BBQ Chicken Pizza is the ultimate marriage of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness and it’s easier to make at home than you might think. Whether you’ve been dreaming of recreating your favorite California Pizza Kitchen classic or just craving that perfect balance of tender chicken, sweet-savory BBQ sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe is your ticket to pizza bliss. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a BBQ Chicken Pizza with a crisp, chewy crust, bold flavors, and fresh toppings that rival any restaurant version. Get ready to turn your kitchen into the best pizzeria in town.
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Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza You’ll Make Again and Again
Smoky, tangy, and topped with gooey cheese — this BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender chicken, sweet-savory BBQ sauce, and a perfectly crisp crust for a homemade pizza night that tastes better than takeout.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough, thawed)
1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling, if desired)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the dough)
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and position a rack in the lower-middle. If using a pizza stone, place it inside to heat; otherwise, lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If it shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes, then continue shaping. Transfer to the prepared baking surface.
3. Lightly dent the dough with your fingertips to prevent large bubbles, brush with olive oil, and spread BBQ sauce evenly over the base.
4. Toss the cooked chicken with 1–2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, then scatter over the pizza. Add mozzarella, smoked gouda, and red onion slices.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
The mix of mozzarella for melt and smoked gouda for smoky depth makes this pizza shine.
Avoid overloading toppings so the crust stays crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pizza)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor – The smoky richness of gouda paired with tangy BBQ sauce gives you that same irresistible taste you love from your favorite pizzeria.
- Perfectly Customizable – Works beautifully with homemade or store-bought dough, and you can swap or add toppings to match your cravings.
- Foolproof & Fast – Using pre-cooked chicken means dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Amazing Crust – With a few pro tips, you’ll get a crisp, chewy base that supports every layer of flavor without getting soggy.
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough, thawed)
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (perfect for leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling, if desired)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the dough)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Prep & Preheat – Place your oven rack in the lower-middle position and preheat to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, set it inside to heat; otherwise, lightly oil a baking sheet. A hot surface is key for that perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza crust.
- Shape the Dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. If it keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5 minutes, then try again. Transfer to your prepared stone or sheet.
- Sauce the Pizza – Lightly dent the dough with your fingertips (this helps prevent big bubbles), brush with olive oil, and spread BBQ sauce evenly over the surface.
- Add the Toppings – Toss the cooked chicken in 1–2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Scatter it over the pizza, then layer on mozzarella, smoked gouda, and red onion slices.
- Bake – Slide the BBQ Chicken Pizza into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove from the oven, top with fresh cilantro, and slice while hot. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
BBQ Chicken Pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic knots, or even a side of extra BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping. For a party spread, slice it into smaller squares and serve as an appetizer alongside other pizza varieties.
Storage Instructions:
Cool any leftovers completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To bring back the crispness, reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes, or on a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melty and the crust is warm. Avoid microwaving if possible it softens the crust.
Helpful Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Saves Time – Using shredded rotisserie chicken not only speeds things up but also adds extra tenderness and flavor to your BBQ Chicken Pizza.
- The Cheese Blend Matters – Mozzarella gives that perfect melt, while smoked gouda brings the signature smoky depth that sets this recipe apart.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings – Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make it soggy. Keep it balanced so the base bakes evenly and stays crisp.
FAQs for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza without cheese?
Yes! You can make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using plant-based cheese alternatives. The BBQ sauce and toppings will still deliver big flavor.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for BBQ Chicken Pizza?
A balanced BBQ sauce that’s both tangy and slightly sweet works best look for one with a hint of smokiness for a richer taste.
Can I grill BBQ Chicken Pizza instead of baking it?
Absolutely. Use a pizza stone on the grill or cook directly on a well-oiled grate over medium-high heat for a smoky, charred crust
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Preheat your oven or pizza stone thoroughly, brush the dough lightly with olive oil before adding sauce, and avoid overloading with toppings.
Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Yes. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pizza night upgrade, this BBQ Chicken Pizza is a must-try. With its smoky-sweet sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly crisp crust, it’s the kind of recipe that wins over everyone at the table—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself.
When you’re ready for another classic, you can also try my Margherita Pizza for a fresh, traditional twist straight from Italy.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share them with me on Pinterest or Facebook—and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your rating and any fun topping ideas you tried. Buon appetito!
