BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting, bold, and unbelievably satisfying. I remember the first time I made it — I was experimenting with leftover grilled chicken and a bottle of smoky barbecue sauce. That trial turned into a ritual, and now this pizza is a staple for weekend movie nights and casual gatherings.
The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, and melted mozzarella on a crispy crust is just unbeatable. It’s one of those flavor-packed recipes that doesn’t try too hard, yet always impresses. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce balances perfectly with the savoriness of the cheese and chicken, and that gooey top layer is always a crowd favorite.
I like to use a homemade dough when I have time, but you can easily use store-bought pizza crust and still get that deliciously chewy bite. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prep, and bakes up beautifully every single time.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combos, this BBQ Chicken Pizza is right up your alley. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve to guests. The barbecue sauce brings smoky-sweet notes that elevate the entire dish. You’ll love how the chicken stays tender, how the cheese bubbles into golden perfection, and how the crust gets that slight crisp on the edges.
Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or picky eaters, this pizza almost always gets two thumbs up. Plus, it’s easily customizable, meaning you can toss on extras like red onions, cilantro, or even pineapple without messing up the base flavor. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, and once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.
How to Make the BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If you’re using homemade pizza dough, let it come to room temperature and rest for about 30 minutes. This helps it become more pliable. Roll it out into a 12-inch round and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone lightly dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spread a generous layer of your favorite barbecue sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a half-inch border for the crust.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Scatter shredded cooked chicken evenly across the pizza. I usually use grilled or rotisserie chicken tossed in a bit of BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over, making sure every bite gets cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, you can add chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, or a drizzle of more BBQ sauce on top for an extra flavor kick. Slice and serve hot!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
To switch things up, you can use a blend of mozzarella and gouda or even smoked provolone for a more complex cheese profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower tossed in BBQ sauce. Gluten-free pizza dough works just as well if you’re avoiding gluten. And if you’re in the mood for something heartier, try adding crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top.
This recipe really shines because of its flexibility. Whatever you have on hand, there’s a good chance you can make it work and still end up with a delicious result.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides or drinks can elevate the experience even more. I like to serve it alongside a crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing to contrast the rich flavors of the pizza. Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks are also a fun and indulgent addition.
When it comes to drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade works perfectly for a refreshing balance. If you’re serving this pizza for a game night or casual dinner, a light beer or even a sweet red wine like Lambrusco can be a great match for the BBQ notes.
To finish things off, serve with a simple dessert like chocolate chip cookies or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The balance of sweet, smoky, and savory is what makes this pizza meal feel just right.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, place the cooled pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating is simple: just pop the slices in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat to bring back the crunch in the crust. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
If you want to freeze the pizza, wrap individual slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the crust crispier?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated and bake the pizza on a hot pizza stone or preheated baking sheet. Brushing the edges with olive oil also helps create a golden, crispy finish.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use a barbecue sauce that you love! Sweet, smoky varieties work especially well. I like to use sauces with a little molasses or honey for depth.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought dough works just fine and saves time. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to make it easier to stretch.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Pre-cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe. Just shred or chop it and toss it with some BBQ sauce before adding to the pizza.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re hooked on the smoky-sweet goodness of this BBQ Chicken Pizza, you’ll definitely want to check out my Buffalo Chicken Flatbread. It’s spicy, cheesy, and comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for game day or a quick dinner fix. Another great one to try is the Pulled Pork Nachos, where BBQ flavors shine just as bright, layered over crunchy chips and gooey cheese.
If you’re more into classic comfort food, give my Pepperoni Pizza Rolls a go. They’re bite-sized and loaded with melty mozzarella and zesty sauce.
Save and Share This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe on your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time you’re craving something comforting and full of flavor. You can also share it with your friends and family on Facebook, or send the link via text to that one person who’s always on the lookout for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this pizza deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation. So save it, share it, and bake it up soon!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleasing recipe made with a crispy pizza crust, tangy barbecue sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and loads of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, it's a great dinner choice for busy weeknights, game day, or casual gatherings. Whether you use homemade dough or store-bought crust, this easy recipe delivers pizzeria-quality results straight from your oven. Topped with optional red onions or fresh cilantro, it's a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy your favorite BBQ flavors in pizza form.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: thinly sliced red onions, chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a lightly floured baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Toss the cooked chicken with a spoonful of BBQ sauce, then spread it over the pizza.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add optional toppings like red onions or jalapeños if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro or extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- For crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or use a pizza stone.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken.
- Let the dough come to room temperature for easier handling.
- Customize with your favorite cheese blend or extra toppings like bacon.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
