If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with flavor and has just the right balance of sweet, smoky, and savory, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy grilled chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, melted mozzarella cheese bubbling on a perfectly golden crust, and the fresh zing of red onion and cilantro tying it all together. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing pizza that feels both hearty and fresh, making it perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is simple yet essential, combining to create a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the crispy crust and the vibrant fresh toppings, every element plays its part perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein providing juicy, tender bites loaded with barbecue flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet and tangy): This adds the sweet and smoky punch that defines the pizza’s character.
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): A golden base — crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey cheese layer.
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced): Its sharp bite cuts through the richness and adds a crisp texture.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Brings a bright, herbal freshness as a final flourish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven now—it helps get that beautifully crisp crust we all love. High heat is key for a perfectly baked pizza.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, then grill them over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through and juicy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling—that way, it stays moist and tender before shredding.
Step 3: Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Grab a bowl and mix half of your barbecue sauce with the shredded chicken. This step ensures every bite bursts with that tangy-sweet BBQ flavor that makes this pizza so irresistible.
Step 4: Roll Out Your Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Whether you like it thin and crispy or thick and doughy, this base will hold all the delicious toppings perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the rolled dough—this creates a vibrant, flavorful foundation. Next, scatter the BBQ-coated chicken, sprinkle on your shredded mozzarella, and top with those thinly sliced red onions for a touch of crunch and bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling, melty cheese. Once it’s out, sprinkle fresh cilantro all over for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped cilantro right after baking elevates the pizza with a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of extra barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add another flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and fresh with a crisp green salad—think mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette—or serve alongside some crunchy roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the pizza’s warm, sweet-savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe on a wooden pizza paddle or rustic board, garnished with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing. For an easy party portion, cut into small, bite-sized squares or turn it into personal mini pizzas for a fun, make-your-own pizza night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, consider placing a paper towel underneath the pizza slices to absorb any extra moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save some of this delicious pizza for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe anytime you want a quick and tasty meal.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is crisp again and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crave-worthy crispy crust.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it and toss with the barbecue sauce as directed.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best for this pizza?
A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce works perfectly, balancing smoky flavors with a hint of sweetness. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce.
Can I prepare the pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes! If you’re making homemade dough, preparing it the day before and letting it rise overnight in the fridge can actually improve the texture and flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly for a whole pizza or just slices?
Both! You can freeze the entire assembled pizza before baking or freeze individual slices after baking—just wrap tightly to protect against freezer burn.
What’s a good alternative to mozzarella cheese?
Monterey Jack or smoked gouda are delicious alternatives that melt well and add their own unique flavor twist to the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, effortless prep, and total crowd-pleaser vibes. From the tender BBQ-coated chicken to the melty cheese and aromatic finish of cilantro, every bite is a little slice of happiness. So go ahead, fire up that oven and treat yourself and your loved ones to a pizza night that’s anything but ordinary. You won’t regret it!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender grilled chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh red onions on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it delivers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet and tangy)
Pizza Base and Toppings
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to ensure an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
- Grill Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest briefly to retain juices, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat Chicken with Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, combine half of the barbecue sauce with the shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly so every piece is coated with the sweet and tangy flavor.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness for the crust.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Layer the sauced chicken mixture on top, followed by an even sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese and thin slices of red onion.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisper crust but is optional.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked barbecue sauce or adding diced smoked gouda cheese along with mozzarella.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- To save time, you can use pre-grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of grilling fresh chicken breasts.
