Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza

In many households, pizza night is a cherished tradition, and at the heart of it lies the delicious combination of flavors that makes each pizza unique. One standout favorite is barbecue chicken pizza. Combining the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with savory chicken and melted cheese, this pizza is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Why make this recipe
Making barbecue chicken pizza at home allows for customization while offering a delicious alternative to traditional pizza. This recipe features a homemade crust that is fluffy and tender, topped with zesty barbecue sauce, your choice of cheese, and tender chicken. It’s not only a great way to use leftover chicken, but it also shines during summer gatherings and game nights. Plus, you can easily tailor the toppings to your liking, making it an ideal choice for family preferences.

How to make Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

3/4 cup warm water
1 and 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 TBSP olive oil
1 and 1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1 and 1/2 cup your favorite cheese (We love a mix of mozzarella and Colby Jack)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
1/4 red onion, diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional, but I love adding some extra veg power!)
Cilantro, optional garnish

Directions:

Make the dough: Measure warm water into a medium mixing bowl. Add the yeast and sugar; stir gently with a whisk and let sit for 5 minutes. It should become foamy after the time is up. If it looks like a bowl of water with granules of yeast, discard it and try again. Stir in the flour, olive oil, and salt, forming a shaggy dough. Knead it on a lightly floured counter for a few minutes until smooth. Form into a ball and place in a bowl sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 40-45 minutes.
This is a good time to cook your chicken! Toss it in barbecue sauce when done cooking for more flavor—don’t skip this step! We like to cook our chicken breast in the oven or on the stovetop, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Assemble: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The dough should have risen to about double its original size. Gently punch down the dough on your countertop and press it out (or use a rolling pin) until it’s about 1/4" thick. Gently transfer it to the lined pan. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly on the pizza crust. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce, reserving some for later. Evenly distribute the chicken breast, red onion, and green pepper over the pizza. Add a little more cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Top with fresh cilantro (optional) and enjoy immediately!
Store: Store leftovers, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to serve Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Serve your barbecue chicken pizza hot out of the oven, cutting it into slices for easy sharing. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic knots for a more complete meal. Consider pouring some extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who prefer an additional dip!

How to store Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza
To store any leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. For best results, reheat slices in the oven to maintain that crispy crust.

Tips to make Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza

If you have extra time, let the dough rise longer for a fluffier crust.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
For an extra tangy flavor, add slices of pickled jalapeños to the toppings!
Don’t hesitate to use store-bought rotisserie chicken—it’s a great time-saver!

Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by exploring different toppings. Try adding pineapple for a sweet twist, or substitute the chicken for pulled pork. Vegan cheese can make this recipe plant-based, while assorted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños can add an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the pizza?
A: Yes! If you have leftovers, you can freeze individual slices or the whole pizza. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and consume it within 2 months for best quality.

Q: Is it possible to make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare your pizza dough in advance, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to make the pizza, just roll it out and follow the remaining steps.

Q: Can I use a different type of sauce instead of barbecue?
A: Certainly! Feel free to swap in marinara, pesto, or even a spicy sriracha sauce as a base to explore different flavor profiles with your pizza.

Enjoy making this delicious barbecue chicken pizza, and savor the smiles it brings to your table!

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

A delicious pizza featuring a homemade fluffy crust topped with smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Serving Size pieces

Ingredients

For the Dough

3/4 cup warm water
1.5 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 TBSP olive oil
1.5 tsp salt

For the Toppings

1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1.5 cups your favorite cheese (mozzarella and Colby Jack recommended)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed Toss in barbecue sauce for flavor.
1/4 red onion, diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional) Adds extra flavor and nutrition.
Cilantro, optional garnish

Instructions

Make the Dough

Measure warm water into a medium mixing bowl. Add the yeast and sugar; stir gently with a whisk and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour, olive oil, and salt, forming a shaggy dough.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured counter for a few minutes until smooth. Form into a ball and place in a bowl sprayed with cooking spray.
Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 40-45 minutes.

Assemble

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Gently punch down the risen dough and press it out until it's about 1/4" thick. Transfer it to the lined pan.
Spread the barbecue sauce evenly on the pizza crust and sprinkle cheese over it, reserving some for later.
Evenly distribute the chicken breast, red onion, and green pepper over the pizza, and add a little more cheese on top.

Bake

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Top with fresh cilantro, if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Store

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

For extra fluffiness, let the dough rise longer. Experiment with different cheese types or add jalapeños for tanginess. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!