Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving a fantastic fusion of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors, this Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to meal. Marrying tender shredded chicken with vibrant barbecue sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of fresh cilantro, this pizza is a celebration of bold flavors on a perfectly crisp crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends, making every bite a little adventure everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on a handful of well-chosen ingredients that bring each other to life. From the savory chicken to the bright kick of red onion, each component adds its unique touch to the overall harmony of the pizza.

• Dough for one large pizza: The foundation of any great pizza, opt for your favorite store-bought or homemade dough to get a crisp, chewy base.
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here for maximum flavor and convenience.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy and mild, mozzarella melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky, and tangy, this sauce is essential for infusing the pizza with that signature barbeque taste.
• 1/4 large red onion: Thinly sliced, the red onion brings a sharp bite and a pop of color that balances the richness.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped to taste, it adds a fresh herbal note that brightens every slice.

How to Make Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prebake the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat ensures that the crust will be crisp and golden. Place your pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone and prebake it for about 6 minutes. This step helps set a sturdy base so the toppings don’t make the crust soggy later on.

Step 2: Layer the Sauce, Cheese, and Onion

Once the crust is prebaked, spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. This sauce is where the magic begins, providing that rich, tangy foundation. Next, scatter a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by very thin slices of red onion. The onion adds a lovely crunch and a hint of sharpness that complements the barbecued chicken gorgeously.

Step 3: Prepare and Top with Barbecue Chicken

In a bowl, toss your shredded chicken with a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce until every piece is well coated. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful on the pizza. Then, evenly distribute the sauced chicken over the cheese and onion layers, building layers of smoky goodness on your crust.

Step 4: Add More Cheese and Cilantro

Sprinkle another thin layer of mozzarella cheese over the chicken for extra gooeyness and to help hold everything together. Finish by adding chopped fresh cilantro to taste which brings a bright, fresh contrast and beautiful color to the pizza before it goes into the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a lovely golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, as oven temperatures may vary.

How to Serve Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe even more vibrant, consider adding a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. A few fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top right before serving add that perfect fresh perfume and pop of color, making each slice Instagram-ready.

Side Dishes

This pizza shines as a complete meal but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil keeps things light and balances the richness. For a heartier option, pair it with some roasted vegetables or even sweet potato fries for a fun and colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just enjoy the process, slice your Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe into bite-sized squares for a party platter or cut it into irregular shapes for a casual, rustic look. Serving it on a wooden board or a pizza stone enhances the rustic charm and makes it easy for everyone to grab their favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza is always a treat, and this recipe stores beautifully. Keep any uneaten pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making the next-day slice just as satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to save some pizza for longer, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the pizza fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe is in a hot skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar for a sharper flavor or even a smoky gouda to complement the barbecue sauce even more.

Is rotisserie chicken necessary for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work perfectly. Grilled or leftover chicken breast are great substitutions too.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

The best barbecue sauce depends on your taste—sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky. Choose one that you love eating on its own because it’s the flavor star of this pizza.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

You sure can! Homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and can be customized for thickness and texture. However, store-bought dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly here.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the traditional pizza dough for a gluten-free variety. Many brands offer ready-made gluten-free dough that will let you enjoy the recipe without compromise.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe enough if you’re looking for something that mixes comforting familiarity with exciting flavors. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home just as it has in mine!

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