BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful dish that combines warm, cheesy goodness with the smoky taste of BBQ. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends and family. This pizza is easy to make, and it’s sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Why You Will Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza

This recipe is a family favorite for so many reasons. It’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken and melted cheese, creating a rich flavor that everyone loves. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients, which means you probably have everything you need right in your kitchen.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

Making this pizza is straightforward and fun! You start by preparing the dough and then topping it with your favorite ingredients. It all comes together in just a few easy steps. You’ll have a homemade pizza that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready to enjoy in no time.

What You Need

pizza dough
cooked chicken breast
BBQ sauce
mozzarella cheese
red onion
fresh cilantro
olive oil

Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 475°F and roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and brush the edges with olive oil.
Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and toss it with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until well coated.
Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Distribute the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot pizza before serving.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s great for a cozy family dinner or for serving guests at your next gathering. You might want to set out some extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Pizza

To keep this pizza fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them for about 1 minute.

Recipe Tips

Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker meal.
Feel free to add more toppings like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to get a crispy crust.
If you like a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños before baking.
Let the pizza sit for a couple of minutes after baking before slicing to avoid messy pieces.

Variations & Swaps

Swap out the chicken for shredded pulled pork for a different twist.
Use a gluten-free pizza dough if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Try adding pineapple for a sweet-and-savory combination.
Replace the BBQ sauce with a creamy ranch dressing for a different flavor base.
For a veggie version, load up on your favorite veggies and skip the meat.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza in advance, assemble it, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Once cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They should be good for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will keep the crust crispy and the cheese gooey.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can use pizza sauce, marinara, or even a flavorful pesto for a unique twist.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy crust?
Make sure your pizza dough is cooked for the correct amount of time until it’s golden brown. Also, try not to overload it with too many toppings, which can lead to a soggy base.