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.