BBQ sauce, or opt for a smoky variety if you prefer a more intense flavor.
• Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce over the pizza to give it some extra kick.
• Experiment with Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or blue cheese for a unique flavor.
• Avoid Overloading the Pizza: It’s easy to get carried away and pile on too many toppings. To keep the pizza balanced, stick to 3-4 toppings max, along with the BBQ chicken, so the flavors don’t overwhelm each other.

Variations of BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Buffalo BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add a twist by mixing buffalo sauce with the BBQ sauce, creating a tangy, spicy base for the chicken. Top with blue cheese or ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.
• BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Pizza: For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks to the pizza before baking. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ chicken.
• BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza: Add crispy bacon pieces on top of the chicken for an extra layer of savory flavor. The smoky bacon complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Vegetarian BBQ “Chicken” Pizza: Use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian or vegan version of this pizza. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the BBQ flavor without meat.
• BBQ Chicken and Avocado Pizza: After baking, add sliced avocado to the pizza for a creamy, buttery texture that contrasts nicely with the tangy BBQ sauce and the crunchy crust.

Storage and Shelf Life

BBQ Chicken Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. After the pizza cools to room temperature, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. The pizza will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

To reheat, place the pizza slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can work, but it might make the crust less crispy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for BBQ Chicken Pizza

While BBQ Chicken Pizza is a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can round out the meal:

• Garden Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal. The garlic flavor complements the smoky BBQ sauce on the pizza.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw is an excellent side dish that pairs well with the BBQ theme and adds a crunchy texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can add a healthy, flavorful side dish to balance out the richness of the pizza.

Print

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese on a crisp crust. With easy-to-find ingredients and customizable toppings, you can create a pizza that suits your tastes perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or simply indulging in your favorite comfort food, BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to be a hit.

By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to make a flavorful and visually appealing pizza that everyone will love. Don’t forget to try the various creative variations and side dishes to make your BBQ Chicken Pizza experience even more exciting. Enjoy this delicious meal—it’s perfect for any occasion!