When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the flavors of BBQ Chicken Pizza. This delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and melty cheese makes for a satisfying meal that is perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Crafted with homemade BBQ sauce and topped with savory ingredients, this pizza is bound to be a hit at your next outdoor cooking adventure. The balance of sweet and savory flavors in the homemade sauce complements the richness of the cheese and the smoky taste of the chicken, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Ingredients

• For the Pizza Dough:
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
• For the Pizza Toppings:
  • 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (for spicy BBQ chicken version)

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This is crucial as it activates the yeast, which helps the dough rise.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it along with olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated into the mix.
3. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, which gives the crust its structure. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm oven can be an ideal spot.
4. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside, allowing it to cool slightly so it can be spread easily over the dough.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. This ensures the pizza cooks evenly and the crust becomes crispy.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about ¼ inch. Ensure the edges are slightly thicker to form a crust that holds the toppings well.
7. Assemble the Pizza: If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour. If using a baking sheet, place the dough directly onto the sheet. Spread a generous amount of the homemade BBQ sauce on top of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust, which will puff up during baking.
8. Distribute the grilled chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by the red onion slices and shredded mozzarella cheese. For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños if desired.
9. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for added flavor. Cut into slices and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Pizza! Serve immediately for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your BBQ Chicken Pizza, keep these tips in mind: You can learn more about this topic.

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to your cheese and chicken. Fresh mozzarella can truly elevate your pizza, providing a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Options: Prepare the BBQ sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also make the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight for improved flavor and texture.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overloading your pizza with toppings, which can lead to a soggy crust. A light, even layer of toppings works best, allowing the crust to bake properly and retain its crispness.
• Pizza Stone Techniques: If using a pizza stone, remember to preheat it well to achieve a crispy crust. Dust it with coarse flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking and enhance the bottom of the pizza.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes for the best texture, as microwaving can make the crust chewy.

Variations

Consider these variations to customize your BBQ Chicken Pizza: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the grilled chicken for a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free pizza dough available at many grocery stores or make your own using gluten-free flour to cater to dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Tweaks: Add pineapple for a sweet twist, or try different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with different BBQ sauces can also yield exciting variations on this classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your BBQ Chicken Pizza with a fresh garden salad or a side of coleslaw for a balanced meal. For drinks, consider serving it with a chilled lemonade or iced tea to enhance the summer grilling experience. A light white wine could also complement the flavors beautifully, especially if you opt for a sweeter BBQ sauce.

Print

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

1 hr 30 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

400 kcal

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the flavors of BBQ Chicken Pizza. This delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and melty cheese makes for a satisfying meal that is perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• For the Pizza Toppings:
• 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (for spicy BBQ chicken version)

Directions

1.

Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it along with olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

3.

Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

4.

Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

5.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

6.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

7.

Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous amount of the homemade BBQ sauce on top of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

8.

Distribute the grilled chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by the red onion slices and shredded mozzarella cheese.

9.

Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

10.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for added flavor. Cut into slices and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 400 kcal