Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 1 cup of rotisserie chicken and toss it with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce before adding to your pizza. This cuts down on prep time while still delivering great flavor.

Why is my pizza crust not getting crispy?

The two most common reasons are oven temperature and moisture. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 500°F before adding the pizza. Also, avoid overloading with toppings, as too many can release moisture during cooking and lead to a soggy middle.

Can I prepare this pizza on a regular baking sheet?

Yes, though the results will be slightly different. If using a baking sheet, preheat it in the oven first, then carefully place your prepared pizza on the hot sheet. This helps simulate the heat retention of a skillet and will give you a crispier bottom crust.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Most stores now carry premade gluten-free options. Just note that gluten-free crusts sometimes need slightly lower baking temperatures (around 450°F) and may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Name: Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin; 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; Kosher salt, for seasoning; Freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning; All-purpose flour, for rolling the dough; 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, plus more for drizzling; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; Ranch dressing, for drizzling; Freshly chopped chives, for garnish

This homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is a game-changer for pizza night! With its perfect balance of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken chunks, melty cheese, and crispy crust, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Weeknight Dinner: From start to finish in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without the wait.
Customizable: Easily adjust toppings, cheese amounts, and sauce to suit your family’s preferences.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip the delivery fees and enjoy a gourmet pizza that rivals your favorite pizza joint.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will devour this perfect combination of familiar flavors with a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pizza Dough: The foundation of your pizza – use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have time. Let it come to room temperature for easier handling.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein that adds hearty texture and soaks up that delicious barbecue flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Brings that distinctive tangy-sweet flavor that makes this pizza special. Choose your favorite brand – spicy, sweet, or smoky.
Cheddar and Fontina Cheese: Cheddar brings the sharp flavor while fontina adds incredible meltiness – together they’re pizza perfection.
Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and slight bite that balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the crust and adds richness when cooking the chicken.
Ranch Dressing: The secret finishing touch that takes this pizza to the next level.
Chives: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the chicken and crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this BBQ chicken pizza your own? Try these tasty twists:

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with pulled pork or bacon for a different meaty experience.
Cheese Choices: Try smoked gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Veggie Additions: Add bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
Sauce Experiments: Try a spicy barbecue sauce, or mix barbecue with buffalo sauce for a kick.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook the Chicken

Position your rack in the upper-middle position and preheat your oven to 500°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook until golden and completely cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet and Dough

While the chicken cooks, brush an ovenproof skillet with olive oil. On a floured work surface, roll out your pizza dough until its circumference matches your skillet. Carefully transfer the dough to the oiled skillet.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Spread barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the cheddar and fontina cheeses evenly over the sauce. Distribute the cooked chicken pieces and thinly sliced red onion across the top.

Step 4: Finish and Bake

Brush the crust edge with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Bake until the crust turns golden and crispy and the cheese is completely melted, about 23-25 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle additional barbecue sauce and ranch dressing over the top of your hot pizza. Sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. Slice and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Precook the Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the pizza to ensure food safety.
Room Temperature Dough: Working with room temperature dough makes stretching much easier and prevents spring-back.
Hot Oven is Key: Don’t be tempted to lower the temperature – 500°F ensures that perfect crispy crust with properly melted cheese.
Cast Iron Advantage: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it! It creates an amazing crust thanks to excellent heat retention.
Rest Before Cutting: Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after coming out of the oven so the cheese sets slightly and doesn’t slide off with the first cut.

How to Serve

This BBQ chicken pizza works as both a casual family dinner or as the star of your next gathering:

Main Event:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Game Day Spread:

Cut into smaller squares for an appetizer that disappears quickly at parties.

Wine Pairing:

A medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah complements the barbecue flavors perfectly.

Beer Match:

Try an amber ale or brown ale that won’t overwhelm but stands up to the bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Fully bake the pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated pizza in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat. For frozen slices, add 5-7 minutes to reheating time. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 1 cup of rotisserie chicken and toss it with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce before adding to your pizza. This cuts down on prep time while still delivering great flavor.
Why is my pizza crust not getting crispy?

The two most common reasons are oven temperature and moisture. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 500°F before adding the pizza. Also, avoid overloading with toppings, as too many can release moisture during cooking and lead to a soggy middle.
Can I prepare this pizza on a regular baking sheet?

Yes, though the results will be slightly different. If using a baking sheet, preheat it in the oven first, then carefully place your prepared pizza on the hot sheet. This helps simulate the heat retention of a skillet and will give you a crispier bottom crust.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Most stores now carry premade gluten-free options. Just note that gluten-free crusts sometimes need slightly lower baking temperatures (around 450°F) and may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Pizza brings all the comfort of classic pizza with an exciting flavor twist that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special – and in less time than delivery would take! Whether it’s for family pizza night or entertaining friends, this pizza strikes that perfect balance between impressive and easy. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, and that final ranch drizzle creates something truly craveable. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it becomes a regular request in your home!