BBQ Chicken Pizza

This BBQ chicken pizza transforms weeknight dinners into something special without hours in the kitchen. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheese creates a restaurant-quality pizza that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

I started making this pizza when my kids began requesting takeout pizza every Friday night. This homemade version quickly became their favorite, and they now ask for "Mom's special BBQ pizza" instead of delivery.

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crust provides the perfect foundation without the fuss of making dough from scratch
• Barbecue sauce offers sweet and tangy flavors that elevate this beyond traditional pizza sauce
• Cooked shredded chicken adds hearty protein and pairs perfectly with the barbecue flavors
• Mozzarella cheese creates that classic stretchy cheese pull we all love on pizza
• Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully
• Red onion brings a slight bite and crunch that balances the other ingredients
• Fresh cilantro adds bright, herbaceous notes that cut through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Turn your oven to 450°F and place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside while it heats. This crucial step ensures a crispy bottom crust that won't get soggy from the toppings. Allow at least 20 minutes for proper preheating.

Build Your Pizza

Lay your pre-made crust on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer. Spread barbecue sauce in a thin, even layer leaving a half-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the cheese over the sauce, then distribute the shredded chicken evenly. Add the sliced red onions and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake To Perfection

Carefully slide the pizza with parchment onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching closely as oven temperatures vary. The pizza is done when the cheese is completely melted with golden brown spots and the crust edge has turned golden brown.

Garnish And Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Let the pizza rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Use a sharp pizza cutter or large chef's knife to cut into 8 slices.

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The barbecue sauce is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of pizza sauce one night and had to improvise. The sweet and tangy flavors complemented the chicken so perfectly that it became our new family favorite, and now we rarely make traditional tomato sauce pizza.

Make-Ahead Options

This pizza is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire pizza up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to eat, simply bake according to the instructions, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making this a great option for busy weeknights.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize this pizza to suit your taste preferences. Add crispy bacon pieces for a smoky element, sliced jalapeños for heat, or pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the tangy barbecue sauce. You can also try different cheese combinations such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile. For a California-style version, add sliced avocado after baking.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken pizza pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve with honey-glazed carrots or roasted broccoli. A cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade makes the perfect beverage pairing. For an extra special touch, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce or ranch dressing over the top just before serving.

The History Behind BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza first gained popularity in the late 1980s when California Pizza Kitchen added it to their menu. It represented a creative departure from traditional Italian pizza toppings and helped launch the gourmet pizza trend in America. This homemade version captures the essence of that revolutionary dish while making it accessible for home cooks. The combination of barbecue sauce with pizza was initially considered unusual but has since become a beloved American classic.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for pre-made pizza crust?

You can substitute pre-made pizza crust with homemade dough, naan bread, flatbread, or even a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option. French bread halves or large tortillas also work well for quick alternatives.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this pizza?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! It's already cooked, tender, and saves significant preparation time. Simply shred the amount needed and toss with a little extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.

→ How can I make this pizza spicier?

To add heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spicy barbecue sauce. You could also add a drizzle of hot honey after baking or mix some cayenne pepper into the barbecue sauce base.

→ What sides pair well with BBQ chicken pizza?

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple garden salad, garlic knots, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries. For a complete meal, consider serving with buffalo wings or a light Caesar salad on the side.

→ Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. For best results, keep the assembled pizza covered with plastic wrap until ready to bake. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ Why is preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet important?

Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is crucial for achieving a crispy bottom crust. The hot surface immediately starts cooking the dough when the pizza is placed on it, preventing sogginess from the toppings and creating that desirable crunch.