The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

When it comes to pizza, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ chicken pizza. It’s a delightful departure from the traditional tomato sauce and pepperoni, offering a blend of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or entertaining guests, this BBQ chicken pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, it’s easy to see why this pizza is a favorite among food lovers.

Why BBQ Chicken Pizza?

BBQ chicken pizza is the perfect combination of comfort food and a summer barbecue. The barbecue sauce adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the chicken brings a satisfying protein element. Add to that a mix of cheeses, red onions for a bit of crunch, and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and you’ve got a pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

What Makes This Recipe the BEST?

This recipe is all about layering flavors. From the homemade pizza dough to the perfectly seasoned chicken and the blend of cheeses, every element is designed to complement the others. We’ll also share tips for getting that perfect crust—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.

The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (optional for extra smokiness)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Cook the chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked, season a chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a little bit of olive oil. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. If you like a thicker crust, don’t roll it out too thin.
2. Transfer to a baking sheet: If you’re not using a pizza stone, place the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Add the BBQ sauce: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with chicken and cheese: Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese over the chicken.
5. Add onions: Scatter the sliced red onions over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top and, if you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy the blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with every bite!

Tips for Success:

• Preheat your pizza stone: If you have a pizza stone, preheat it along with your oven. This helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
• Use high-quality BBQ sauce: The sauce is a key flavor component, so choose one you really love.
• Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella is classic, adding a bit of smoked gouda or cheddar can take the flavor to the next level.

Conclusion:

This BBQ chicken pizza is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and fresh cilantro makes every slice a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.