Introduction

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining smoky barbecue sauce with tender chicken and gooey cheese on a crispy crust. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with every bite.

A close-up of a pizza cut into square pieces, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown, thick crust with a slightly crispy edge; the middle layer is melted, creamy white cheese spread evenly; the top layer consists of grilled chicken chunks with a golden-brown sear, small pieces of purple onion, a drizzle of dark brown barbecue sauce, and green herb sprinkles scattered across. The pizza sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich colors of the toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Pizza dough
Cooked chicken breast
BBQ sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Red onion
Fresh cilantro
Olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and brush the edges with olive oil.
Step 2: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until well coated.
Step 3: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step 4: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot pizza.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute smoked gouda or cheddar cheese for a different cheesy twist.
Add jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use pre-made pizza dough to save time without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.

How to Serve

A close-up of a pizza with one layer of golden brown crust visible at the bottom, topped with melted white cheese spread evenly across the surface. On top of the cheese, there are chunky pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown color and grill marks, scattered generously. Drizzled over the chicken and cheese is a glossy, dark brown barbecue sauce, adding shine and texture. Small pieces of light purple onion and bits of green herbs are sprinkled over everything, adding color contrast. The pizza is cut into square pieces, with a woman's hand slightly touching one piece at the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken breast. You should cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce to ensure food safety and even cooking.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy—to customize the pizza to your taste. Thicker sauces tend to hold up better without making the dough soggy.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

This delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza combines a crispy, golden crust with tangy BBQ sauce, tender cooked chicken breast coated in BBQ sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a fresh kick from red onions and cilantro. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Author: Izo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Toppings

1 cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it carefully to a greased pizza pan or a baking sheet. Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to promote browning and a crisp crust.
Prepare Chicken: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until it is well coated and flavorful.
Add Base: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken pieces over the cheese layer. Add the thinly sliced red onions on top of the chicken. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza to create a melty topping.
Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the hot pizza for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breast to save time; leftover chicken works great.
Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your taste preference for sweetness or tanginess.
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled dough for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.
You can substitute mozzarella with smoked gouda or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Fresh cilantro added after baking enhances aroma and freshness without wilting.

Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, barbecued chicken pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, BBQ sauce pizza, chicken pizza with cilantro