Chicken BBQ Pizza

The smell of barbecue sauce hitting hot crust still takes me back to Friday nights when my roommate would grill chicken breasts while I prepped dough on our tiny apartment counter. We stumbled onto this combination after a failed attempt at traditional pepperoni, and honestly, the mistake tasted better than anything we had planned. Something about that sweet smoky sauce caramelizing in the oven creates this incredible flavor that makes people pause mid conversation.

Last summer I made this for my nephews who claimed to hate anything with barbecue sauce on it. One bite in and they were fighting over the last slice, which is basically the highest compliment a seven year old can pay. The trick is letting those red onions get slightly charred in the oven, they turn sweet and mild instead of sharp.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Store bought works perfectly fine, but let it come to room temperature for easier stretching
• Barbecue sauce: Pick one you would actually put on grilled meat, thin consistency spreads better
• Grilled chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken saves time but grilling your own adds that authentic smoky flavor
• Red onion: Thin slices are crucial here, thick pieces will stay crunchy and raw tasting
• Mozzarella cheese: The classic melt that holds everything together
• Smoked gouda: This is the secret weapon that makes the pizza taste restaurant quality
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens everything up and cuts through the rich cheese

Instructions

Get that oven cranking:

Preheat to 230°C (450°F) because a hot oven creates that crispy bottom crust we all want

Stretch your dough:

Work it into a 30 cm round on a floured surface, then transfer to parchment paper for easy transfer

Sauce it up:

Spread that barbecue sauce evenly but leave yourself a nice border for the crust to puff up

Layer on the goodness:

Arrange your chicken first, then both cheeses, and finish with those red onion slices on top

Bake until bubbly:

Slide it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling

The finishing touch:

Hit it with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce and scatter fresh cilantro right before serving

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This pizza has become my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly because I almost always have the ingredients on hand. Something about pulling a homemade pizza out of the oven makes people feel taken care of, even if it only took twenty minutes to throw together.

Make It Your Own

Jalapeños add this incredible heat that plays beautifully with the sweet barbecue sauce, though I would not add them until halfway through baking so they do not burn. Pineapple sounds strange but actually works if you use a smoked barbecue sauce, the sweetness balances the savory chicken in a way that surprised me too.

Pairing Ideas

A cold lager cuts through the rich cheese while highlighting the smoky flavors, though chilled rosé works surprisingly well if you want something lighter. The key is something cold and refreshing to contrast the hot, gooey pizza.

Timing Hacks

Grill extra chicken earlier in the week and you are halfway to Friday night dinner without any extra effort. The dough can sit at room temperature while you prep everything else, making the whole process feel much more relaxed.

• Pre slice your onions and store them in the fridge to save prep time
• Mix the two cheeses together beforehand for faster sprinkling
• Keep extra barbecue sauce on the table for people who want an extra kick

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There is something deeply satisfying about making pizza at home, maybe because it feels fancy while actually being incredibly forgiving. Hope this becomes one of those recipes you make without even thinking about it.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred or slice the meat and distribute it evenly over the barbecue sauce layer.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the chicken and cheese nicely. Honey BBQ or mesquite varieties both work well with this combination.

→ Can I make this pizza spicier?

Absolutely. Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes along with the onions. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce or drizzle hot sauce over the finished pizza.

→ Do I need a pizza stone?

No, a baking sheet works fine. However, a preheated pizza stone creates a crispier crust. If using a stone, heat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, grill the chicken up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the pizza for even heating.

→ What cheese combination works best?

Mozzarella provides excellent melting and stretch, while smoked gouda adds rich flavor. Cheddar or provolone can substitute for the gouda if preferred.