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This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza stands out for its perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.
The combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses creates a creamy, rich texture with a subtle smoky depth that elevates the overall taste.
Using pre-cooked chicken tossed in barbecue sauce ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy without extra prep time.
Beyond taste, this pizza offers a satisfying source of lean protein from the chicken, moderate good fats from olive oil and cheese, and fiber when paired with whole wheat dough options.
It’s relatively low in saturated fat compared to many traditional pizzas, especially when using quality ingredients.
This recipe is ideal for everyday cooking because it’s flexible—homemade or store-bought dough can be used, and it’s meal-prep friendly with options to freeze dough or leftovers.
The quick bake time means a hot, delicious pizza is ready in under 3 hours including rising, making it a satisfying, family-friendly meal that combines convenience with homemade quality.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Pizza Pan
Essential for even cooking and a crisp crust, a pizza pan provides a sturdy base that helps achieve that golden-brown finish. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for homemade pizzas and roasting vegetables.
Pastry Brush
Used to evenly coat the dough with olive oil, a pastry brush ensures a flavorful, golden crust and prevents sogginess. This tool is versatile for glazing, basting, and spreading sauces in many cooking tasks.
Pizza Cutter
A sharp pizza cutter slices through the hot crust and toppings effortlessly, giving clean, neat slices without disturbing the toppings. It’s indispensable for any pizza night and great for cutting flatbreads or quesadillas.
Baking Sheet (Large)
Used as an alternative to a pizza stone or pan, a baking sheet supports the dough and catches drips. It’s a kitchen workhorse for baking cookies, roasting, and sheet pan meals.
Rolling Pin
Ideal for shaping and stretching the dough evenly to the perfect thickness, the rolling pin is a classic tool that benefits all baking projects including pastries, cookies, and homemade pasta.
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- 1 Large Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Pizza Cutter
- 1 Rolling Pin (optional if shaping dough by hand)
- Oven preheated to 475°F (246°C)
Ingredients
- ½ batch homemade pizza dough or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce divided
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast chopped or shredded (about 8 ounces)
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅔ cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (or substitute with fresh basil)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: If making dough from scratch, complete your homemade pizza dough recipe through the initial rising stages. If using store-bought dough, make sure it’s fully thawed. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and allow it to heat for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to preheat as well. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with half a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle cornmeal evenly across the surface. This will add a lovely crunch to your crust.
- Shape the Dough: Gently deflate your dough by pressing out any trapped air bubbles. Using a floured surface and lightly dusted hands or a rolling pin, form the dough into a 12-inch circle approximately 1/2 inch thick. Place the dough onto your prepared pan. If the dough resists stretching and snaps back, cover it loosely and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to relax the gluten. Once shaped, pinch the edges to create a raised border that will hold your toppings and sauce.
- Prepare the Base: To avoid large bubbles during baking, gently press your fingertips into the dough’s surface. Brush the entire dough with the remaining olive oil, ensuring an even coat that will help achieve a golden crust. Spread 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin near the edges.
- Assemble the Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the cooked chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce until well-coated.Scatter the sauced chicken evenly across the pizza. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses uniformly on top, followed by thin slices of red onion.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted and begun to bubble. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness.
- Serve and Store: Slice the pizza while hot and serve immediately for best flavor. Any leftovers should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated; they will keep well for up to five days.
Notes
- Freezing Tips: You can freeze any unused pizza dough or baked pizza slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw dough overnight in the refrigerator before using. For frozen pizza slices, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Cheese Alternatives: If smoked gouda isn’t available, simply use extra mozzarella or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
- Herb Options: Feel free to swap fresh cilantro with basil or parsley depending on your preference.
- Dough Options: Using whole wheat dough is a great way to add fiber and nutrients, just be sure to adjust resting times as whole wheat dough can be a bit denser.
- Cooking Surface: If you don’t have a pizza pan or stone, a heavy-duty baking sheet will also work well.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
To make this BBQ chicken pizza truly shine, the key lies in balancing flavors and textures.
Using a combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses introduces a wonderful depth—mozzarella for meltiness and gouda for its smoky richness.
Tossing pre-cooked chicken in barbecue sauce before topping ensures every bite bursts with tangy, savory flavor rather than having dry or bland chicken.
Don’t rush shaping the dough; letting it rest if it resists stretching keeps the crust tender and prevents shrinkage.
Using cornmeal on your baking surface adds an irresistible crunch to the crust’s bottom.
Lastly, finishing with fresh cilantro brightens the pizza, adding a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Everyone
This BBQ chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for added texture and flavor.
When entertaining, cut the pizza into smaller squares to serve as crowd-pleasing finger food with dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
For beverage pairing, a cold, crisp beer or a chilled sparkling water with lemon complements the smoky, tangy flavors perfectly.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To keep your BBQ chicken pizza tasting fresh, store leftover slices in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
It will stay good for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag—this prevents freezer burn and allows you to thaw only what you need.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy; instead, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this pizza?
Yes! Frozen cooked chicken works perfectly. Just thaw it completely before tossing with barbecue sauce and adding to the pizza.
Q2: What if I don’t have smoked gouda cheese?
You can substitute with extra mozzarella or a mild cheddar for a similar creamy melt, though the smoky note will be less pronounced.
Q3: How do I prevent my pizza dough from shrinking back when stretching?
If the dough keeps springing back, let it rest for 5–10 minutes covered with a towel to relax the gluten, then gently try stretching again.
Q4: Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza, then refrigerate it uncovered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors.
Q5: Is there a healthier alternative for the pizza dough?
Yes, using whole wheat pizza dough or a cauliflower crust adds fiber and lowers carbs, making the pizza a bit more nutrient-dense without sacrificing taste.
This recipe is inspired by sallysbakingaddiction and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.