BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Homemade Masterpiece

BBQ chicken pizza has become a staple menu item at pizzerias across America; it was born in California kitchens during the 1980s, and this easy recipe takes all the deliciousness home with you: often tastier than takeout and always more satisfying to make.

The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy crust is magical. Here’s my perfected recipe for making pizzeria-favorite BBQ chicken pizza at home today.Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken PizzaWhen you take a bite into a slice of homemade BBQ chicken pizza, it is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures: the smoky-sweet BBQ sauce forms a flavorful base that pairs well with the savory chicken and then the creamy melted cheese topped with crisp red onions adds the pleasant bite.

While saving money by making this at home is definitely a plus, what you really gain is complete control over every aspect, from the quality of ingredients to the exact flavor profile. This easy recipe works for weeknight dinners when you crave something special without the time commitment, or for weekend gatherings and game nights when it’s just nice to have something more interesting than basic delivery pizza.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Perfect Pizza

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for the bowl
• Cornmeal for dusting (optional, but recommended)

For the Toppings:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional: 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

BBQ Sauce Options

While store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly (I recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, or Bull’s-Eye for their balanced flavors), making your own allows you to control the sweetness, tanginess, and heat level. For a quick homemade version:

Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Simply whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

The Step-by-Step Process

Preparing the Dough

If you’re short on time, quality store-bought pizza dough from your local grocery store or pizzeria is perfectly acceptable. However, homemade dough elevates your pizza experience significantly, and it’s surprisingly simple.

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
5. For best results, prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor development.

Cooking the Chicken

Perfectly cooked chicken makes all the difference in your BBQ chicken pizza. Here’s my foolproof method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
5. Toss the chicken with 2-3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to coat evenly.

Assembling and Baking Your Pizza

1. Increase oven temperature to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. On a floured surface (or parchment paper for easier transfer), stretch or roll your dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Don’t worry about perfect roundness—rustic shapes have charm!
3. If using a pizza peel or baking sheet, dust with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
4. Spread about ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the sauce.
6. Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken pieces evenly over the cheese.
7. Add sliced red onions and bacon (if using).
8. Top with remaining cheese.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven (on a stone or baking sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch carefully to prevent burning).

Finishing Touches

1. Remove pizza from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
2. Drizzle lightly with additional BBQ sauce.
3. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
4. Slice and serve immediately.

Cooking Methods: Finding Your Perfect Technique

While a conventional oven yields excellent results, consider these alternatives for different flavor profiles and textures:

Pizza Stone Method

A pizza stone creates that coveted crispy, bakery-style crust. Preheat the stone in your oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. Use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to slide your assembled pizza onto the hot stone.

Grilling Method

For a smoky flavor boost:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
2. Stretch dough and brush one side with olive oil.
3. Place oiled-side down directly on grates and cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear.
4. Flip the dough, quickly add toppings, and close the grill lid.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bottom crust is crispy.

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

For a deep-dish style pizza with extra-crispy edges:

1. Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet in a 475°F oven.
2. Carefully press dough into the hot skillet, add toppings quickly.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are dark golden and cheese is bubbly.

Pro Tips for Pizza Perfection

After making countless BBQ chicken pizzas, I’ve discovered these game-changing tips:

1. Room temperature dough: Take refrigerated dough out 30 minutes before stretching for easier handling.
2. Layering matters: Placing some cheese under the chicken prevents the crust from getting soggy from the BBQ sauce.
3. Precook toppings: Raw onions can be harsh—try lightly sautéing them for a sweeter flavor.
4. Control the moisture: Pat chicken dry before adding to pizza to prevent excess liquid that could make your crust soggy.
5. Finish with freshness: Add delicate ingredients like cilantro after baking to preserve their bright flavor.
6. Let it rest: Allow pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic BBQ chicken pizza, experiment with these exciting variations:

Spicy Southwest

Add sliced jalapeños, corn kernels, and black beans. After baking, top with diced avocado and a drizzle of lime crema.

Hawaiian BBQ

Include chunks of fresh pineapple alongside the chicken. The sweet and tangy combination is controversially delicious!

Buffalo BBQ Fusion

Mix equal parts buffalo sauce and BBQ sauce for the base, then add blue cheese crumbles along with the mozzarella.

Mediterranean Twist

Use Greek-seasoned chicken, add feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers. Finish with fresh oregano instead of cilantro.

Vegetarian Option

Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas tossed in BBQ sauce or smoky roasted mushrooms and bell peppers.

What to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken Pizza

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

Side Dishes:

• Fresh Caesar salad with homemade croutons
• Honey-lime coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
• Garlic knots using extra pizza dough
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Beverage Pairings:

• Craft IPA or amber ale to complement the BBQ flavors
• Zinfandel or Pinot Noir for wine lovers
• Sparkling lemonade for a non-alcoholic option
• Sweet tea with lemon for a Southern twist

Storing and Reviving Leftovers

While BBQ chicken pizza is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be almost as delicious with proper handling:

1. Cool pizza completely before storing.
2. Place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
3. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For reheating, avoid the microwave which leaves pizza soggy. Instead:

• Oven method: Preheat to 350°F, place pizza on a baking sheet, and heat for 8-10 minutes.
• Skillet method: Warm pizza in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until cheese remelts.
• Air fryer method: 3-4 minutes at 350°F creates perfectly crispy reheated slices.

Final Thoughts

Making BBQ chicken pizza at home isn’t just about replicating a restaurant favorite—it’s about creating a personalized masterpiece that suits your exact taste preferences. The beauty of homemade pizza is in the details: the perfect ratio of sauce to cheese, the ideal doneness of your crust, and the quality of toppings you select.

Whether you’re making this for a quiet family dinner or hosting a make-your-own pizza party, this BBQ chicken pizza recipe provides a solid foundation for endless creativity. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this a crowd-pleaser for pizza lovers of all ages.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Homemade Masterpiece

Course: Main Dish, PizzaCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4-6p

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

485

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

This irresistible BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender, smoky chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and crisp red onions on a golden homemade crust. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a fun weekend dinner, this restaurant-quality pizza is easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (or use 1 lb store-bought)

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• For the BBQ Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (divided)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• For the Pizza Toppings

• ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (for base)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)

Directions

Prepare the Dough (if making homemade)

• In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (or use immediately).
• Prepare the BBQ Chicken
• Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces
• Toss chicken pieces with ¼ cup BBQ sauce. Set aside.
• Assemble and Bake the Pizza
• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
• Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness (about 12-14 inches for thin crust).
• Transfer dough to a pizza stone or greased baking sheet.
• Brush crust edges with olive oil.
• Spread ⅓ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
• Distribute BBQ chicken pieces and red onion slices evenly on top.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
• Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with green onions and cilantro.
• Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: Chicken can be cooked and stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.
  Dough Options: Store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time. Naan bread or flatbread also make excellent quick alternatives.
  BBQ Sauce: Choose a thick, quality BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s, KC Masterpiece, or homemade work well.
  Cheese Variations: Try adding smoked gouda or monterey jack for extra flavor.
  Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños make great additions.
  Crispier Crust: Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.