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Make the best homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with crispy dough, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese. A delicious twist on a classic pizza favorite!
Why This BBQ-Inspired Pizza is a Must-Try
If you enjoy bold barbecue flavors, this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe will quickly become a favorite! Unlike traditional pizzas, this version swaps tomato sauce for rich, tangy BBQ sauce, pairing it with grilled chicken, melted cheese, and caramelized onions for the ultimate sweet and smoky bite.
To create the perfect pizza crust, choosing the right dough, sauce, and cheese is essential. If you want a crispy, airy crust, check out The Science of Pizza Dough to master homemade dough techniques. Additionally, selecting the best BBQ sauce makes all the difference—this guide to the best BBQ sauces will help you pick the perfect flavor match!
What You’ll Need for This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
The Dough – Your Foundation for a Crispy Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
Toppings for a Bold & Flavorful Pizza
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose smoky, spicy, or honey-based varieties)
- 1 ½ cups grilled chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded (for extra richness)
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice lovers)
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Barbecue Chicken Pizza
1. Preparing the Dough for a Crispy Pizza Base
- First, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- After that, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepping the Chicken and BBQ Sauce for Maximum Flavor
- Toss the grilled chicken in ½ cup of BBQ sauce to coat it evenly.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro for garnish.
3. Assembling Your Sweet & Savory Pizza Creation
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Then, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Afterward, spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese over the sauce.
- Finally, add the grilled chicken and distribute the red onions evenly.
4. Baking Your Pizza for the Ultimate Crispy Crust
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Serving and Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
- Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve it alongside a refreshing side dish like Black Bean Corn Salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Perfect Smoky Chicken Pizza
Use a high-quality BBQ sauce – A rich, smoky sauce enhances the overall flavor.
Preheat your pizza stone – This ensures a crispy, evenly cooked crust.
Avoid overloading with toppings – Too many ingredients can make the pizza soggy.
Bake at a high temperature – A hotter oven creates a restaurant-style crust.
Fun Variations of This BBQ-Style Pizza Recipe
- Spicy Kick Version: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Healthier Alternative: Swap regular dough for whole wheat crust and use low-fat cheese.
- Gourmet Twist: Elevate your pizza with caramelized onions, arugula, or even smoked chicken.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Pizza
1. What’s the best cheese for a barbecue-inspired pizza?
Mozzarella and smoked gouda provide the perfect balance of meltiness and rich flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Pre-made dough saves time while still delivering delicious results.
3. How do I store and reheat leftover slices?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a hot skillet or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
4. Looking for another classic comfort food?
Try our Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe for a satisfying meal!
Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite BBQ Pizza Recipe
This homemade BBQ-inspired pizza delivers the perfect combination of crispy crust, bold barbecue flavors, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game night, or weekend meal, this recipe guarantees a flavorful bite every time.
Want more delicious recipes? Explore more at Simply USA Recipes!
External Links Used:
The Science of Pizza Dough – Learn how to perfect your dough.
Best BBQ Sauces for Cooking – Discover top-rated BBQ sauces.
How to Reheat Pizza Properly – Keep your leftovers crispy.
Key Improvements in This Version:
Balanced Keyphrase Distribution – BBQ Chicken Pizza is used naturally, and synonyms are incorporated.
Better Variety in Subheadings – Used phrases like BBQ-style pizza, homemade smoky chicken pizza, and crispy barbecue-inspired pizza for diversity.
Stronger Readability & SEO Optimization – Ensured smooth transitions and engaging flow.
This final version is now SEO-friendly, well-structured, and fully optimized for search engines and user experience. Let me know if you need any further refinements! 🚀🔥