Barbecue Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza. It combines the rich flavors of barbecue sauce with tender, shredded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh vegetables. This pizza is sure to please everyone at your dinner table or during a casual get-together with friends. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the winter, this recipe is perfect any time of year.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons you should consider making Barbecue Chicken Pizza. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. You can have a delicious meal ready in just a short time.
Another reason is the flexibility of the ingredients. You can customize it to your liking, whether you prefer more toppings or less sauce. Additionally, this pizza is great for using up leftover chicken, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Finally, the combination of flavors is mouthwatering, offering a delightful change from the standard pizza.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature recommended for the pizza dough you are using. If you are using store-bought dough, it usually requires a temperature of around 475°F (245°C).
Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. You can make it thin and crispy or thick and fluffy depending on your preference. Make sure the surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.
Add the Barbecue Sauce: Once rolled out, transfer the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Layer the Chicken: Sprinkle the shredded chicken over the barbecue sauce. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every bite has a good amount of chicken.
Top with Cheese: Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. The cheese should cover the chicken well for that ooey-gooey texture.
Add Red Onion: Now, take your thinly sliced red onion and place it over the cheese. The onions will roast as the pizza bakes, adding sweetness and flavor.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake it for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Before slicing, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top. This adds a fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the barbecue sauce.
How to Serve Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Serve your Barbecue Chicken Pizza hot from the oven. It pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Cut the pizza into slices and offer a variety of drinks like soda, iced tea, or even a nice cold beer. For a fun party vibe, you can set up a pizza station where guests can add extra toppings if desired.
How to Store Barbecue Chicken Pizza
If you have leftover pizza, you can store it easily. Allow the pizza to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The pizza can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the leftovers. Wrap the pizza slices individually in plastic and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, use an oven for the best texture. Simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips to Make Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it! Just shred it and use it in the pizza.
Experiment with Sauces: While barbecue sauce is the star here, you can experiment with different flavors. Try using spicy BBQ sauce, or adding some hot sauce for a kick.
Add More Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
Dough Alternatives: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought pizza dough, pre-made naan, or even a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.
Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider these variations:
BBQ Veggie Pizza: Leave out the chicken and add more vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Swap the barbecue sauce for buffalo sauce for a different flavor twist. It’s spicy and tangy, sure to satisfy wing fans!
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add some pineapple chunks along with the chicken for a sweet and savory combination.
FAQs
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes! Making homemade pizza dough is simple and requires basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt. It can be a fun activity to do with family or friends.
What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
You can use any barbecue sauce you enjoy. Sweet, smoky, or spicy—they all can work beautifully in this recipe. You could even make your own sauce if you want a unique flavor.
Can I put the pizza on the grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely! Grilling the pizza adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just make sure to prepare the grill properly and use a pizza stone or grill-safe pan to prevent the dough from falling through the grates.
What cheese works best for this pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza due to its melting quality, but you could also experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delightful Barbecue Chicken Pizza that everyone will enjoy. Prepare it for family movie night, a friendly gathering, or just when you’re craving something delicious. This versatile recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household!
PrintBarbecue Chicken Pizza
A delicious twist on traditional pizza with barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the pizza dough on a floured surface, rolling it out to your desired thickness.
- Add a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer the shredded chicken over the barbecue sauce evenly.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s well-covered.
- Add the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese.
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before slicing and serving.
Notes
Great for leftover chicken and customizable with more toppings. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Barbecue Chicken Pizza, pizza recipe, easy pizza, chicken pizza, barbecue sauce