If you are craving that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors all baked into one delicious creation, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is absolutely the way to go. With a homemade dough that’s crisp on the edges and tender inside, topped with juicy shredded chicken, bursts of pickled jalapeños, and a rich blend of cheeses, every bite is a joyful explosion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort that feels like a big, flavorful hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture, from the olive oil that adds richness to the tangy barbecue sauce that ties everything together with a satisfying zing.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Ideal for prepping the pan, it ensures your crust doesn’t stick and adds a subtle richness.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110 degrees F): Activates the yeast, helping the dough rise perfectly fluffy.
- Active dry yeast (2 packets): The magic behind that airy, soft dough everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (2 teaspoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory toppings.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Mixed into the dough for tender crumb and lovely flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base for a sturdy yet soft dough – make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 to 3/4 cup): Brings that signature tangy and smoky element that defines this pizza.
- Pepper jack cheese, shredded (1 cup, divided): Adds both creaminess and a gentle kick of spice.
- Cheddar jack cheese blend, shredded (1/2 cup, divided): Melts beautifully and boosts that cheesy comfort factor.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast (1 cup): The hearty topping that makes this pizza more filling and protein-packed.
- Pickled jalapeños (1/4 cup): Gives zesty heat and a burst of tang that wakes up your taste buds.
- Diced red onion (1/4 cup): Adds crunch and a mild sharpness to balance richness.
- Diced scallion (1): Brings fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Start the Dough
Begin by brushing a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to create a nonstick surface that will bake your pizza crust to a golden crisp. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast, letting it rest until frothy—this signals the yeast is activated and ready to work wonders for your dough. Stir in sugar, olive oil, and salt, then gradually add the flour until you have a sticky, cohesive dough.
Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a floured work surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your crust its ideal chewiness. Pop the dough onto your prepared pan, cover it lightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about one hour. This patiently allows the dough to become airy and soft.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Shape the Dough
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower rack to get it piping hot. Once risen, gently stretch the dough out until it covers the pan. Give it a 30-minute rest; this break lets the gluten relax, making it easier to stretch it out further if needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Crust Base
Once your dough is nicely shaped, use a fork to pierce it all over. This small trick helps prevent bubbles from forming during baking, ensuring a uniform crust texture that’s both crisp and tender.
Step 5: Add Toppings Thoughtfully
Brush the dough evenly with your favorite barbecue sauce, leaving a generous border around the edges. Sprinkle half of your pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses, then layer the shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and scallions. Finish with the remaining cheeses, creating a beautiful cheesy blanket that melts to perfection.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Slide your prepared pizza onto the preheated stone and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The high heat ensures a crisp crust while keeping the toppings perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your BBQ Chicken Pizza to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This brief rest helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices and lets all those flavors meld into a harmonious bite that’s worth savoring slowly.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a few more diced scallions over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of ranch or a squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the dish, offering a bright contrast to the smoky richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re going for casual comfort, crunchy coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad is a perfect complement to the smoky BBQ flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your pizza into smaller squares for a party appetizer or serve alongside a flight of craft beers to enhance the barbecue vibe. You can also treat this recipe as a base to customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels, making each pizza uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy those scrumptious flavors without any waste.
Freezing
If you want to keep some pizza on hand for a quick meal, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can last up to two months.
Reheating
Rewarm your pizza in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that original crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a great shortcut and will still give you a delicious pizza. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching for the best results.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with this pizza. Feel free to choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Pulled pork, smoked sausage, or even grilled vegetables are excellent alternatives that keep the spirit of this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe but offer a fun twist.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
While a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust by distributing heat evenly, an inverted baking sheet works just fine as a substitute if you don’t have one.
How spicy is this pizza with pickled jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños add just a gentle heat that livens up the flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the quantity depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Making this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe at home is like inviting a party of flavors to your kitchen, and it’s guaranteed to become one of your new favorites. The fresh dough, melty cheese, and that irresistible barbecue tang come together in a delightful way you won’t want to miss. Be bold, customize it your way, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious slice!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe features a homemade yeast dough topped with tangy barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, red onions, scallions, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses. Baked on a hot pizza stone for a perfect golden crust, this pizza delivers a delightful balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing the pan)
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
- Prep pan and dough: Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let stand until foamy. Whisk in sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Add flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to the prepared sheet pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat and shape: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet placed on the lower rack. Gently press and stretch the dough to cover the baking sheet. Allow it to rest and stand for 30 minutes, then stretch it again if needed to maintain an even shape.
- Prepare crust: Pierce the dough all over with a fork to prevent bubbles forming during baking.
- Add toppings: Brush the dough with barbecue sauce, leaving the edges bare for a crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses evenly over the sauce. Top with shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and diced scallion. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the pizza thoroughly on the hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing to serve. This resting time allows the cheese and toppings to set slightly for easier slicing and eating.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven helps create a crisp crust.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce according to your taste preference; start with less if you prefer less sauce.
- Letting the dough rest after shaping helps improve texture and elasticity.
- Use cooked shredded chicken breast, which can be prepared ahead to save time.
- If pickled jalapeños are unavailable, substitute with fresh jalapeños or omit for less heat.
