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Irresistible BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe for Flavor Lovers
This is the pizza that will make you forget about calling for delivery. BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect marriage of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, tender chicken, tangy red onions, and melted cheese on a crispy, golden crust. The combination of flavors is absolutely addictive: the sweetness of the BBQ sauce plays beautifully with sharp red onion, while smoked gouda and mozzarella create the ultimate melty, gooey cheese layer.
Made famous by California Pizza Kitchen, this isn’t your traditional pizza—it’s better. Instead of tomato sauce, you get tangy barbecue sauce as the base. Instead of pepperoni, you get juicy chicken coated in extra BBQ. And the finishing touch? Fresh cilantro scattered on top adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Whether you’re using homemade pizza dough or store-bought, this pizza comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like restaurant quality.
Let’s make the most irresistible BBQ chicken pizza that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, you can have this pizza on the table in half an hour.
- Restaurant-Quality: Tastes like the iconic California Pizza Kitchen version, but made at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky, tangy, and cheesy—every bite hits multiple flavor notes.
- Uses Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list for one 12-14 inch pizza (4-6 servings).
Optional Add-Ins:
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425-450°F (220-230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Dough
If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching (this makes it easier to work with). Lightly oil a large baking sheet, pizza pan, or pizza peel. Dust with cornmeal if desired.
Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Use your fingers to create a slightly raised edge around the perimeter for the crust.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional but Recommended)
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the naked dough for 5-6 minutes until it’s just starting to set but not browned. Remove from the oven and proceed with toppings.
4. Prepare the BBQ Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ¼-⅓ cup BBQ sauce. Toss until the chicken is completely coated in sauce.
5. Add the Base Layer
Brush the pizza dough lightly with olive oil around the edges. Spread ¼-⅓ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
6. Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella (and all of the gouda, if using) evenly over the BBQ sauce base. This first cheese layer helps hold everything together.
7. Add Toppings
Scatter the BBQ-coated chicken evenly across the pizza. Add the thinly sliced red onion on top of the chicken.
Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything.
8. Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone if using). Bake for 12-18 minutes (depending on your oven temperature), until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are crispy.
9. Finish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. If desired, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Slice into 6-8 pieces and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Dough: Cold dough is impossible to stretch and will snap back. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Don’t Overload with Sauce: Too much BBQ sauce makes the pizza soggy. A thin layer is all you need.
- Slice Onions Paper-Thin: Thick onion slices won’t cook through and can be overpowering. Use a mandoline or very sharp knife.
- Add Cilantro After Baking: Fresh cilantro wilts and burns in the oven. Always add it as a garnish after baking.
Variations & Substitutions
- Caramelized Onion Version: Sauté red onions in butter for 15 minutes until caramelized for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
- Spicy BBQ Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce.
- Bacon BBQ Chicken: Add crispy bacon pieces along with the chicken for extra smokiness.
- White BBQ Pizza: Use white BBQ sauce (mayo-based Alabama-style sauce) instead of traditional BBQ.
- Hawaiian BBQ: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist.
What to Serve With It
- Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic Knots: Extra carbs never hurt anyone.
- Coleslaw: Tangy slaw complements the sweet BBQ flavors.
- Buffalo Wings: For the ultimate game-day spread.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For crispy crust, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Microwave works but makes the crust soggy.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates per slice, based on 6 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
Diet Suitability: High-Protein, Can be made Gluten-Free with GF dough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Pizza Dough: This makes it impossible to stretch and will shrink back constantly. Always use room-temp dough.
- Too Much Sauce: Overloading with BBQ sauce makes the crust soggy. Use a light hand.
- Raw Chicken: Always use pre-cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook through in the short baking time.
FAQ
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No. The pizza doesn’t bake long enough to fully cook raw chicken. Always use pre-cooked chicken.
Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: Any BBQ sauce you love works! Sweet Baby Ray’s is popular, but use your favorite. For more complex flavor, try a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce.
Q: Do I really need the gouda cheese?
A: No, but it adds incredible smoky depth. If you can’t find it, use all mozzarella or add a bit of sharp cheddar.
Q: Can I make this on the grill?
A: Absolutely! Grill the pizza over medium-high heat (around 450°F) for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is charred and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is everything a pizza should be: crispy, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, sharp red onion, and fresh cilantro creates a taste sensation that rivals any pizzeria. Once you make this at home, you’ll never order BBQ chicken pizza for delivery again.
If you loved this pizza recipe, try my Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon or Margherita Pizza next!
Irresistible BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe for Flavor Lovers
A mouthwatering BBQ chicken pizza combining tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and melted cheese on a crispy crust. This pizza recipe is perfect for flavor lovers seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (seasoned with salt and pepper)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness and shape.
- Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top the sauce with the cooked and shredded chicken, sliced red onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
