BBQ Chicken Pizza

A crowd-pleasing favorite, this BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce with melted cheese and a hint of red onion. It's a flavor explosion on a crispy pizza crust.

BBQ Chicken Pizza
  • Prep time: 17 minutes
  • Cook time: 8 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 ball (16-ounce) pizza dough, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape (about 12-14 inches).
  4. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper. Brush the surface of the dough evenly with olive oil.
  5. Spread the barbecue chicken mixture evenly over the olive oil-brushed dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
  7. Distribute the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese.
  8. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel (or bake directly on a baking sheet). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy base.
  • Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your preference for sauciness.
  • A blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese provides great meltability and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?

Any of your favorite barbecue sauces will work. A classic Kansas City-style or a smoky Texas-style sauce are popular choices.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Cooked bacon, corn, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking are popular additions.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Ensure your oven is fully preheated and use a hot baking surface like a pizza stone or steel. Don't overload the pizza with too much sauce or toppings.