Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavourful, vibrant dish featuring a crisp crust layered with smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. This recipe combines savoury, sweet, and tangy elements for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza offers a delightful balance of textures and flavours — from the chewy crust to the succulent chicken and the bold barbecue sauce. It is easy to customise, quick to assemble, and consistently delicious. Whether you use homemade dough or store-bought, this recipe guarantees a pizza that tastes restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
barbecue sauce
cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
mozzarella cheese
red bell pepper, diced
red onion (optional)
olive oil
fresh basil or parsley
optional: cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, jalapeños

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll or stretch the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the dough.
Add the cooked chicken evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
Add diced bell pepper and optional red onion or jalapeños.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 3–4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce.
Cheddar Blend: Mix mozzarella with sharp cheddar for richer flavour.
Veggie Boost: Add corn, mushrooms, or spinach.
Grilled Chicken Version: Use freshly grilled chicken for extra smokiness.
White BBQ Pizza: Replace tomato-based sauce with Alabama-style white BBQ sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes for best results.
Pizza can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 2 months.
Reheat frozen slices directly from the freezer in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie, grilled, or baked chicken all work well.

Can I make this pizza on a grill?

Yes, grill the dough first, then add toppings and finish grilling.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Do not overload with sauce or toppings, and bake on a hot surface.

Can I use a different cheese?

Cheddar, provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack are excellent choices.

Do I need to precook vegetables?

No, they will soften while baking.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead?

Yes, dough keeps well refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Is this pizza spicy?

Not unless you add spicy sauce or toppings.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free dough and check sauce labels.

Why is my cheese not browning?

Turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes if desired.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and versatile recipe that blends smoky, savoury, and slightly sweet flavours. With its simple preparation and customisable toppings, it is a crowd-pleasing meal suited for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated, this pizza is always a satisfying favourite.