Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling); 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped); 1 tablespoon olive oil; cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pan)

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If you’re craving bold flavors and a speedy homemade dinner, BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, gooey mozzarella, and peppery fresh cilantro layered over a chewy golden crust — all coming together in just about a half hour. Whether it’s game night, a laid-back weekend meal, or a fun way to use up leftover chicken, this pizza delivers that perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory that keeps everyone reaching for another slice.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but standout ingredients are what give BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite its irresistible flavor and mouthwatering texture. Each one plays an important role, and you might already have most of them on hand!

Pizza dough (1 pound): The chewy, crispy base that holds everything together, whether store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love.
Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling): The sweet, tangy, and sometimes smoky heart of this pizza — pick your favorite style to make it truly yours.
Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded or chopped): Juicy, lean protein that soaks up all that barbecue goodness; rotisserie chicken makes it even easier.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything in creamy, stretchy bites.
Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced): Adds a pop of color and sweet, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Fresh cilantro leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Sprinkled on at the end, the fresh and herbaceous punch brightens every slice.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed over the crust for extra richness and a golden finish.
Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pan): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of rustic texture to the crust.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) for that perfect pizzeria feel. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now to get nice and hot. A high temp is the secret to that golden, crisp bottom and bubbly topping on your BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly sprinkle flour on your work surface and use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t stress about getting it perfectly round — rustic shapes give homemade pizza tons of charm.

Step 3: Prep the Pan

Dust your pizza pan or baking sheet lightly with cornmeal or a bit more flour. This extra step keeps your pizza from sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the crust’s underside.

Step 4: Layer on the Flavors

Gently transfer your dough onto the prepared pan. Brush the top with olive oil for a rich finish, then spread barbecue sauce all over, leaving about a 1-inch border. Layer on half the mozzarella, all the chicken, red onion slices, and the rest of the cheese. Every bite will be loaded with flavor and melty cheese, just like a true BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite should be.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for bubbly melted cheese and a deeply golden crust — there’s nothing more satisfying than that first whiff of smoky, savory pizza coming from your oven.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once your pizza is beautifully baked, let it cool for a couple of minutes (it makes slicing easier and saves tongues from scorching!). Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and, if you like, an extra little drizzle of barbecue sauce. Slice, serve, and enjoy the family gathering around for this crave-worthy, speedy pizza.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is more than a pretty touch; it brings an herbaceous brightness that balances the smoky barbecue sauce. For a little restaurant flair, add extra barbecue sauce drizzles or even scatter some sliced jalapeños for those who love heat.

Side Dishes

Serve your BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in ranch or balsamic dressing. Tangy coleslaw or roasted veggies are also fantastic alongside, creating a colorful and well-rounded meal with minimal effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game night, cut the pizza into squares and arrange on a wooden board with extra bowls of barbecue sauce on the side. Or serve mini versions using flatbreads or naan for a build-your-own pizza bar. The vibrant colors and gooey cheese will steal the show every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any extra slices into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite a delicious leftover lunch or quick snack.

Freezing

After baking, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap slices individually in foil or parchment and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. Pull out only what you need, and keep them frozen for up to 2 months for future easy meals.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes until sizzling and hot. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the crust crisp and toppings bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pizza crust instead of fresh dough?

Absolutely! Pre-baked crusts or flatbreads work perfectly and make BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite even faster for busy nights.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily turn up the heat with spicy barbecue sauce or by adding sliced jalapeños on top before baking.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough (or cauliflower crust) and double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for pizza?

Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts, or give rotisserie chicken a quick chop. For extra convenience, let the deli do the work and buy pre-shredded chicken if you like!

Does this work for meal prep?

Definitely! You can prep all the toppings in advance, and even par-bake the crust. Assemble and bake when you’re ready for a fresh, hot BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite in minutes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or simply looking for a creative twist on pizza night, BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite is pure crowd-pleaser magic. Every bite is a delicious mix of tangy, cheesy, smoky, and fresh — all made in record time. Give it a try and let pizza night become the highlight of your week!

BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. This recipe combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and crisp red onions on a golden pizza crust. Perfect for a quick dinner or weekend treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Barbecue Chicken Toppings:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pan)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer it to a pizza pan or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Add Toppings: Brush the dough with olive oil, spread barbecue sauce, add half of the cheese, chicken, red onion, and the remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, then sprinkle with cilantro and extra barbecue sauce before slicing and serving.