This Easy and Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on the classic pizza! With tasty BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s a hit for everyone.
Who can resist pizza, especially when it has BBQ chicken? 🍕 I love making this quick meal on busy nights. Just top, bake, and enjoy—it’s that simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but if you prefer homemade, there are many simple recipes available. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free crust mix or cauliflower crust!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here! If you’re vegetarian, consider using grilled vegetables or tofu for a nice texture and flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Any favorite BBQ sauce will do! You can also make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices. Need it spicy? Add some hot sauce or chili powder.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a different taste. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Onions: While I like to sauté onion for sweetness, feel free to skip them altogether or use green onions for a milder flavor!
How Can I Get the Perfect Crust for My Pizza?
A perfect crust is key to a great pizza! Here’s how to achieve that ideal texture:
- Start with preheating your oven to a high temperature (475°F or 245°C) to get that crispy finish.
- If using a pizza stone, let it heat up for at least 30 minutes in the oven before baking the pizza.
- When rolling out the dough, keep it on a floured surface to prevent sticking, but don’t overwork it or it might get tough.
- Leave a small border around the edges for a crust that rises nicely when baked.
Follow these tips, and your pizza will come out with a golden, crispy crust every time! Enjoy your BBQ chicken pizza! 🥳
Easy and Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onions)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to the table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature will help get that perfect crispy crust. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them for about 7-10 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor, then remove them from the heat.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine your shredded chicken with half of the barbecue sauce. Mix it well so all the chicken is coated evenly with that delicious flavor.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Once it’s rolled out, transfer the dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if you have a pizza stone.
5. Sauce it Up:
Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the pizza dough. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust!
6. Add the Chicken and Onions:
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken pieces all over the pizza dough. Then sprinkle the sautéed onions on top of the chicken.
7. Cheese it Up:
Generously sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over all the toppings. The more cheese, the better, right?
8. Bake Your Pizza:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Time to Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. If you want to add a bit of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
10. Slice and Serve:
Slice your delicious BBQ chicken pizza and serve it hot! Enjoy each cheesy, barbecue bite!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy BBQ chicken pizza! 🍕
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can make a quick homemade version by mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Just adjust to taste for that sweet and tangy kick.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy crust, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes if you prefer a quicker option.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this pizza vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding toppings like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can also replace the BBQ sauce with a marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
