BBQ Chicken Pizza

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BBQ Chicken Pizza – The Ultimate Homemade Version

This homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza brings together tender marinated chicken, a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, crisp red onions, and melty cheese on a perfectly baked crust. It is inspired by the popular restaurant classic, but making it at home gives you complete control over the flavor, the freshness, and the quality of the ingredients. Whether you are planning a weekend family pizza night or simply craving something different from the usual tomato-based pizzas, this recipe delivers a bold, satisfying meal that everyone will look forward to.

What makes this pizza stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The chewy, golden crust pairs beautifully with the caramelized barbecue sauce and the melted cheese. The red onions offer a pleasant bite, while the fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the entire dish. It is a wonderful combination that turns simple pantry ingredients into a memorable, restaurant-quality pizza baked right in your home kitchen.

If you enjoy creating homemade pizzas, this recipe is a great addition to your collection. It is straightforward, customizable, and ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners who want to learn more about crafting pizzas from scratch.

Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well for this recipe because it absorbs the barbecue marinade and cooks quickly. Chicken thighs also work if you prefer a juicier option.

Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce with a flavor profile you enjoy, because it becomes the main seasoning for both the chicken and the pizza base. A moderately sweet and smoky style works especially well.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken. Any neutral cooking oil can be substituted.

Pizza Dough: Homemade dough gives the very best texture and flavor, but high-quality store-bought pizza dough works if you prefer a quicker option.

Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and gouda provides a soft melt and a distinct richness. If gouda is difficult to find, the pizza still turns out excellent using only mozzarella.

Red Onion: Adds sharpness and balance to the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. Adjust the quantity depending on how strong you like the flavor.

Cilantro: Sprinkled on after baking. It brings freshness and brightness to the finished pizza. The cilantro can be served on the side for those who prefer to add it individually.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken in half of the barbecue sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours. A longer marinating time enhances the flavor but is not required.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to a high temperature suitable for pizza baking. If using a pizza stone, allow it to preheat for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Warm a small amount of olive oil in a skillet and cook the marinated chicken until fully done. Let it rest briefly, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Prepare the Dough: Shape or stretch your pizza dough into a circle, creating an even thickness across the surface.
  5. Add the Sauce: Spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and all the gouda evenly over the sauce.
  7. Add Toppings: Distribute the cooked chicken and sliced red onions over the cheese. Finish with the remaining mozzarella.
  8. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the hot oven and bake until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Finish With Cilantro: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

  • Homemade pizza dough creates the best texture and flavor. If time permits, prepare your dough in advance and allow it to rise slowly for improved structure.
  • For easier handling, assemble the pizza on parchment paper. This helps you transfer the dough to a pizza stone without stretching or tearing it.
  • If you already have precooked chicken on hand, such as shredded or grilled, mix it with the barbecue sauce and use it directly.
  • Gouda, especially a lightly smoked variety, adds depth to the flavor. If unavailable, substitute any mild melting cheese that complements barbecue sauce.
  • Leftovers can be wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven for the best texture.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in a bowl and coat it with half of the barbecue sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to a high temperature suitable for pizza baking. If using a pizza stone, heat it for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Warm the olive oil in a skillet and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and cut into small pieces.
  4. Shape the pizza dough into a round crust.
  5. Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the dough.
  6. Add half of the mozzarella and all the gouda.
  7. Top with the chicken pieces and sliced red onion, then finish with the remaining mozzarella.
  8. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

 

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