Description
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful homemade pizza featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, gooey mozzarella, smoked gouda, red onions, and fresh cilantro on a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for pizza night, game day, or casual family dinners, this easy recipe combines classic American flavors with a cheesy, savory twist.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (12–14 inches)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded (optional)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it is hot enough to create a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the prepared pizza dough into a 12–14 inch circle and place it on a pizza pan or baking stone for even cooking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up during baking.
- Spread Barbecue Sauce: Evenly spread the barbecue sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce to create a cheesy base layer.
- Layer Chicken and Onions: Evenly distribute the cooked shredded chicken and thinly sliced red onions over the first cheese layer.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and add the smoked gouda cheese if using for added smoky flavor.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper on top for an extra layer of seasoning.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before slicing into 8 pieces and serving warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy prep.
- Add sliced jalapeños or cooked bacon to enhance the flavor and add a spicy or smoky kick.
- Serve with ranch dressing or extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American