Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh pizza dough (thawed overnight if frozen); ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided, plus additional drizzle for garnish); ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper; 2 cups Shredded chicken breast; ½ of a Small red onion (very thinly sliced); ½ cup Freshly shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup Freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 tablespoon Butter; 1 clove Garlic (pressed or grated); ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt; Chopped cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 42 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering slice of heaven, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe will absolutely steal the show every time. Imagine a crispy, golden crust generously brushed with savory garlic butter, layered with juicy shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The subtle crunch of thinly sliced red onions adds just the right contrast, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce deliver that final, irresistible pop of flavor. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, perfect for weeknights, game days, or any occasion demanding something downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with shredded white and light brown chicken mixed with reddish-brown sauce, unevenly spread throughout the chicken pieces. A metal fork rests inside the bowl on the left side, partially touching the chicken mixture. The bowl is seen from above, showing the texture of the shredded meat and sauce clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor but also in its simple, straightforward ingredients that anyone can easily gather. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing smoky, sweet, and savory notes while bringing varied textures and colors to the pizza.

Fresh pizza dough: A soft, elastic base that crisps up beautifully in the oven and holds all the toppings together perfectly.
BBQ sauce: The heart of the recipe, providing smoky sweetness and a hint of tang that complements the chicken and cheese flawlessly.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering, used both in the chicken mix and garlic butter.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the chicken filling.
Shredded chicken breast: Tender and juicy, it soaks up the BBQ sauce and serves as the star protein topping.
Small red onion: Thinly sliced for a slight crunch and mild sharpness that balances the richness of cheeses and BBQ sauce.
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, creamy flavor that melts into gooey perfection on the pizza.
Freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a mellow, buttery counterpart to the cheddar for a luscious blend.
Butter: Combined with garlic to create a fragrant, flavorful crust base that adds richness and depth.
Garlic: Adds aromatic pungency, perfectly infused into the melted butter spread over the dough.
Chopped cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbal finish that livens up the pizza right before serving.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 450℉ and position the rack in the lower third to get that perfect bottom crust crispiness. If you have a pizza stone, placing it on the rack now will ensure it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake your masterpiece.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Stretch your dough into a roughly 12-inch circle on a cornmeal-dusted surface to prevent sticking. Gently poke the dough with a fork to avoid large air bubbles forming as it cooks. If you’re working with fresh dough that’s a bit stubborn, just cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes—this relaxes the gluten for an easier stretch.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter and Brush the Crust

Mix butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe dish and heat until melted. Then, brush this flavorful garlic butter generously over the entire pizza crust. This step elevates your crust from ordinary to aromatic and golden brown perfection.

Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Topping

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, stirring until every bit is coated with that smoky, tangy goodness. This mix adds the savory heart to your pizza, boosting flavor and juiciness.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a half-inch border to keep the edges crisp. Next, layer the BBQ chicken mixture, sprinkle on both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top. This layering ensures every slice bursts with flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your pizza to the hot pizza stone or sheet pan, reshaping slightly if needed. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, and the crust develops a satisfying crunch. Watching it transform in the oven is one of the best parts!

Step 7: Garnish and Cool

Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle optional chopped cilantro and add a light drizzle of BBQ sauce for an extra flavor boost. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing; this short pause helps toppings set and improves every bite.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

A pizza with three main layers sits on a light wooden pizza peel with a handle. The bottom layer is a thick, pale dough crust with a slightly rough edge. On top of the crust, there is a spread of dark red tomato sauce that is not reaching the edge, leaving a white dough border. The next layer is a mix of shredded cheese, mostly white with some light orange cheese, scattered evenly across the sauce. Small pieces of light brown cooked meat are also spread over the cheese. The top layer consists of thin, large strips of pale purple and white onion slices that cover almost the entire pizza. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of bright, herbal flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce perfectly. A final drizzle of your favorite tangy BBQ sauce elevates the presentation and adds a luscious finish that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a fresh coleslaw for crunch and contrast. Classic sides like baked sweet potato fries or roasted veggies also complement the bold flavors on the pizza with added texture and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares for sharing at parties or serve alongside dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese. Layering slices on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of cilantro and a bowl of extra BBQ sauce amps up the visual appeal and encourages everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for convenient and delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you’d like to save the pizza for longer, wrap individual slices in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen BBQ Chicken Pizza lasts up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To revive your pizza’s crispy crust and melty cheese, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or bake in a 375℉ oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving alone, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option that works wonderfully. Just shred it and toss with BBQ sauce as the recipe directs for a quick and tasty topping.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. The sauce really drives the flavor, so picking one that suits your taste preferences will make your pizza shine.

Can I substitute the cheeses in this recipe?

Yes! While cheddar and Monterey Jack bring classic flavor melts, feel free to try mozzarella or gouda for a different twist, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

Is it necessary to use garlic butter on the crust?

While optional, garlic butter adds a rich, fragrant kick that enhances the crust’s flavor and color. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final taste.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using a hot pizza stone or baking on the lower oven rack helps crisp the bottom crust quickly. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or wet toppings to keep everything perfectly crispy.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is genuinely a game-changer when you want to impress family or friends without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques. The balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors all wrapped up in a golden, crisp crust is pure magic. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it becomes a beloved classic in your recipe rotation, just like it has in mine.