BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza
Photo by Sharan Pagadala on Unsplash

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a bold and savory twist on traditional pizza that fuses the tangy, smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken, melty cheese, and crisp crust.

First popularized in the 1980s by California Pizza Kitchen, this crowd-pleasing favorite quickly became a modern classic. The combination of sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, red onions, cilantro, and mozzarella atop golden dough makes each bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for game night, a casual dinner, or a party, BBQ Chicken Pizza delivers comfort, creativity, and unforgettable flavor in every slice.

Ingredients

For the Dough (makes 1 large pizza):

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or cubed
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup smoked gouda (optional, for added smoky flavor)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serves: 2–4 people

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. Stir until dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Shortcut: If using store-bought dough, bring it to room temperature before rolling.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet or bake until fully cooked. Let it rest and shred or cube.
  2. Toss cooked chicken with 2–3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Set aside.

3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
  2. Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough into a 12-inch round.
  3. Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated stone.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

  1. Spread ½ to ¾ cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a ½-inch border.
  2. Top with mozzarella (and gouda, if using).
  3. Add BBQ chicken evenly across the pizza.
  4. Scatter sliced red onions on top.

5. Bake the Pizza:

  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
  2. Remove from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Slice and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a fresh green salad or coleslaw.
  • Pair with ranch dressing or garlic dip on the side.
  • Enjoy with a cold beer, iced tea, or soda.
  • For appetizers, cut into small squares or strips and serve on a platter with toothpicks.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Use strong-flavored BBQ sauce: A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce enhances the overall taste.
  • Precook toppings: Raw chicken or overly moist toppings can make the pizza soggy.
  • Let the dough rest: Resting dough before rolling makes it easier to stretch and prevents shrinking.
  • Preheat your oven and stone/sheet: A hot surface ensures a crisp bottom.
  • Don’t overload with sauce: Too much BBQ sauce can make the crust soggy and overpower the flavor balance.

Healthier Alternatives

  • Use whole wheat dough or cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option.
  • Swap mozzarella for low-fat cheese or vegan alternatives.
  • Use grilled chicken breast without skin for leaner protein.
  • Choose homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce to control sugar content.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients.

Creative Variations

  • Spicy Buffalo BBQ Chicken Pizza: Mix buffalo sauce into BBQ sauce for extra heat.
  • Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: Add pineapple chunks for sweet and savory contrast.
  • Tex-Mex BBQ Pizza: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños; top with avocado after baking.
  • BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Use flatbread or naan as the base for a quicker option.
  • BBQ Chicken Calzone: Fold the toppings into a pocket of dough and bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not preheating the oven or pizza stone: A hot oven is essential for crisp crust.
  • Using too much sauce: This can create soggy, undercooked pizza.
  • Overcooking chicken: Dry chicken ruins texture—cook just until done.
  • Skipping resting the dough: Cold dough is hard to shape and won’t bake evenly.
  • Using too many toppings: Balance is key. Excess can weigh down the crust and affect texture.

History of BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza is one of the most iconic examples of American fusion cuisine. It was first introduced in the 1980s by the then-nascent California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain. The recipe was developed by CPK co-founder Rick Rosenfield and famed chef Ed LaDou, who wanted to reinvent traditional pizza with global flavors. The result? A smoky, tangy, non-Italian pizza that immediately became a sensation.

At the time, this unconventional take—using barbecue sauce in place of tomato sauce and pairing it with chicken—was a culinary revelation. It defied pizza tradition yet satisfied diners’ cravings for sweet-savory flavor combinations. The toppings of red onions and fresh cilantro added both color and brightness, completing a well-balanced flavor profile that stood out.

Since then, BBQ Chicken Pizza has made its way onto menus across the world. It symbolizes a broader movement in the culinary world to break boundaries and experiment with cross-cultural flavors. From gourmet restaurants to frozen food aisles, it remains a favorite that speaks to the global evolution of pizza.

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Pizza

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option. Just shred it and toss with BBQ sauce.

2. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Choose a bold, smoky, or spicy sauce for the best flavor. Avoid overly sweet varieties unless balanced with other toppings.

3. Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza in a pan or on a grill?
Yes. You can cook it on a pizza pan in the oven or grill it using indirect heat and a pizza stone.

4. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?
You can freeze unbaked pizza with all toppings or store baked leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. What cheeses work best besides mozzarella?
Smoked gouda, provolone, fontina, and cheddar are excellent options that complement BBQ flavors.

6. How do I avoid a soggy crust?
Preheat your baking surface, don’t overdo the sauce, and bake at high heat.

7. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with BBQ jackfruit, mushrooms, or tofu for a plant-based version.

8. What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Salads, garlic knots, potato wedges, or baked beans work well.

9. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

10. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. It’s a great time-saving option. Just let it come to room temperature before using.

BBQ Chicken Pizza is more than just a twist on a classic—it’s a delicious statement of culinary creativity. With its smoky, tangy sauce, juicy chicken, bubbly cheese, and satisfying crust, it’s a pizza that offers excitement in every bite. Perfect for casual dinners, celebrations, or game nights, this recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re a barbecue lover or just looking to break away from traditional marinara, BBQ Chicken Pizza will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite pizza style ever.