Weeknight Barbecue Chicken Pizza

I like this Barbecue Chicken Pizza because it is quick and easy on a busy night. I first made it when I had leftover chicken and a store dough. It became my go-to for a fast dinner. I use simple items from the fridge and it still tastes good. The sauce and chicken make a rich, sweet, and smoky mix. The cheese holds it all together.

I now make this pizza when friends drop by or when I want a fast family meal. It cooks fast and you can change toppings. I keep a jar of barbecue sauce for this reason. I also keep cooked chicken in the fridge to save time. If you like simple chicken ideas, try the 3-ingredient orange chicken sauce for other quick meals.

This recipe is a home-style Barbecue Chicken Pizza made with cooked chicken and barbecue sauce. It uses pre-made dough or a simple store-bought option, making it easy to put together. The flavor is smoky with a touch of sweetness and a salty finish from the melted cheese. Red onion adds a mild sharp bite, while fresh cilantro brings a light, fresh contrast. Many people make Barbecue Chicken Pizza for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or game nights because it is simple and crowd-friendly. It reheats well, slices cleanly, and works perfectly as finger food. You can bake one large pizza or make several smaller ones, and it stays mild unless you choose to add heat with hot sauce or chili flakes.

Why make this recipe

Make this Barbecue Chicken Pizza when you want food that is fast and tasty. It takes very little hands-on time if the chicken is already cooked, and the oven does most of the work. The flavor is bold, so you do not need many side dishes to go with it. Barbecue Chicken Pizza is a good choice for people who enjoy sweet and smoky flavors. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time on busy nights, and it feeds a family without any fuss. Cleanup is simple if you bake it on a sheet pan or pizza stone, and it also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

How to make Barbeque Chicken Pizza

First, plan your work when making Barbecue Chicken Pizza. Preheat the oven and get the dough ready. Shred or chop your cooked chicken and toss it with barbecue sauce in a bowl to add flavor and keep the meat moist while baking. Thinly slice the onion so it cooks through without staying crunchy. Brush a light layer of sauce on the par-baked crust to prevent sogginess, then add a thin layer of cheese followed by the chicken. Finish with a second light layer of cheese to help hold the toppings in place and melt evenly. Bake the Barbecue Chicken Pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes so the cheese sets and slicing is easier.

Ingredients

• Dough for one large pizza
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie or about 2 chicken breasts)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 large red onion (very thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (to taste)

Use a basic dough for one large pizza. You can buy dough or make a simple dough at home. The cooked chicken can be plain or seasoned. Rotisserie chicken is quick and works well. The mozzarella melts smooth and gives stretch. Use a thick barbecue sauce so the crust does not get too wet. The red onion adds a mild sharpness if sliced thin. Fresh cilantro gives a clean, bright finish to balance the sauce and cheese. Adjust amounts for taste and size.

 

Directions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and prebake your pizza dough for 6 minutes when making Barbecue Chicken Pizza. This step firms the crust so it does not get soggy once the sauce and toppings are added, and it also helps the dough rise and take on a light color. Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the pre-baked crust, then add a light layer of mozzarella cheese and sliced red onion. That first cheese layer acts as a barrier and starts the melt. In a bowl, toss shredded rotisserie chicken with a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce to flavor it and keep it moist. Spread the chicken evenly over the pizza, then sprinkle another thin layer of cheese on top and add chopped cilantro to taste. Bake the Barbecue Chicken Pizza at 450 F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Watch it closely near the end to avoid burning, and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing so the cheese sets and the slices stay clean.

How to serve Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Cut the Barbecue Chicken Pizza into wedges and serve it warm. A simple side salad pairs well and helps balance the rich cheese and barbecue sauce. You can offer a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if guests want more flavor. For a casual meal, serve the pizza on a cutting board or directly on a baking sheet. Use a sharp pizza cutter or a large knife to get clean slices. For a fresh finish, add extra cilantro or a light squeeze of lime just before serving. If kids are eating, cut smaller slices or make mini pizzas so they are easy to hold. Serve Barbecue Chicken Pizza with cold drinks or a light beer for adults.

How to store Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Let Barbecue Chicken Pizza cool to room temperature before storing. For short-term storage, place the slices in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. In the freezer, Barbecue Chicken Pizza keeps well for up to 1 to 2 months. To reheat from the fridge, warm the slices in a 350 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat, or bake directly at 375 F for 15 to 20 minutes. A toaster oven or skillet works well for reheating single slices and helps crisp the crust.

Tips to make Barbeque Chicken Pizza

Use a hot oven when making Barbecue Chicken Pizza so the crust turns crisp while the cheese melts properly. Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes to prevent sogginess once the toppings are added. Avoid using too much sauce, since a thin layer adds flavor without making the dough wet. Toss the chicken with barbecue sauce before adding it to the pizza so every bite is well seasoned. Slice the onion very thin so it softens as the pizza bakes. If you want a deeper smoky flavor, use smoked mozzarella or add a small drop of liquid smoke to the chicken mixture. If you like other flavors, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. For more easy chicken ideas, see the bang bang chicken skillet thighs recipe for a different style.

Variation

You can change Barbecue Chicken Pizza easily to suit your taste. Swap mozzarella for a sharper cheddar or a smoked cheese if you want more depth of flavor. Add sliced bell peppers or pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast. For heat, include sliced jalapeños or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. You can also add cooked bacon or ham along with the chicken to make the pizza more filling. Try a thin crust for extra crunch or a thicker pan-style crust if you prefer more chew. For a vegetarian twist on Barbecue Chicken Pizza, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled mushrooms while keeping the barbecue sauce and method the same.

 

FAQs

Conclusion

For another home-style version, you can compare this method with the Our FAVORITE BBQ Chicken Pizza – Tastes Better From Scratch recipe which has more step-by-step photos and ideas. If you want a baker’s take with measurements and tips, see Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza – Sally’s Baking for a full guide.

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