Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun and delicious meal that you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a tasty dinner, this pizza will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. With a perfect blend of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s hard to resist a slice!
Why Make This Recipe
Making BBQ chicken pizza at home allows you to customize it to your liking. You can choose your favorite crust, toppings, and even adjust the amount of barbecue sauce. Plus, you can enjoy the aroma of freshly baked pizza filling your kitchen. It’s a quick meal that feels special, and the leftovers (if any!) are sure to please the next day’s lunch crowd.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons (130g) your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, for topping (or use basil)
Directions:
- Prepare your pizza dough according to your recipe or instructions if using store-bought dough. If using frozen pizza dough, make sure it’s thawed.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Let it heat for 15-20 minutes as you shape your pizza. If you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven to preheat.
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 Tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle cornmeal over the surface for extra crunch.
- Once your dough is ready, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough in half and freeze one half for another time, if you wish.
- On a floured surface, using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten the dough into a disc. Stretch it into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Lift the edge of the dough to form a lip around the edges. If using a pizza stone, place the dough on a baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Press dents into the dough to prevent bubbling. Brush with the remaining olive oil and spread 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce evenly on top.
- Toss the cooked chicken with the rest of the BBQ sauce and scatter it over the pizza. Top with mozzarella, gouda, and red onion.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Slice the pizza and serve hot. Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken pizza fresh out of the oven! It pairs well with a light salad or some crispy vegetable sticks. You can also serve it with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Store Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you have any leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy it again, simply reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Make sure to preheat the oven properly to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use different types of cheese for added flavor. Cheddar or feta can be great alternatives.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite taste.
Variation
You can customize your pizza by adding toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver if you don’t want to make your own.
What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce—sweet, smokey, or spicy—all can work wonderfully on this pizza.
Can I freeze the pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
Pizza Toppings
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce plus 2 Tablespoons
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for topping (or use basil)
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your pizza dough according to your recipe or instructions if using store-bought dough.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and let it heat for 15-20 minutes as you shape your pizza.
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 Tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle cornmeal over the surface.
- Once your dough is ready, punch it down to release air bubbles and divide it in half.
- On a floured surface, flatten the dough into a disc and stretch it into a 12-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Lift the edge of the dough to form a lip around the edges and press dents into the dough to prevent bubbling.
- Brush with the remaining olive oil and spread 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce evenly on top.
Topping and Baking
- Toss the cooked chicken with the rest of the BBQ sauce and scatter it over the pizza.
- Top with mozzarella, gouda, and red onion.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Slice the pizza and serve hot.
