BBQ Chicken Pizza: Sweet, Savory, and Loaded with Flavor

Few pizza combinations are as bold, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing as BBQ Chicken Pizza. With its smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and the perfect touch of red onion and cilantro, this pizza brings together everything you love about comfort food in one slice.

I first fell in love with BBQ chicken pizza at a small pizzeria that dared to do things differently. Instead of traditional red sauce, they used a tangy BBQ base that balanced beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and tender grilled chicken. After recreating it dozens of times at home, I’ve refined this version to be the perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and crisp—everything you’d want in a homemade pizza.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite

• Perfectly balanced: Not too sweet, not too spicy

• Easy to customize with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese

• Great for family dinners, casual parties, or pizza nights

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (Makes 1 large or 2 medium pizzas):

• 3½ cups (450g) all-purpose or bread flour

• 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Short on time? You can also use store-bought pizza dough.

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For the BBQ Chicken Topping:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or chopped

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup smoked gouda or cheddar cheese (optional, for depth)

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Olive oil (for brushing the crust)

• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza peel or pan)

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Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce

The BBQ sauce sets the tone for the whole pizza, so choose wisely based on your taste:

• Sweet and smoky: Great for classic BBQ flavor

• Spicy chipotle: Adds heat and a smokier edge

• Tangy vinegar-based: For a Carolina-style twist

• Honey BBQ: Kid-friendly and milder

Pro Tip: Don’t use a sauce that’s too watery or overly sugary—it can burn in the oven and make your crust soggy.

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How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza at Home

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down and divide if making two pizzas. Let rest 10–15 minutes before shaping.

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Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Toss your pre-cooked chicken with about ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce. This helps infuse flavor throughout the meat. You can use:

• Grilled chicken breast

• Rotisserie chicken

• Leftover roasted chicken

Pro Tip: If using chicken thighs, the extra fat adds more flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

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Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Stone

Preheat your oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C) for at least 30 minutes. If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven to heat up.

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Step 4: Shape and Build the Pizza

1. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your dough into a 12–14 inch circle.

2. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

3. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.

4. Sprinkle mozzarella and gouda evenly over the sauce.

5. Add BBQ chicken and scatter thinly sliced red onions on top.

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Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Slide your pizza onto the hot stone or place the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a light drizzle of BBQ sauce for an extra pop of flavor.

Slice and serve immediately.

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Optional Toppings and Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun and flavorful variations:

1. Bacon BBQ Chicken Pizza

Add cooked, crumbled bacon before baking for extra richness.

2. Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Love sweet and savory? Add a few pineapple tidbits for a tropical flair.

3. Jalapeño Kick

Top with fresh or pickled jalapeño slices for a spicy contrast.

4. Ranch Drizzle

Finish with a zigzag of ranch dressing instead of extra BBQ sauce.

5. Caramelized Onion

Swap raw red onion for caramelized onions for a sweeter, deeper flavor profile.

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Cheese Options to Try

• Mozzarella: For classic stretch and melt.

• Smoked Gouda: Adds depth and smoky flavor.

• Cheddar: Sharp and melty, great for contrast.

• Provolone: Mild and melty, a good supporting cheese.

Use one or a blend depending on how gooey or bold you want your pizza.

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Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Don’t overload toppings: Too much can lead to sogginess.

• Use cooked chicken: Raw chicken won’t have time to cook through.

• Preheat your oven fully: A hot oven makes for a better crust.

• Brush the crust: A little olive oil around the edge gives it a nice golden color and crisp texture.

• Layer cheese first, then toppings: Helps everything cook evenly and keeps the chicken from drying out.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your BBQ chicken pizza with:

• Simple green salad with ranch or vinaigrette

• Crispy potato wedges or fries

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Pickled veggies or slaw

• Iced tea or a cold craft beer

It’s also a great main course for parties—slice it thin and serve as finger food!

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Dough can be made and refrigerated up to 48 hours ahead.

• BBQ chicken can be prepped and stored in the fridge for 3 days.

Storing Leftovers:

• Cool completely and store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for a crispy crust.

• Skillet: Heat in a covered nonstick pan over medium heat until warmed through.

• Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the crust.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes! Choose one you love. Homemade works too, but high-quality store-bought sauces are totally fine and convenient.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza crust (store-bought or homemade), and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

Can I grill this pizza?

Yes! Roll out the dough, lightly oil the grill, and cook each side for 2–3 minutes. Add toppings, then close the lid and cook until the cheese melts.

What’s the best way to get crispy crust at home?

Use a pizza stone or steel, preheat it thoroughly, and bake at the highest temp your oven allows.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Pizza

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is everything you want in a pizza—sweet, smoky, savory, and melty with the perfect chewy-crispy crust. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a summer cookout, it’s a guaranteed hit with all ages.

With just a few pantry staples and your favorite BBQ sauce, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this beloved pizzeria classic in your own kitchen.

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