Smokey and Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked and diced chicken
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sliced cooked bacon
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  3. If you're using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. If not, place it onto a greased or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
  4. Brush the pizza dough evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  5. Spoon and spread the BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce.
  7. Distribute the cooked and diced chicken evenly over the cheese.
  8. Add the red onion, bacon, and bell peppers over the chicken.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  10. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone. If not, place the baking sheet into the oven.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  12. Remove from oven and let the pizza cool for a few minutes.
  13. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the pizza before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

  • Pizza stone - A stone surface used to bake pizzas for a crispy crust.
  • Parchment paper - Used to transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone without sticking.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet pan used to bake the pizza if not using a pizza stone.
  • Flour - Used for dusting the surface when rolling out the pizza dough.
  • Brush - Used to evenly distribute olive oil on the pizza dough.
  • Knife - Used to dice the cooked chicken and chop the cilantro.
  • Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough for a healthier option.
  • Try a cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative.
  • Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Add sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda.
  • Top the pizza with sliced pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Include additional vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing over the pizza after baking for extra flavor.
  • Swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce for a buffalo chicken pizza.
  • Try different protein options like pulled pork, shrimp, or ground beef.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe! This homemade pizza is a flavorful alternative to traditional pies, featuring a mouthwatering blend of BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken, and fresh veggies. Baked until golden and topped with fresh cilantro, this pizza is perfect for any night of the week. Its deliciously unique taste is sure to captivate your taste buds. Enjoy the process of making your own pizza dough or save time with a store-bought one - either way, this pizza is easy to make and tastes phenomenal. Let's dive into the steps to make this savory, crowd-pleasing BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe? Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for any specific preparation steps.
  2. Can I use a different type of sauce instead of BBQ sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer a different sauce, such as marinara or Alfredo, feel free to substitute it in this recipe.
  3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works great, or you can use rotisserie chicken from the store.
  4. Can I make this pizza on a grill instead of in the oven? Yes, you can grill the pizza instead. Preheat your grill to medium heat, and cook the pizza directly on the grates. Make sure to oil the grates and keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
  5. Can I customize the toppings? Absolutely! This recipe serves as a base, but feel free to add or omit any toppings according to your preferences. You can add vegetables like mushrooms or jalapenos, or even add different types of cheese.
  6. Can I make this pizza vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this pizza vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with vegetarian alternatives like tofu or plant-based protein if desired.
  7. Can I freeze the leftover pizza? Yes, you can freeze the leftover pizza. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pizza stone - Helps to achieve a crispy crust
  • Parchment paper - Facilitates easy transfer of pizza onto the baking surface
  • Pizza cutter - Makes it easy to slice the pizza into portions
  • Basting brush - Useful for brushing olive oil onto the pizza dough
  • Rolling pin - Helps to roll out the pizza dough to the desired thickness
  • Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the dough
  • Baking sheet - Alternative to a pizza stone for baking the pizza

Origin stories

The iconic BBQ Chicken Pizza, a favorite among pizza enthusiasts, actually has its roots in California, not Italy or the barbecue-loving South as one might expect. Ed LaDou, a pizza chef known for his innovative toppings, is credited with its creation. In the 1980s, he was working at Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant in Los Angeles when he introduced the BBQ Chicken Pizza. Puck embraced the idea, and the pizza quickly became a hit, propelling LaDou to pizza-fame and forever changing the world of pizza toppings. This Californian creation, a mix of global influences, traditional Italian pizza foundations, and the uniquely American love for barbecue, offers a bite of history with each delicious slice.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.