Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe: Homemade in Under 30 Minutes
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of bold barbecue flavors, melty cheese, and succulent chicken, then prepare to fall in love with this BBQ Chicken Pizza! This recipe delivers a symphony of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness, all ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. Whether you opt for convenient store-bought ingredients or prefer the satisfaction of a homemade experience, this pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights and satisfying weekend cravings.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
- How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Essential Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations
- Perfect Pairings for BBQ Chicken Pizza
- More Homemade Pizza Recipes to Explore
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe (Detailed)
My obsession with barbecue chicken pizza started many years ago. It all began with the iconic pizza at California Pizza Kitchen, affectionately known as “CPK.” It was a ritual, a weekly gathering spot for my high school friends and me, spanning from 2000 to 2004.
By my sophomore year, my allegiance shifted from CPK’s barbecue chicken pizza to the equally tantalizing version at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza. Now, a decade later, I’m excited to share a homemade rendition that rivals takeout in speed and flavor. You can have your very own delicious homemade pizza faster than you can order it out!
If you have a spare 30 minutes, you can whip up this amazing homemade barbecue chicken pizza. For those feeling particularly ambitious, take your pizza to the next level with my simple homemade pizza dough recipe! It’s truly worth the extra effort for an exceptional pizza experience.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
This homemade BBQ chicken pizza recipe is designed for flexibility. You can tailor it to your preferences, using either store-bought shortcuts or fully homemade components. Here are my recommendations for both:
- Pizza dough: To make this recipe in 30 minutes, opt for store-bought pizza dough. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend trying my homemade pizza crust. If you’re new to working with yeast, try my no-yeast pizza crust for a simpler option.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s is my personal go-to choice. Alternatively, you can create a batch of homemade barbecue sauce for a more unique flavor profile. If you prefer a saucier pizza, don’t hesitate to add a little extra!
- Chicken: One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover chicken! Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store for added convenience, or simply shred any cooked chicken you have on hand. Tossing the shredded chicken with a touch of barbecue sauce before adding it to the pizza ensures it stays juicy and packed with flavor.
- Cheese: When it comes to mozzarella for pizza, always opt for a good-quality, low-moisture variety. Sometimes, I even add a sprinkle of smoked Gouda to introduce an extra layer of flavor complexity.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onions bring the perfect amount of sharpness to balance the sweet and smoky flavors of the pizza.
Refer to the recipe card for precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Making homemade BBQ chicken pizza is easy and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide to create your own pizza masterpiece:
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a diameter of approximately 12 inches and a thickness of ¼ inch. Invert a baking sheet and sprinkle it generously with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the cooked, diced chicken with half of the BBQ sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Sauce the pizza: Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly onto the pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to create a delicious crust.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the barbecue sauce. Then, distribute the barbecue-coated chicken evenly on top of the cheese. Finally, scatter the sliced red onions over the chicken for that perfect touch of sharpness.
- Bake the pizza: Bake in a preheated oven at 500ºF (260ºC) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the toppings are bubbly and perfectly melted.
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch, slice it into portions, and serve immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a little homemade ranch dressing over the top – it elevates this chicken pizza to another level!
Essential Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Dough Customization: Feel free to roll the dough into a single 12-inch round pizza or divide it into smaller portions to create mini pizzas. This is an excellent way to personalize toppings for each individual! Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly based on the size of your pizzas.
- Prevent Sticking: A simple sprinkle of cornmeal on your baking sheet or pizza stone is key to preventing sticking. It also imparts that desirable pizzeria-style crunch to the crust.
- Flavor Boosters: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness, crispy bacon pieces for added smokiness, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless!
- Storage Instructions: Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat in a 375ºF (190ºC) oven or air fryer for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the crust regains its crispness and the cheese is perfectly melted. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in a skillet over medium heat, covered with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations
Here are some ideas to add a personal touch to your BBQ Chicken Pizza:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Incorporate pineapple chunks and Canadian bacon.
- Vegetarian BBQ Pizza: Use plant-based chicken alternatives and add grilled bell peppers and mushrooms.
Perfect Pairings for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Enhance your pizza night with these delicious pairings:
- Salads: Pair with a refreshing Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Sides: Complement with garlic knots, cheesy breadsticks, or roasted vegetables.
- Drinks: Enjoy with a cold beer, iced tea, or a crisp lemonade.
More Homemade Pizza Recipes to Explore
- Everything Bagel Breakfast Pizza
- Cheesy Chicken Taco Pizza
- Easy Focaccia Pizza
- Bruschetta Pizza with Balsamic Syrup
- Garlicky Kale and Bacon Pizza
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza
- Explore all the easy homemade pizza recipes!
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BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
