BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful twist on classic pizza, combining smoky barbecue flavors with melty cheese and tender chicken. This easy-to-make recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + extra for drizzle
- 2-3 chicken cutlets*
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays), more if desired
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella, grated
- ½ cup gouda, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh ground black pepper as desired
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Marinate the chicken cutlets in ½ cup of BBQ sauce for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the chicken.
- Step 3: Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet and cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until the inside is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Remove the pizza dough from the fridge. Gently brush it with a drizzle of olive oil, then spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the edges sauce-free for a crust.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella and ¼ cup of gouda evenly over the sauce, leaving the edges clear.
- Step 6: Top the pizza with the cooked chicken and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 7: Place the pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked gouda or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own to save time.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375˚F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella and gouda work well because they melt nicely and complement BBQ flavors. You can also try cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
How do I make this pizza gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza crust available at many stores or make your own gluten-free dough at home.
PrintBBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Pizza features a homemade or store-bought pizza dough base topped with tender chicken marinated in BBQ sauce, a blend of mozzarella and gouda cheeses, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Cooked to perfection in the oven, this savory and slightly sweet pizza is perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough
Chicken and Marinade
- 2–3 chicken cutlets*
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g. Sweet Baby Rays), divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzle
Toppings
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated (divided: 1½ cups + remaining for topping)
- ½ cup gouda cheese, grated (divided: ¼ cup + remaining for topping)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Marinate Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl and marinate them with ½ cup of BBQ sauce for 25-30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Prepare and Chill Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare other ingredients. This will help maintain its shape during cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cutlets and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then slice into bite-size pieces.
- Assemble Pizza Base: Remove the chilled pizza dough from the refrigerator. Brush the surface gently with olive oil, then spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the edges clear to form a crust.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella and ¼ cup of gouda cheese evenly over the pizza. Next, distribute the cooked chicken pieces and thinly sliced red onion on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the assembled pizza to a round pizza pan or baking sheet. Place it on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh chopped cilantro and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Slice and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 25 minutes to allow the BBQ flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Use a pizza stone if available for an even crispier crust.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, use a BBQ sauce with added heat or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Feel free to substitute gouda with smoked cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Pizza, Homemade Pizza, BBQ Sauce, Chicken Cutlets, Mozzarella, Gouda, Oven-Baked Pizza
