If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with smoky, cheesy flavor, this Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect choice. Crispy homemade pizza dough, tender barbecue chicken, two melted cheeses, and fresh cilantro come together to create a restaurant-quality pizza that’s easy enough to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Crispy golden crust with a chewy center.
- Easy to prepare using homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
- Family-friendly and great for pizza night.
- Ready in about 30 minutes once the dough is prepared.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (or fresh basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the pizza dough according to your favorite recipe or thaw store-bought dough completely.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15–20 minutes. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Form a slightly raised edge around the crust.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Press small dimples across the dough with your fingertips to reduce bubbling.
- Brush the remaining olive oil over the surface.
- Spread 1/3 cup barbecue sauce evenly across the dough.
- Toss the cooked chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Evenly distribute the chicken over the pizza.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked Gouda over the top.
- Add the sliced red onion.
- Bake the Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza for 14–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro or basil.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Preheat the pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick preparation.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone if smoked Gouda isn’t available.
- Don’t overload the pizza with sauce to keep the crust crisp.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, Nut-Free
Notes
- Homemade dough provides the best texture, but refrigerated dough is a great shortcut.
- Fresh basil can replace cilantro for a different flavor.
- Serve alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Extra barbecue sauce can be served on the side for dipping.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
FAQ
Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pizza a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Absolutely. Bake first, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
What barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite smoky, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauce depending on your preference.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or a mozzarella blend all work wonderfully.
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes. A baking sheet or pizza pan works very well.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes to restore a crispy crust.
Similar Recipes
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza features crispy pizza crust topped with barbecue chicken, mozzarella, smoked Gouda, and red onion. Baked until golden and finished with fresh cilantro, it's an easy family dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the pizza dough according to your favorite recipe or thaw store-bought dough completely.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15–20 minutes. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Form a slightly raised edge around the crust.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Press small dimples across the dough with your fingertips to reduce bubbling.
- Brush the remaining olive oil over the surface.
- Spread 1/3 cup barbecue sauce evenly across the dough.
- Toss the cooked chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Evenly distribute the chicken over the pizza.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked Gouda over the top.
- Add the sliced red onion.
- Bake the Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza for 14–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro or basil.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Homemade dough provides the best texture, but refrigerated dough is a great shortcut.
- Fresh basil can replace cilantro for a different flavor.
- Serve alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Extra barbecue sauce can be served on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza combines smoky barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a crisp homemade crust into one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making pizza for a family dinner, game night, or weekend gathering, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.