If you’re craving something that perfectly combines smoky, tangy flavors with cheesy goodness and a bit of a spicy kick, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is absolutely your go-to. From the tender, homemade dough to the juicy shredded chicken drenched in barbecue sauce, every single bite promises a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a delightful spin on classic pizza that brings a crowd-pleasing balance of textures and flavors — a recipe I’m thrilled to share with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating a memorable BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each item plays a crucial part in balancing taste, texture, and color so your pizza turns out perfectly delicious and visually inviting.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the baking sheet and add richness to the dough, helping to achieve that crispy, golden crust.
- Warm water (110 degrees F): Activates the yeast so the dough can rise beautifully and develop a light texture.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind fluffy, airy pizza dough that holds up to toppings without getting soggy.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast for a better rise and adds a hint of subtle sweetness to balance savory flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and helps keep the dough soft and tender.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing the perfect chewy bite once baked.
- Barbecue sauce: The star ingredient that infuses smoky, tangy flavor across the pizza base.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: Provides a spicy, melty layer of cheesy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese blend: Adds a creamy, mild contrast and extra gooeyness.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Tender, protein-packed topping that soaks up the barbecue sauce beautifully.
- Pickled jalapeños: Offer a bright, tangy heat that perfectly complements the smoky sauce.
- Diced red onion: Adds a crunchy, slightly sweet bite to balance richness.
- Diced scallion: Brings a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by brushing a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil so your pizza doesn’t stick. In a large bowl, mix warm water and yeast, letting it sit until foamy—this means your yeast is active and ready. Whisk in sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt for flavor and dough structure, then gradually add flour until you have a sticky dough.
Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving your pizza that perfect chewy texture. Transfer the dough back to the oiled sheet pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until it doubles in size—about an hour. This step is crucial for that airy crust you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Shape the Dough and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower rack—this creates a hot surface to cook your pizza crisp and evenly. Gently press and stretch the dough across the prepared pan, covering every corner. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, then give it one last stretch if needed.
Step 4: Dock the Dough
Use a fork to pierce the dough all over. This step prevents bubbles from forming during baking and keeps the crust flat and even—perfect for that beautiful, crispy base we all love.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Toppings
Brush the entire dough surface generously with barbecue sauce but leave the edges bare to create a nice crust. Distribute half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack cheese over the sauce, then scatter the shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and scallion evenly. Finish with the remaining cheese to ensure ooey-gooey cheesy goodness on top.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, melted cheese—the sure signs your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Slicing
Once baked, allow your pizza to cool for about 10 minutes. This lets the cheese set slightly for easier slicing and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, add fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro for a fresh herbaceous note or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for an extra punch. Thinly sliced red onions or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add that final touch of zing and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with crisp, simple sides like a green salad tossed in light vinaigrette or crunchy coleslaw to contrast the richness of the cheese and chicken. For something heartier, baked sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables complement the smoky flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe on a wooden pizza peel or a rustic cutting board instantly adds charm to your meal. Slice it into smaller bites for parties, or serve alongside dipping bowls filled with ranch or blue cheese dressing—because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor on the side?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the crust’s crispiness, separate slices with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When frozen immediately after baking, the pizza retains its flavors and texture well.
Reheating
For the best reheated pizza, use a hot oven or a skillet on medium heat to revive the crust’s crunch while warming the toppings evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time, but making homemade dough adds freshness and that unbeatable chewy texture.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for this pizza?
Choose a barbecue sauce that isn’t too watery and offers a good balance of sweetness and smokiness. A thicker, tangy sauce pairs best with the cheeses and chicken.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Grilled shrimp, pulled pork, or even roasted vegetables make fantastic alternatives depending on your preference.
How spicy is this pizza with the jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños bring a nice, mild heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering the pizza. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer less spice.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe yields 8 generous slices, perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make and share because it hits all the right notes — smoky, cheesy, spicy, and packed with fresh ingredients. Give it a try and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection too. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza combines a homemade yeast dough crust with tangy barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses. Topped with pickled jalapeños, red onion, and scallions, this pizza offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing pan)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
- 2 packets active dry yeast (1/4 ounce each)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface
Pizza Toppings
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese blend, divided
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 scallion, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and yeast mixture: Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let stand until foamy to activate the yeast. Then whisk in sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
- Make the dough: Gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower rack to heat up thoroughly.
- Shape the dough: Gently press and stretch the dough with your hands to cover the pan evenly. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and stretch again if necessary.
- Dock the dough: Pierce the dough all over with a fork to prevent bubbles during baking.
- Add toppings: Brush the dough with barbecue sauce, leaving the edges bare. Evenly distribute half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses, then add shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and scallion. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza on the hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes to set before slicing into 8 slices and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well is important for gluten development, resulting in a chewy yet crisp crust.
- Letting the dough rest after shaping helps with easier stretching and better texture.
- Use a preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet for a crispier crust.
- Allow pizza to cool before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding off.
