If you’re craving a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, tangy, and cheesy, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender rotisserie chicken, a tangy barbecue sauce base, melty cheeses, and a hint of pineapple and jalapeño for that perfect balance of flavors, it’s super easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a casual night in, this pizza brings comfort and excitement all on one delicious canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple yet key to achieving that mouthwatering taste and texture that define this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s the tang of the BBQ sauce or the creamy cheese blend, creating a vibrant and irresistible pie.
- Cooking spray: Makes it easy to grease the pan without adding extra fat, ensuring a crisp crust.
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal: Adds a lightly crunchy texture to the base and prevents sticking.
- 1 batch pizza dough: The foundation with perfect chewiness and stretch to carry all your toppings.
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce: Provides that signature smoky and tangy flavor essential to the dish.
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken: Tender, cooked chicken that absorbs BBQ sauce flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 of a small red onion (optional): Offers a crisp, sharp bite that balances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup fresh pineapple (chopped to small pieces): Delivers bursts of juicy sweetness for contrast.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that classic stretchy, gooey cheese layer pizza loves.
- 3 slices cooked bacon (diced, optional): Adds a smoky crunch that complements the BBQ chicken.
- 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional): Gives a mild heat kick, perfect if you like a little spice.
- Fresh cilantro (for topping, optional): Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness at the end.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by following the pizza dough package instructions for preheating your oven to the ideal temperature. Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray, then sprinkle the yellow cornmeal evenly over the surface. This step ensures your crust won’t stick and adds a subtle crunchy texture to the bottom that’s truly delightful.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Next, spread your pizza dough evenly onto the prepared pan, shaping it into a 12-inch round. Take your time here—it’s the perfect canvas for all those fantastic toppings, so you want a nice even base for a consistent bake.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Now for the fun part: spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edge for the crust. Top it generously with shredded rotisserie chicken, add red onion slices and pineapple pieces if you’re using them, and scatter jalapeño slices for a spicy touch. Finally, sprinkle the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top and add diced bacon for extra smoky goodness if you’d like. Every topping brings something special, so don’t hold back!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the oven and bake following the guidelines on your pizza dough package. This step ensures your crust is golden and crisp, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and all those flavors have melded together beautifully. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as ovens vary.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro if you want a lovely burst of herbal freshness. Let the pizza cool just a bit for easier slicing, then cut it into slices and serve immediately while it’s warm, cheesy, and perfectly saucy.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic finishing touch for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, adding an herby, vibrant contrast to the smoky, rich toppings. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or a few thinly sliced jalapeños on top for an extra punch of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
To complement this pizza, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that bring balance to the smoky, sweet pizza flavors. A simple coleslaw with a light dressing can also be fantastic, enhancing the taste without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe sliced into smaller, appetizer-sized squares or wedges. You can plate it on a wooden pizza board or a colorful platter for a rustic, inviting feel that encourages everyone to dig in. Adding small bowls of extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing on the side makes the experience even more interactive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe slices should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and retain much of their original flavor and texture when reheated properly.
Freezing
If you want to save some pizza for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen BBQ Chicken Pizza can last up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pizza in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and chewy instead of pleasantly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese in this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and mozzarella offer a great melty texture, feel free to experiment with cheddar for a sharper flavor or even smoked gouda to enhance the smoky element. Just keep the melting quality in mind.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use a BBQ sauce that you love eating on its own. Sweet and smoky sauces work beautifully here, but if you prefer tangy or spicy, go for those varieties. The sauce sets the tone for your pizza’s flavor.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free dough option available at most grocery stores or make your own. All other ingredients naturally work with gluten-free diets, just double-check the BBQ sauce and any processed toppings.
Is it possible to make this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
You can! Omit the chicken and bacon, then replace them with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even extra pineapple. Using a plant-based BBQ chicken substitute also works great.
How spicy is this pizza?
The level of heat depends on the jalapeño slices, which are optional. You can add more or less depending on your preference, or skip them altogether to keep it mild while maintaining all the BBQ flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with friends and family. It’s a perfect mix of flavors that feels both familiar and exciting, and it’s so easy to customize to your tastes. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to recipe when you want a homemade pizza that packs a punch of deliciousness. So grab your ingredients and get ready for a pizza night that everyone will rave about!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and quick meal featuring a crispy crust topped with tangy BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, fresh pineapple, melted Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses, and optional toppings like bacon, jalapeños, and cilantro. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it combines savory and sweet flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
- 1 batch pizza dough
Toppings
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/4 of a small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 slices cooked bacon, diced (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven according to the pizza dough package instructions. Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Evenly sprinkle the cornmeal over the pan and gently tap off any excess to prevent sticking and add texture to the crust.
- Shape Dough: Spread the pizza dough onto the prepared pizza pan, shaping it into a 12-inch round, ensuring the dough is evenly distributed for uniform baking.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread 1/3 cup BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Scatter the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly over the sauce, then add sliced red onion, chopped pineapple, and jalapeño slices if using. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the top, and add diced cooked bacon if desired.
- Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven following the pizza dough package’s specified temperature and bake time, typically around 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the baked pizza from the oven and optionally top with fresh cilantro. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a combination of Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
- Microwave-cooked bacon works well for a quick and crispy topping.
- Optional toppings like red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro add fresh and spicy contrasts to the BBQ chicken and pineapple.
- You can substitute pork for chicken if preferred.
