Amazing BBQ chicken pizza: 1 easy recipe

You know, sometimes the best dinners come from those moments when you just want something *different*. Something that breaks out of the usual routine but is still easy enough to whip up after a long day. That’s exactly how I feel about this BBQ chicken pizza! It’s a total game-changer, ditching the traditional tomato sauce for a sweet, tangy, and perfectly savory barbecue sauce. This California-style pizza is one of my go-to creative pizza night ideas when we’re craving something with a little more punch. It reminds me a bit of how my own kitchen evolves, always finding ways to make familiar things exciting again, just like I learned from my grandma and share on my about page. It really is a fantastic way to liven up dinner!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza

Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this pizza? It’s just SO easy to make, perfect for those weeknights when you’re *really* tired or just want something fun without a ton of fuss. Plus, the flavor combo is outta this world – that sweet barbecue sauce, tender chicken, sharp red onion, and all that melty cheese is just a dream. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, especially with picky eaters, and it makes pizza night feel a little more special, you know?

Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Pizza

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this incredible BBQ chicken pizza. It’s thankfully all pretty standard stuff you might even have lurking in your pantry or fridge already! Trust me, these simple ingredients come together to make something seriously special. You’ll need:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust (grab your favorite kind!)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (pick one you really love!)
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (those pretty purple rings!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (if you’re not a cilantro fan, no worries, you can skip it or add something else!)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend, whatever floats your cheesy boat!)

How to Make the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

Alright, let’s get this amazing BBQ chicken pizza into the oven! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. Follow these steps and you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands that’s perfect for your next weeknight dinner. It really is one of those meals that just makes everyone happy!

Prepping Your BBQ Chicken Pizza Base

First things first, get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lay your pizza crust on a baking sheet. Now, grab your favorite barbecue sauce and spread it all over the crust, leaving just a little border for that nice, crispy edge. Don’t go too thick, or your pizza might get soggy!

Layering the Delicious Toppings for BBQ Chicken Pizza

This is where the magic really happens! Scatter that yummy shredded chicken evenly over the barbecue sauce. Then, sprinkle on your sliced red onion – I love how it gets a little sweet and tender when it bakes up. If you’re using cilantro, toss that on too! Now for the best part: pile on that mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Make sure it’s nicely distributed so you get cheesy goodness in every single bite. My secret tip? If you have time, grilled chicken absolutely takes this BBQ chicken pizza to a whole new level with its smoky flavor!

SAVE IT

Baking and Serving Your California Style Pizza

Pop that beautifully topped pizza into the hot oven. Bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until you see that crust has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Seriously, the smell is divine! Let it cool for just a couple of minutes before you slice into your amazing California style pizza. Then, dive in and enjoy!

SAVE IT

SAVE IT

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Alright, let’s talk about how to make this BBQ chicken pizza truly spectacular! It’s already pretty simple, but a few little tricks can really elevate it. For starters, the barbecue sauce is key – use one you really love the flavor of, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or a little spicy. If you’re using shredded chicken, make sure it’s not dry; rotisserie chicken is great because it’s usually pretty moist. You can also add a splash of the BBQ sauce right into the chicken before putting it on the pizza to boost the flavor. And don’t be afraid to mix up the cheeses! While mozzarella and cheddar are fantastic, a little Monterey Jack or even some smoked gouda can add a whole new dimension. Some people even add corn or a drizzle of ranch after baking! These little touches really make it your own. It’s perfect for a fun appetizer or a full meal, fitting right in with my appetizer ideas!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Barbecue Sauce Pizza

You know, sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! For this delicious barbecue sauce pizza, if you’re out of store-bought crust, whipping up some homemade pizza dough is super easy and tastes amazing. Just make sure it’s thin so it bakes up nice and crispy. And that red onion? If you happen to have some quick-pickled red onions on hand from my recipe – oh my goodness, they add just the right zing! If not, don’t worry, raw red onion is fantastic too. The main thing is to use a BBQ sauce you really love the flavor of, because it’s the star here!

Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Pizza

Got questions about whipping up this fantastic BBQ chicken pizza? I totally get it! It’s super handy to have a few answers ready. Here are some common ones I get:

Can I use leftover chicken for this BBQ chicken pizza?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. Whether it’s from a roast chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even some shredded chicken you prepped earlier, it works beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooked through and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. It’s a fantastic way to use up what you have!

What kind of barbecue sauce is best for this pizza?

Honestly, the best kind is YOUR favorite kind! I love a good smoky or sweet barbecue sauce for this pizza, as it really complements the chicken and cheese. Some people prefer a spicier sauce if they like a little kick. My sweet chili chicken recipe also pairs well, if you wanted a slightly different flavor profile! Just pick a sauce that makes your taste buds happy.

Can this BBQ chicken pizza recipe be made gluten-free?

You bet! To make this a gluten-free delight, just swap out the regular pizza crust for a gluten-free pizza crust. There are so many great options available now, from pre-made crusts to mixes you can bake yourself. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch!

How hot should the oven be for baking?

For that perfect crispy crust and bubbly cheese, you’ll want to bake your pizza at 400°F (200°C). It’s hot enough to cook everything through quickly without drying out the toppings. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you pop the pizza in – that’s the key to getting it just right!

What are some other topping ideas for this pizza?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the classic chicken, red onion, and cilantro, many people love adding sweet corn, sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat, or even some crumbled cooked bacon. A drizzle of ranch dressing on top after baking is also super popular. It’s a fun recipe that’s totally customizable for your family’s preferences, perfect for thinking about for lunch ideas or dinner!

SAVE IT

Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Pizza

Just a little note that the nutritional info below is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact barbecue sauce, cheese, and crust you decide to use. But this gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re getting in each slice!

Serving Size: 1 slice

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 18g

Share Your BBQ Chicken Pizza Creations!

Hey, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear if you give this BBQ chicken pizza a try! Did your family devour it? Did you add any fun twists? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share your favorite part! You can also reach out to me directly through my contact page. Your feedback means the world to me!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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A California-style BBQ chicken pizza with tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, red onions, cilantro, and melted cheese on a crispy crust.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Distribute the shredded chicken over the barbecue sauce.
5. Scatter the sliced red onion and chopped cilantro over the chicken.
6. Sprinkle both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the toppings.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken before shredding it.
• If you don’t have pre-made pizza crust, you can use your favorite homemade pizza dough.
• Feel free to add other toppings you enjoy, such as corn or jalapeños.
• This recipe is a great alternative to traditional pizza and can be a fun meal planning option.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg