This BBQ Chicken Pizza is an absolute treat! With tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese on a crispy crust, it’s hard to resist.
I love how easy it is to whip up a pizza that feels gourmet! Grab your favorite toppings and have a pizza night; it’s a hit every time! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can use a store-bought crust for speed, but homemade tastes best! If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pizza crust available at many grocery stores.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken is a must! I love using rotisserie chicken for its ease. You can substitute with grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use a homemade or organic BBQ sauce without preservatives. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties can all work!
Cheese: I use mozzarella for its meltiness, but a blend of mozzarella and cheddar adds extra flavor. You could also try gouda or pepper jack for something different.
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, consider using sweet onions or green onions instead. They add a nice crunch!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Baked Pizza Crust?
Getting that crust nice and crispy is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature (475°F/245°C). The heat helps the crust cook quickly and get that golden texture.
- Roll out your crust on a floured surface to the thickness you prefer. Thin crust is great for crispiness!
- Brush the crust edges with olive oil before baking. This not only enhances flavor but gives you a beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t overload your toppings; this can make the crust soggy. A thin layer of BBQ sauce and a light amount of cheese will keep it crispy.
Following these tips will lead to a delightful crispy pizza crust that carries all your delicious toppings perfectly!
How to Make Amazing BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in around 30 minutes, you can have a hot, cheesy pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is perfect for a crispy pizza crust!
2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated so it’s bursting with BBQ flavor!
3. Roll Out the Pizza Crust:
If you’re using a pre-made crust, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. If you’re making your own, make sure to prepare it first! Once ready, transfer the crust onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the Crust:
Take some olive oil and brush it around the edges of the crust. This will help the crust get a nice, golden finish when it bakes!
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the pizza crust, leaving a little space around the edges. This will be your tasty base!
6. Layer on the BBQ Chicken:
Now, evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture all over the sauce. You want every bite to have that delicious chicken!
7. Cheese and Onion Time:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken mixture. Then, add the thin slices of red onion. If you’re feeling cheesy, add some optional cheddar on top!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake it for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns crispy!
9. Let it Cool:
Once it’s done baking, take the pizza out and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This makes it easier to slice!
10. Garnish & Serve:
To finish, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the pizza and drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top if you like. Then, slice it up and enjoy your amazing BBQ Chicken Pizza while it’s hot!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is a great time-saver and comes in various flavors. Just choose one that matches your taste preference, whether you like it sweet, smoky, or spicy. Feel free to add extra spices to elevate the flavor further!
How to Make This Pizza Spicier?
If you want to give your BBQ Chicken Pizza a kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños on top before baking or mixing some hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished pizza for extra heat!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza ahead! Assemble it completely (without baking), cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge; it may take a minute or two longer in the oven!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep the crust crispy!
