BBQ Chicken Pizza
A smoky, tangy, and cheesy pizza loaded with tender chicken, red onions, and sweet barbecue sauce. This homemade version beats delivery and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for pizza night or game day.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Preheat the oven and prep the pan.
1.Place a baking sheet or pizza stone on the middle rack and preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).2.Dust a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel with the cornmeal. - saute · ~7 min
Cook the chicken.
1.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of oil if needed.2.Add the cubed chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.3.Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.4.Stir in 1/4 cup of the bbq sauce, toss to coat, and remove from heat.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — the chicken should sear, not steam. - prep · ~3 min
Stretch the dough.
1.Place the room-temperature pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.2.Gently stretch and press it into a 12-inch round circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker for the crust.3.Transfer the dough to the prepared parchment paper or peel.TIPLet the dough rest 10 minutes if it keeps shrinking back — cold gluten is tight. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the pizza.
1.Spread the remaining 1/2 cup bbq sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.2.Sprinkle the mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses evenly over the sauce.3.Distribute the bbq chicken cubes and sliced red onion across the cheese. - bake · ~15 min
Bake until bubbly and golden.
1.Slide the pizza (still on parchment) onto the preheated baking sheet or stone.2.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.3.Brush the hot crust edges with olive oil for a glossy finish.TIPUse the middle rack so the bottom gets crisp without the cheese burning. - garnish · ~2 min
Finish and serve.
1.Let the pizza cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly.2.Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, slice into 8 pieces, and serve hot.TIPA wire rack keeps the crust from steaming and getting soggy on the bottom.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Bring the pizza dough to room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching — it will relax and resist less.
- 2Don't skip the cornmeal on the peel or parchment; it prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the crust.
- 3Sear the chicken in a single layer in the skillet to get a deep golden crust, not gray meat.
- 4Reserve a drizzle of BBQ sauce to finish the baked pizza for a final hit of sweet tangy flavor.
- 5Let the pizza rest on a wire rack for at least 2 minutes after baking so the cheese sets and slices cleanly.
- 6Use low-moisture mozzarella — fresh mozzarella releases too much liquid and makes the crust soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Buffalo
Swap half the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch for a spicy-tangy kick.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or sliced portobello mushrooms tossed in BBQ sauce for a hearty meatless option.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust and ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.
BBQ Chicken FlatbreadBBQ Chicken Flatbread
Use naan or pre-baked flatbreads as the base and reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes for a quick weeknight lunch.
Pineapple JalapeñoPineapple Jalapeño
Add thin slices of fresh pineapple and pickled jalapeños before baking for a sweet-heat Hawaiian twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
Calcium from Cheese
Mozzarella and smoked gouda contribute calcium and phosphorus, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Antioxidants from Onions
Red onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties that may support heart health.
Frequently asked questions
The gluten is too tight. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to relax, then stretch again.
