Chicken BBQ Pizza

The smell of barbecue sauce hitting a hot crust always takes me back to Friday nights when my roommate would experiment with pizza toppings. We tried everything from pineapple to bacon, but this chicken BBQ version was the one that stuck. Now its my go to when I want something that feels indulgent but still comes together in under an hour.

I once made this for a group of friends who were skeptical about barbecue sauce on pizza. By the second slice they were all asking for the recipe. The way the cheeses bubble and brown on top while the crust gets perfectly crisp is just magic.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Use store-bought fresh dough or your favorite homemade recipe. Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose a sauce you enjoy on its own since the flavor really shines through. Extra for drizzling is non negotiable.
• Grilled chicken breast: Season and grill ahead of time or use leftover chicken. Slice it thin so every bite gets some meat.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp contrast and pretty color against all that cheese.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that classic cheese pull and mild base flavor.
• Smoked gouda or cheddar: This is what gives the pizza its smoky depth. Gouda melts beautifully but cheddar works wonderfully too.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional garnish that brightens everything up and adds a fresh pop of green.

Instructions

Get your oven screaming hot:

Preheat to 230°C (450°F) and if you have a pizza stone put it in now. A hot oven is the secret to a crispy crust.

Stretch the dough:

On a floured surface roll or stretch your dough into a 30 cm round. Transfer to parchment paper on a baking sheet or a pizza peel.

Layer on the sauce:

Spread that barbecue sauce right to the edges but leave a small border for the crust to puff up.

Add the toppings:

Arrange your sliced chicken evenly over the sauce then sprinkle both cheeses all over. Finish with red onion slices scattered on top.

Bake to perfection:

Slide your pizza into the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the crust golden and the cheese bubbly with some brown spots.

Finish and serve:

Drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the hot pizza and shower with fresh cilantro. Slice it up and watch it disappear.

Save

This pizza has become my daughters most requested birthday dinner. Seeing her face light up when she sees that familiar barbecue bottle coming out makes all the prep work worth it. Food memories really do start young.

Make Ahead Tips

Grill the chicken and slice the onions up to two days before. Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator. The barbecue sauce holds well in the pantry for months so stock up when you find a brand you love.

Perfect Pairings

A cold lager cuts through the rich cheese while a crisp dry rosé complements the smoky notes. For a non alcoholic option try sparkling water with plenty of lemon. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances out the heavy main course.

Easy Variations

Swap the chicken for sliced pork ribs or add bacon for extra smokiness. Try diced pineapple for a sweet and salty combo or pickled jalapeños if you like heat. The base formula remains the same so you can really customize to your taste.

• Leftover pulled pork works amazingly well instead of grilled chicken
• Add corn kernels for extra sweetness and crunch
• Mix some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a bubbling cheese topped pizza out of the oven. Gather your people grab some napkins and enjoy the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred or slice the meat and distribute it evenly over the barbecue sauce layer.

→ What cheese works best for this pizza?

The combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda creates excellent flavor and melting properties. Cheddar makes a suitable alternative if gouda isn't available.

→ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Preheat your oven thoroughly and avoid over-applying barbecue sauce. A pizza stone helps achieve an evenly crisp bottom crust.

→ Can I make this pizza spicy?

Absolutely. Add sliced jalapeños with the red onions, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking for extra heat.

→ What temperature should I bake this at?

Bake at 230°C (450°F) for 12–15 minutes. The high heat ensures a golden, crispy crust while melting the cheese properly.