Chicken BBQ pizza

The smell of barbecue sauce hitting a hot crust still takes me back to Friday nights when my brother would experiment with his pizza combinations. He was obsessed with finding the perfect balance between sweet and smoky. This chicken BBQ pizza was his crowning achievement after months of too much sauce and undercooked chicken. Now its the one pizza everyone actually requests.

I made this for a Super Bowl party once thinking it would be a side dish among many pizzas. By halftime the chicken BBQ was gone and people were actually disappointed there wasnt more. The combination of tangy sauce and smoky cheese hits something primal in people.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Store bought works perfectly here but let it come to room temperature for easier stretching
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand but stick to something with a bit of smokiness rather than just sweet
• Chicken breast: Grill it ahead of time or grab a rotisserie chicken on a busy weeknight
• Red onion: Thin slices add a sharp contrast that cuts through all that rich cheese and sauce
• Mozzarella cheese: The classic melter that provides the cheese pull everyone loves
• Smoked gouda or cheddar: This is the secret ingredient that makes it taste like it came from a wood fired oven
• Fresh cilantro: Optional but it adds brightness and color that makes the pizza look finished

Instructions

Get your oven screaming hot:

Crank that oven to 230°C (450°F) and if you have a pizza stone throw it in now to heat up

Stretch the dough:

Work the dough into a 30 cm round on a floured surface then transfer it to parchment paper

Layer the sauce:

Spread the barbecue sauce evenly but leave a bare border for that crust everyone fights over

Add the chicken:

Distribute your sliced grilled chicken so every slice gets equal meat distribution

Cheese it up:

Sprinkle both cheeses over the top making sure to cover all that barbecue sauce

Finish with onions:

Scatter the red onion slices across the top for pops of sharp flavor

Bake until golden:

Slide it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling

Add the finishing touches:

Hit it with extra barbecue sauce and fresh cilantro while its still hot

Slice it up:

Cut into wedges and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy

Save

My neighbor caught the smell through our open windows once and showed up with a six pack just as it came out of the oven. We ended up eating on the front steps talking for hours. Sometimes food does that.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this pizza is how easily it adapts to what you have or what you crave. Ive made it with pineapple added for a sweet and spicy twist. Sometimes I switch up the protein depending on whats in the fridge.

The Perfect Chicken

Grilling fresh chicken breast gives you the best texture and control over seasoning. But rotisserie chicken from the grocery store saves time and still delivers incredible flavor. Just slice it thinly so it heats through evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs perfectly with a crisp lager that cuts through the richness. A cold glass of rosé works surprisingly well too. For a complete meal serve it with a simple green salad dressed lightly.

• Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from sliding off
• Cut with a rocking pizza knife if you have one for cleaner lines
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a skillet on medium heat

Save

Hope this pizza becomes part of your Friday night rotation too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Grilled chicken breast sliced thinly is ideal for even coverage and a smoky flavor, but rotisserie chicken can be a quick substitute.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella pairs well with smoked gouda or cheddar for richness and meltability, but other melty cheeses can work.

→ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using a hot oven and a pizza stone or baking sheet ensures the dough crisps quickly, keeping the crust firm beneath the toppings.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick, and fresh cilantro or other herbs can brighten the flavors after baking.

→ What sides complement this dish?

A crisp lager or chilled rosé pairs well, balancing smoky and cheesy flavors with refreshing notes.