BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious fusion of savory flavors that will leave you craving more. The smoky BBQ sauce paired with juicy, tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and gouda cheese, all resting on a crispy, golden crust, creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a gathering, this pizza is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + extra for drizzle

• 2-3 chicken cutlets*

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays), more if desired

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cups mozzarella, grated

• ½ cup gouda, grated

• 1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

• Fresh ground black pepper, as desired

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Marinate the chicken in ½ cup of BBQ sauce for 25-30 minutes.

2. Roll the pizza dough into a 12″ circle and place it in the refrigerator to chill.

3. For the chicken: Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until the inside is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and, once cooled, slice the chicken into bite-size pieces.

4. Remove the pizza dough from the fridge. Gently brush the dough with a drizzle of olive oil and spread the remaining BBQ sauce, leaving the edges sauce-free.

5. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and ¼ cup of gouda cheese over the pizza, leaving the edges clean to create a crust.

6. Top with chicken and red onion, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

7. Place the pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and put it on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.

8. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 (12-inch pizza)

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

• Vegetarian BBQ Pizza: Omit the chicken and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

• Cheese Lovers BBQ Pizza: Increase the amount of gouda or mozzarella for an even cheesier pizza.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, use a skillet on the stove over medium heat to crisp up the crust while warming the pizza.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any BBQ sauce you prefer. A tangy or sweet sauce would work great for this pizza.

2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! If you don’t have time to make homemade dough, store-bought dough is a convenient and quick alternative.

3. Can I freeze this pizza for later?

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pizza by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen at 425˚F for about 20-25 minutes.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute the mozzarella and gouda with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even feta for a unique twist.

5. How do I make this pizza spicier?

Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spicy BBQ sauce to give your pizza some heat.

6. Can I make this BBQ chicken pizza gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free.

7. How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to pre-bake the pizza dough for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings to help keep the crust crispy.

8. How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. You can also check the bottom of the crust to ensure it’s crispy.

9. How can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can cook and slice the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza.

10. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Just shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or having friends over, this pizza is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering homemade pizza ready in no time!