BBQ Chicken Pizza (Easy Homemade Recipe)
BBQ Chicken Pizza — Easy Homemade Recipe
This BBQ chicken pizza is a California Pizza Kitchen classic made at home in 25 minutes. Tangy BBQ sauce as the base, shredded chicken, thinly sliced red onion, cilantro, and bubbly mozzarella cheese — it’s smoky, sweet, and savory in every bite. Use store-bought dough or naan for the fastest version, or make your own if you have the time.
Why This Works
- 25 minutes with store-bought dough
- BBQ sauce replaces tomato sauce — smoky-sweet base
- Shredded chicken — use rotisserie for zero extra work
- Restaurant-quality at a fraction of the cost
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda (optional but recommended)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cornmeal for the pan
How to Make It
Step 1 — Preheat oven to 475°F with a baking sheet or pizza stone inside. Roll dough on a floured surface into a 12-14 inch round.
Step 2 — Toss shredded chicken with 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce.
Step 3 — Transfer dough to a cornmeal-dusted peel or parchment paper. Spread remaining BBQ sauce as the base. Top with mozzarella, BBQ chicken, red onion slices, and smoked Gouda.
Step 4 — Slide onto the preheated pan/stone. Bake 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Top with fresh cilantro immediately after removing from oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use naan instead of pizza dough?
Yes — naan flatbreads make excellent personal-size BBQ chicken pizzas. Top and bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes.
What BBQ sauce is best for pizza?
Sweet and smoky sauces work best — Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, or Trader Joe’s. Avoid very vinegary sauces.
Can I use the grill?
Yes — grill the dough 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Add toppings after the first flip. Close the lid for 3 minutes to melt cheese.
Can I make this with raw chicken?
Always use pre-cooked chicken on pizza — raw chicken won’t cook through in the short bake time. Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option.
What other toppings work?
Bacon, jalapeños, pineapple, roasted corn, or diced bell peppers. The BBQ base pairs with bolder toppings.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate dough up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before stretching.
Why add cilantro after baking?
Fresh cilantro wilts and loses flavor when baked. Adding it after preserves the bright, herby taste that balances the smoky BBQ.
Can I make this without cheese for dairy-free?
Use Violife or Miyoko’s mozzarella shreds. The BBQ sauce and chicken carry most of the flavor anyway.
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Make the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza for a Memorable Pizza Night!
A delightful combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a crisp crust, BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings. This recipe offers a customizable and versatile pizza experience suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded
- BBQ sauce
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for pizza baking.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Brush the dough with olive oil to create a crisp base.
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange the shredded chicken, sliced red onion, and mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot pizza before slicing and serving.
