Sophia Langley
Sink your teeth into a pizza that redefines comfort food — the BBQ Chicken Pizza. With its smoky, tangy sauce, juicy chunks of grilled chicken, and a golden, cheesy finish, this dish is a delicious spin on classic pizza night. The sweet and savory layers of barbecue flavor perfectly complement the melted mozzarella, offering a rich and satisfying bite every time.
This recipe brings together the heartiness of a home-cooked meal with the bold flavors of your favorite barbecue joint. Whether you’re making it for a weekend family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this pizza never fails to impress. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and sure to be devoured by both kids and adults.
Ingredients for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Spread 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. This will be your base and the key to that signature smoky-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the barbecue sauce. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure every bite is cheesy and satisfying.
Step 4: Top with Chicken
Scatter the chopped or shredded cooked chicken over the cheese. Press the pieces in slightly so they nestle into the cheese, helping them stay put during baking. For extra barbecue flavor, toss the chicken with a little barbecue sauce before adding it to the pizza.
Step 5: Add Extras (Optional)
If you like a bit of bite, add thin slices of red onion on top of the chicken. A drizzle of olive oil over everything at this point helps enhance flavor and ensures golden, crispy edges.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the hot stone if using) and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with a bit more barbecue sauce, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, and slice it up. Serve hot and enjoy!
Estimated Nutrition
Per slice (based on 8 slices total):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce pairs wonderfully with the chicken and cheese. You can also try spicy or honey BBQ for a twist.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
What’s the best cheese alternative for mozzarella?
Try smoked gouda or provolone for a richer, deeper flavor that still melts beautifully.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza crust and make sure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds fantastic flavor.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Use less sauce and make sure your dough isn’t too thick. Preheating your oven and using a pizza stone can also help achieve a crispy crust.
Can I add veggies to this pizza?
Definitely! Try adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn for extra flavor and texture.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu, and you’ll still enjoy the same bold BBQ flavor.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for pizza lovers and barbecue enthusiasts alike. With a crispy crust, smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese, every bite bursts with bold, satisfying flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick dinner, casual party food, or even a hearty lunch.
Whether you’re brainstorming new dinner ideas, craving a savory yet slightly sweet twist on pizza, or hunting for easy recipes to elevate your weeknight meals, this one checks all the boxes. Perfectly balanced, deliciously messy, and incredibly easy to make — it’s the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. Say hello to your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients
1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness.
- Transfer dough to parchment paper or a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
- Spread 1/2 cup barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
- Add chopped or shredded chicken over the cheese.
- (Optional) Add sliced red onions for extra flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner