BBQ Chicken Pizza is where comfort food meets gourmet flavors in your own kitchen. This crowd-pleasing pizza combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with tender chicken, melty cheese, and crisp vegetables on a perfect crust that’s both chewy and crisp.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and it’s become our Friday night tradition. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce replacing traditional tomato sauce creates a flavor profile that even pizza purists can’t resist. It’s restaurant quality with half the cost and double the satisfaction!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick 45-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable toppings to please picky eaters
- Uses leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite
- Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 store-bought pizza crust
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. If using homemade dough, roll or stretch half the recipe onto a dark cookie sheet or pizza pan, making it as thin as possible for a crispy crust. For softer crust, use a light-colored pan.
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the entire pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle black pepper evenly over the sauce for extra flavor.
- Distribute the chopped chicken evenly across the pizza. Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for the best flavor and convenience.
- Scatter the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño peppers evenly over the chicken. Keep the vegetable slices thin so they cook properly.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire pizza, making sure to cover all the toppings for the best melting and flavor distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots. The edges should be crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. Cut into 10 slices and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- Try different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, cheddar, or pepper jack
- Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights
- Add pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian BBQ twist (controversial but delicious!)
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken Pizza pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve with garlic knots or breadsticks and a cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade.
If you’re hosting a pizza night, consider creating a pizza bar with this BBQ chicken pizza as the star, alongside a traditional margherita or pepperoni option for variety.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for the best texture (avoid microwave if possible)
- The crust is done when it’s golden brown on the bottom and edges
- Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off
FAQs
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but for best results, assemble and bake just before serving. The dough can be made or purchased up to 2 days in advance.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well. I prefer a slightly sweet sauce that caramelizes nicely in the oven.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high, grill one side of the dough for 2-3 minutes, flip, add toppings to the grilled side, close the lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or pre-made crust and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.
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