BBQ Chicken Pizza is a mouthwatering blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together on a crispy crust for a satisfying bite every time. Each slice offers a perfect balance of textures, from the crunch of red onions to the creaminess of mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With 18g of protein per serving, it’s a hearty meal that keeps you fueled and happy. This recipe is proof that homemade pizza can be both quick and unforgettable.
What makes this pizza truly special is its bold, smoky aroma and the way the flavors meld beautifully in every bite. The caramelized edges of the crust, the slight char from the oven, and the freshness of cilantro add layers of depth to each slice. In just 20 minutes of baking, you’ll have a golden, bubbling masterpiece that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or just craving something comforting, this pizza delivers. Plus, it serves eight, making it perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, ready in no time.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
- 1 homemade pizza dough (click link to make your own, or use a pre-made dough)
- Olive oil (for brushing the dough)
- 1 ½ cups (200 g) diced or shredded chicken (cooked and seasoned)
- ½ cup (118 ml) favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for spreading)
- ½ cup (50 g) thinly sliced onion (red or yellow onion works well)
- ½ cup (70 g) thinly sliced red bell pepper (or substitute with green bell pepper)
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped cooked bacon (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ¾ cup (85 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or substitute with cheddar)
- ¾ cup (85 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Scallions for topping (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the pizza dough into a 12” (30 cm) circle and transfer it to a pizza pan. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
- Pre-bake the crust on the center rack of the oven for 9-10 minutes, or until it just begins to turn a light golden color. Do not turn off the oven.
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the baked pizza crust. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce, then layer it evenly over the crust.
- Add toppings by sprinkling half of the onion, red bell pepper, and bacon over the chicken. Top evenly with both shredded cheeses, then sprinkle the remaining onion, bell pepper, and bacon on top.
- Bake the pizza on the center rack for 10-13 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve by topping with chopped scallions (if desired). Allow the pizza to cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Sauce and Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza
While this recipe uses BBQ sauce, you can experiment with other flavors like spicy chipotle or honey mustard for a unique twist. For toppings, try adding sliced jalapeños for heat or pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy contrast. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-made pizza dough and rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep. You can also pre-chop your veggies and cook the bacon ahead of time. If you’re making this for a crowd, consider pre-baking the crusts in advance and storing them in an airtight container until ready to assemble.
Storage and Reheating for Leftover Pizza
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or use a skillet on medium heat for a crispy crust. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted chickpeas. If you’re a cheese lover, add cheddar or gouda to the mix. You can also try a thin crust or cauliflower crust for a lighter option.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Results
A pizza stone or perforated pizza pan can help achieve a crispier crust. If you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet works just fine. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the dough with olive oil, and a pizza cutter for clean, easy slices.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 homemade pizza dough click link to make mine, or use a pre-made dough
- Olive oil
- 1 ½ cups diced or shredded chicken
- ½ cup favorite BBQ sauce
- ½ cup thinly sliced onion
- ½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon
- ¾ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Scallions for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450F (230C) and roll out pizza dough into a 12” (30cm) circle. Transfer to a pizza pan and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Transfer dough to center rack of preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes or until crust is just beginning to turn a light golden color. Do not turn off the oven.
- Spread a spoonful of BBQ sauce evenly over the baked pizza. In a separate bowl, toss together the chicken and remaining BBQ sauce, then layer this evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle the chicken with about half of the onion, red pepper and bacon, top evenly with shredded cheese, then sprinkle the remaining onion, bell pepper, and bacon evenly overtop.
- Return pizza to center rack of oven and bake 10-13 minutes/until cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, top with chopped scallions before serving. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving.