This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza night! With juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make at home.
Who doesn’t love the mix of sweet and tangy? I like to add extra toppings like red onions or cilantro for a burst of color and zest. It’s a pizza party waiting to happen! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can use a pre-made crust for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! For quick options, try whole wheat or gluten-free crusts. Homemade will give a fresh touch but can take more time.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, you might substitute with pulled jackfruit or even roasted vegetables for a hearty option.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love! Sweet, spicy, or tangy styles each bring unique flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try a homemade version using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic for pizza. If you want a different taste, use provolone or gouda. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, but skip it if you prefer a lighter pizza.
Red Onion: If you find red onions too strong, you can use green onions or shallots instead for a milder flavor. For a sweetness boost, caramelize onions before adding them to your pizza.
What’s the Best Way to Roll Out Pizza Dough?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but don’t worry! Just follow these steps to get a perfect crust:
- Start with room-temperature dough; it’s easier to work with.
- Flour your surface and rolling pin lightly to prevent sticking.
- Pretend your dough is a round disk. Begin rolling from the center outwards, turning the dough as you go to keep it even.
- If it shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes and then continue.
This will help you achieve a nice, thin crust that bakes evenly!
How to Make Amazing BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your BBQ chicken pizza in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This temperature will help get the crust nice and crispy, so it’s super important!
2. Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and the BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the sauce. This mix will bring fantastic flavor to your pizza!
3. Prepare the Pizza Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza crust to your desired thickness. If you like a thin and crispy crust, roll it out thinly! Once ready, transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Add BBQ Sauce and Chicken:
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce across the top of the crust. Save a little for drizzling later! Next, evenly distribute your BBQ chicken mixture over the sauce, making sure to cover the crust well.
5. Layer the Onions and Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the chicken. Then, generously cover the whole pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese. If you’re feeling cheesy, add some cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor!
6. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the toppings for an extra touch of flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste before baking!
7. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to melt and bubble, and the crust to turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice your amazing BBQ chicken pizza into pieces and serve hot. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken off the bone and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. This will save you time and add great flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can try using buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or even a homemade sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and spices. Just adjust the quantities to your taste preferences!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the crust stays crispy.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Of course! Feel free to customize your pizza with toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just make sure not to overload it, as that can make the crust soggy!
