Few dishes strike the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, savory, and cheesy quite like a BBQ Chicken Pizza. With its bold barbecue sauce base, juicy chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings, this pizza has earned its spot as a modern classic.

Whether you’re making pizza night at home, feeding a crowd for game day, or just craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare, BBQ chicken pizza hits every note. It’s hearty, flavorful, and customizable—everything you want in a pizza.

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Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Pizza

This pizza isn’t your average slice. Here’s why it’s special:

• Bold flavors – The combo of smoky BBQ sauce, tangy red onion, and creamy cheese is unforgettable.

• Quick and easy – Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for faster prep.

• Customizable – Play with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings.

• Family-friendly – A fun recipe to make together on pizza night.

• Better than takeout – Fresh, hot, and straight from your oven.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry or fridge staples.

For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 tbsp sugar or honey

• 3 1/2–4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp salt

For the Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs (shredded or chopped)

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda (optional, for extra smokiness)

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Olive oil (for brushing crust)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pizza Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought)

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

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.

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

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

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2. Prepare the Chicken

Shred or chop pre-cooked chicken. Toss with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce until coated. Set aside.

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3. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Base

• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).

• Roll dough into a 12–14 inch circle on a floured surface.

• Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush edges lightly with olive oil.

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4. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread 1/4–1/3 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough.

2. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese.

3. Add BBQ chicken, red onion slices, and smoked gouda.

4. Top with remaining mozzarella.

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5. Bake

Bake 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

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6. Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot.

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Serving Suggestions

BBQ chicken pizza is a meal on its own, but here are some great sides:

• Crisp salad – A tangy slaw or arugula salad balances the richness.

• Appetizers – Garlic knots, jalapeño poppers, or mozzarella sticks.

• Drinks – Cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea pair perfectly.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Dough: Can be made 1–2 days in advance and refrigerated.

• Chicken: Prep and refrigerate up to 3 days ahead.

• Leftovers: Store slices in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in oven or skillet.

• Freezer: Freeze baked pizza slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in a hot oven.

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Fun Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these:

1. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, and finish with ranch drizzle.

2. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza

Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist.

3. Veggie BBQ Pizza

Skip the chicken and pile on mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini.

4. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

Cook pizza directly on a grill for smoky flavor.

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Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Use a pizza stone – Ensures a crispy, pizzeria-style crust.

• Don’t overload toppings – Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.

• Precook onions if you prefer them caramelized instead of sharp.

• Let the pizza rest 2 minutes before slicing—this helps cheese set slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely—cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack work well.

Is BBQ chicken pizza spicy?

Not unless you use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can adjust the heat to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough.