Oh, let me tell you about BBQ Chicken Pizza! This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Every time I make it, I’m flooded with memories of warm summer evenings spent grilling out, laughing with friends, and the unmistakable aroma of BBQ sauce wafting through the air. I think about the time I had a BBQ Chicken Pizza at my favorite pizzeria, and I was blown away by how the tangy sauce and rich cheese melded perfectly with the tender chicken.
This recipe combines all those beloved flavors but allows you to customize it however you like. Whether you’re a fan of extra cheese, want to throw some veggies on it, or prefer it spicier than a summer barbecue, I promise this pizza is going to be a hit every time you serve it up.
What’s in BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Pizza Crust: The foundation of our BBQ Chicken Pizza! You can go for store-bought for convenience, or if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, homemade crust is a delicious option. Just make sure it’s crispy enough to hold all those toppings!
Cooked Chicken: Grilled or baked, shredded or diced, the chicken is the star here. I usually use rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor, but grilled chicken adds an amazing smoky touch!
BBQ Sauce: This is where the magic happens! A deliciously sweet and tangy BBQ sauce brings all the flavors together. I personally love using Sweet Baby Ray’s for that perfect balance of sweet and savory, but feel free to make your own!
Red Onion: This adds a sweet and slightly pungent crunch to the pizza. Thinly sliced, these little pieces are often underrated but really pack a punch in terms of flavor.
Cheese: We can’t forget about the cheese! I usually use mozzarella for that classic melty goodness, but sometimes I throw in some sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top gives a fresh flavor that really brightens everything up. Plus, it’s pretty! (But if you’re one of those people who think it tastes like soap, skip it!)
Is BBQ Chicken Pizza Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether this dish is fitting for our health-conscious friends. BBQ Chicken Pizza offers a few health benefits, depending on how you prepare it.
Chicken: Packed with protein, chicken helps keep you full and supports muscle growth. Just be cautious with the portions—keep it lean to avoid excess calories.
BBQ Sauce: Store-bought BBQ sauces can be high in sugar, so it’s good to look for brands that have lower sugar content or try making your own for a healthier twist.
Cheese: While it adds flavor and calcium, too much cheese can pack in the calories and fat. Use moderation here, or try lower-fat cheese options.
Overall, if you load up on veggies and go easy on the sauce and cheese, BBQ Chicken Pizza can be a delicious and reasonably healthy option for dinner.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
– 1 ready-made pizza crust (or homemade if you prefer)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (I love Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Optional: 1 grated cup sharp cheddar cheese (if you’re feeling cheesy!)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza?
1. Preheat your oven as directed for the pizza crust (usually around 450°F or 232°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix until all the chicken is coated. Set aside.
3. Roll out your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you’re using pre-made dough, it may already come rolled out!
4. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a little room around the edges for the crust.
5. Evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the sauce.
6. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top of the chicken.
7. Carefully sprinkle the mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) cheese over everything liberally.
8. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle fresh cilantro on top (if using).
10. Slice, serve, and enjoy your creation!
BBQ Chicken Pizza Enhancements and Serving Suggestions
If you’d like to kick things up a notch, consider adding some jalapeños for spice or pineapples for sweetness—yes, I’m here for the pineapple on pizza debate! It’s also great to serve with a side salad to balance the flavors and add some crunch.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings; I’ve seen BBQ Chicken Pizza with bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of sriracha for heat. This is your pizza, after all!
I hope you give this BBQ Chicken Pizza a try! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of pulling it out of the oven, slicing into it, and sharing it with loved ones. Please drop back in with your version and any changes you made; I’d love to know how it turned out! Happy cooking!