If you’ve ever had BBQ chicken pizza, you know the irresistible combination of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy crust. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or just satisfying a craving, BBQ chicken pizza is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why We Love BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is a crowd-pleaser, beloved for many reasons. It’s not just about the layers of delicious ingredients but also the balance of flavors that make this dish stand out. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy and smoky BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the mild taste of the chicken and the richness of the melted mozzarella. This combination creates an irresistible harmony that satisfies every craving.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You don’t have to be a professional chef to make BBQ chicken pizza. It’s simple, requires only a few basic ingredients, and can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable to Your Taste: BBQ chicken pizza is easily customizable, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on what you love. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or loaded with veggies, you can make it your own.
- A Family Favorite: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, BBQ chicken pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Its delicious and hearty nature makes it a perfect option for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Pizza Dough – The foundation of your BBQ chicken pizza. A soft, chewy crust is key to holding all your toppings. While you can use store-bought dough in a pinch, homemade pizza dough offers the best texture and flavor for your pizza.
Cooked Chicken Breast – Essential for the BBQ chicken pizza, shredded chicken breast pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce. It’s important to cook the chicken thoroughly before using it as a topping, as this ensures the meat is tender and easy to shred.
BBQ Sauce – This is what transforms your pizza into a BBQ chicken pizza. The sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce complements the chicken perfectly. Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best taste.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella cheese is the ideal cheese for BBQ chicken pizza, as it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that balances out the richness of the BBQ sauce. Do not substitute it with other cheeses, as it won’t melt the same way.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make BBQ chicken pizza. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a delicious homemade pizza in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Before you get started with the dough, cook your chicken. You can either pan-sear, grill or bake it—whichever method you prefer. Here’s how to do it:
Pan-searing: Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any spices you prefer (garlic powder, paprika, etc.). Cook it over medium heat in a skillet with olive oil for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Grilling: Grill the chicken breast for about 10 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), season the chicken, and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Once your chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with about ¼ cup of BBQ sauce. This ensures that the chicken is flavorful and moist when it is baked on the pizza.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While your chicken is cooking, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch it into your desired shape and size. Transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to overwhelm the dough; just a light coat will do.
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the sauce.
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the red onion slices.
Optionally, add extra toppings such as cheddar cheese, bell peppers, or corn.
Drizzle a little more BBQ sauce over the top for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pizza in the oven and bake it for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Top with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve!
Expert Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
To make sure your BBQ chicken pizza turns out absolutely perfect, consider these expert tips:
Use Fresh Dough: For the best texture, fresh dough is key. If you’re short on time, use a store-bought dough, but homemade dough will provide a much better base.
Don’t Overload on BBQ Sauce: While BBQ sauce is essential for flavor, using too much can make the pizza soggy. A thin, even layer is the best way to ensure the crust stays crispy and the flavors stay balanced.
Shred the Chicken: Shredding the chicken ensures that every bite is filled with tender, flavorful chicken and sauce. You can use two forks or a stand mixer to shred the chicken easily.
Try Grilling Your Pizza: If you want an even more authentic BBQ flavor, cook your pizza on the grill instead of in the oven. It gives the pizza a smoky flavor and crispy crust.
Use Quality BBQ Sauce: The sauce you use can make or break the pizza. Opt for a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preferences—whether you like sweet, smoky, or tangy, choose one that complements your chicken and other toppings.
Variations of BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun variations to try:
Buffalo BBQ Chicken Pizza: Combine buffalo sauce with your BBQ sauce to give your pizza a spicy kick.
BBQ Chicken with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the pizza for a smoky, savory twist.
Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Pizza: You can replace the chicken with tofu or just load up the pizza with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza: If you’re gluten intolerant, swap out the regular dough for a gluten-free pizza crust.
BBQ Chicken Pizza with Pineapple: If you love the sweet-savory combo, add pineapple chunks to balance the smoky BBQ flavor.
Serving BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is perfect for a wide range of occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Pair with a Side Salad: A light, tangy salad with arugula or mixed greens complements the richness of the pizza. Add a balsamic vinaigrette for a touch of acidity.
Serve with Garlic Bread: If you’re feeding a crowd, a side of crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment.
Beverage Pairings: A cold beer or a sparkling lemonade works wonders with BBQ chicken pizza, helping to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
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FAQs About BBQ Chicken Pizza
What’s the best BBQ sauce for BBQ chicken pizza?
Choose a BBQ sauce based on your taste preferences. If you enjoy a sweet and smoky flavor, a honey BBQ sauce works wonders. For those who like a more tangy profile, try a vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Can I make BBQ chicken pizza without cheese?
Yes, you can omit cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter option. You can still enjoy the BBQ chicken and sauce on a crispy crust, or opt for a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Can I prepare BBQ chicken pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the pizza dough and toppings in advance, and then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking.
How can I make BBQ chicken pizza spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce, or use a spicier BBQ sauce to give your pizza an extra kick.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- Pizza Stone
- Skillet
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 medium-sized chicken breast cooked and shredded
- ¼ cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro fresh
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare the pizza dough by rolling it out into your desired shape.
- Cook and shred the chicken, then toss it with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce to coat evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the pizza dough, then evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on top.
- Top the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced red onions. Optionally, add any additional toppings you like.
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh cilantro. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.