BBQ Chicken Pizza combines all the rich, smoky flavors of a classic BBQ chicken with the melty goodness of cheese and the satisfying crunch of pizza dough. Topped with tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, smoky gouda, and a tangy BBQ sauce, this pizza is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you make the dough yourself or use store-bought, this pizza will be a hit at any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleaser with its delicious combination of flavors. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy, sweet kick to the tender chicken, while the blend of mozzarella and gouda cheeses melts perfectly on the crust. Topped off with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red onions, each bite is bursting with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or anytime you’re craving pizza.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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
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. Prepare the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer.
Cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
After cooling, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

If using homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for preparation. If desired, brush the dough with olive oil to prevent it from becoming soggy.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

Place the prepared dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Scatter the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce, then top with thinly sliced red onions.
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and gouda cheeses evenly over the chicken and onions.

5. Bake:

Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If using a pizza stone, bake for the same amount of time, but be sure to monitor the pizza closely as it may cook faster.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves and a few cracks of black pepper.
Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or top the pizza with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian BBQ Pizza: Skip the chicken and top your pizza with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the smoky BBQ sauce.
Cheese Variation: Try different cheeses like smoked mozzarella or fontina for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pizza in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet on low heat with a lid to keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen pizza dough?

Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling it out and baking.

2. Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.

3. Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you prefer, whether it’s sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky. You can also make your own homemade BBQ sauce.

4. Can I use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe! Simply shred the chicken and use it in place of cooking the cutlets.

5. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this pizza gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust. Be sure to check the BBQ sauce for gluten as well.

6. What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Bacon, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing can make great additions to this pizza.

7. Can I use a different cheese blend?

Of course! You can use any cheese you like, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or a combination of your favorites. Smoked cheese can also add an extra layer of flavor.

8. How can I make the crust crispier?

To make the crust crispier, you can bake the pizza on a pizza stone or preheat a baking sheet in the oven before placing the dough on it.

9. Can I make this pizza in a skillet?

Yes, you can cook the pizza in a skillet! Just make sure the dough fits, and cook on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes before finishing it off in the oven to melt the cheese.

10. How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

Brushing the pizza dough with olive oil and ensuring the chicken isn’t too wet will help prevent the pizza from getting soggy. You can also bake it at a higher temperature for a crispier crust.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and flavorful twist on the traditional pizza, combining smoky chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses. With a crispy crust and fresh cilantro topping, this pizza is a must-try for anyone craving a savory and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a pizza party, this BBQ Chicken Pizza will surely be a hit!