Chicken BBQ Pizza

The smell of barbecue sauce hitting hot crust takes me back to Friday nights when my dad would fire up the oven and experiment with whatever we had in the fridge. This chicken BBQ pizza started as one of those happy accidents. I remember the first time we added smoked gouda instead of regular mozzarella. The kitchen filled with this incredible smoky aroma that made the neighbors knock on the door to see what we were making.

Last summer, I made this for a group of friends who were skeptical about barbecue sauce on pizza. By the time they took their first bites, the whole conversation stopped. They went quiet, then someone said This is the best pizza Ive ever had. Now they request it every time they come over.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Using prepared dough saves time but homemade works too. Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand, but look for one with a nice balance of sweet and tangy.
• Grilled chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and cuts prep time in half.
• Red onion: Thin slices add a sharp bite that cuts through the rich cheese and sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides the classic cheese pull and mild base.
• Smoked gouda or cheddar: This is the secret ingredient that takes the pizza from good to unforgettable.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and color, though its totally optional if youre not a fan.

Instructions

Get your oven screaming hot:

Crank it to 230°C (450°F) and put your pizza stone in if youre using one. A hot oven is nonnegotiable for that crispy crust.

Stretch the dough:

Work the dough into a 30 cm circle on a floured surface. Do not stress about perfection. Rustic looks better anyway.

Sauce it up:

Spread that barbecue sauce right to the edges but leave a small border for the crust. You want flavor in every bite.

Layer on the goodness:

Arrange your chicken slices first, then pile on both cheeses. Scatter those red onions everywhere.

Bake until beautiful:

Slide it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You want golden crust and bubbling cheese with some golden brown spots.

Finish with flair:

Hit it with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce and fresh cilantro before slicing. Let it rest for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly.

Save

This pizza has become my go-to for unexpected guests. One friend actually asked if I would start selling them. The best part is watching peoples faces when that first slice comes out of the oven, all bubbling and fragrant.

Making It Your Own

I have tried countless variations over the years. Adding sliced jalapeños gives it a kick that balances the sweet barbecue sauce. Sometimes I throw on bell peppers or even pineapple if I am feeling controversial.

The Perfect Pairing

A cold lager cuts through the richness perfectly. On warm summer nights I grab a chilled rosé instead. Something about the sweet notes of barbecue just sings with a crisp white wine.

Time Saving Secrets

Meal prep makes this even faster. Grill your chicken on Sunday and you are halfway to Friday night pizza. I keep barbecue sauce stocked and shredded cheese in the freezer.

• Buy a rotisserie chicken on busy weeks
• Pre sliced onions save you five minutes and tears
• Mix the two cheeses ahead of time for even distribution

Save

Whether it is a Tuesday night craving or a weekend feast, this pizza never lets me down. Grab a cold drink and call it dinner.

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 evenly over the barbecue sauce layer.

→ What cheese works best for BBQ chicken pizza?

The combination of mozzarella for melt and smoked gouda creates the best flavor profile. Cheddar makes a good substitute if gouda isn't available.

→ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Preheat your oven thoroughly and consider using a pizza stone. Avoid overloading with sauce, and bake at high temperature (230°C/450°F) for crispy results.

→ Can I make this pizza spicy?

Sliced jalapeños are an excellent addition for heat. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce or add red pepper flakes to the cheese layer.

→ What temperature should I bake BBQ chicken pizza at?

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

→ Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?

Grill and slice the chicken up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The onion can also be sliced ahead and kept separate.