If you’re craving a vibrant twist on classic pizza night, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a blend of melted cheeses on a perfectly risen homemade crust creates a mouthwatering experience that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this pizza delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but impactful ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s irresistible flavor and texture. Each component works its magic, from the crispy crust to the tangy BBQ kick and the gentle heat of jalapeños.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Essential for brushing the pan and adding a subtle richness to the crust.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): Activates the yeast perfectly for a light, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 packets): The rising agent that turns simple flour into a fluffy pizza base.
- Granulated sugar (2 teaspoons): Feeds the yeast and contributes a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds depth and moisture to the dough’s texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, especially the dough’s character.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation for your perfect pizza crust, spooned and leveled for precision.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 to 3/4 cup): The star ingredient that infuses smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese (1 cup, divided): Brings a creamy texture with a kick of spice throughout the pizza.
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese blend (1/2 cup, divided): Adds melty, cheesy goodness with a cheddar sharpness.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast (1 cup): Tender and juicy, it carries the BBQ sauce flavor beautifully.
- Pickled jalapeños (1/4 cup): Injects a tangy heat that livens up every bite.
- Diced red onion (1/4 cup): Provides a mild crunch and slight sweetness to contrast the spice.
- Diced scallion (1): Finishes the pizza with a fresh and vibrant note.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Pan and Dough
First things first, lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking later. Then, in a large bowl, mix warm water with yeast and let it foam, signaling the yeast is alive and kicking. Next, whisk in sugar, olive oil, and salt for balanced flavor, then stir in flour until you get a sticky dough ready for kneading.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and give it a good knead until it’s smooth and supple. This step develops the gluten to make your crust nice and chewy. Transfer the dough back to your oiled baking sheet, cover it, and allow it to rise until doubled, which takes about an hour. This patient rest is where the magic of fluffy crust begins.
Step 3: Preheat and Shape
Preheat your oven to a toasty 450 degrees F, placing a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower rack for heat retention. Gently press and stretch your risen dough to cover the pan evenly. Let it rest for another 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make stretching easier for a perfect shape.
Step 4: Prepare Crust
Before piling on the yummy toppings, pierce the dough all over with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing soggy pockets and ensuring a crisp finish.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Brush your dough generously with BBQ sauce, carefully leaving the edges plain for a golden crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack blends, then scatter the shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and scallions evenly. Finish with the remaining cheese on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your pizza on the preheated stone or sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden brown with those delightful crispy edges. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the cheese set a bit, so your slices stay perfect when you cut them.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, try sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro or extra diced scallions on top. A light drizzle of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the smoky, cheesy flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads or crunchy coleslaw to balance its rich flavor. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a simple corn on the cob grilled with a bit of butter and seasoning.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Slice the pizza into smaller squares for a party platter or serve it alongside individual dipping bowls of barbecue sauce and ranch for extra flavor fun. For a fun twist, try layering the pizza on flatbread or even as open-faced sliders for a handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe tastes just as good the next day! Store slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps lock in moisture so the crust doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pizza longer, freezing individual slices is a great option. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices can keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your slices in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which also helps restore crispiness to the crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a convenient shortcut that still results in a delicious pizza. Just be sure to adjust rising and resting times according to the package instructions.
What can I substitute for the pepper jack cheese?
If you prefer a milder option, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese work great and melt beautifully without overpowering BBQ sauce’s flavor.
How spicy is this pizza with the pickled jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños add a nice tangy heat, but it’s generally mild to moderate. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level or omit them for a kid-friendly version.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is actually a fantastic time saver and adds delicious flavor, making this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe even quicker to prepare.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Choose a barbecue sauce you really enjoy eating—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy—because it’s the centerpiece of this recipe’s flavor profile. Homemade BBQ sauce is a wonderful option if you want to customize the taste completely.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings joy from the first bite to the last. The balance of smoky, cheesy, and spicy notes on a homemade crust is simply unbeatable. Get ready to make pizza night the highlight of your week with this crowd-pleasing recipe that I know you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus 1 hour dough rise and 30 minutes dough rest
- 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, spicy pickled jalapeños, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses. Baked to golden perfection on a hot pizza stone, it’s a delicious and crowd-pleasing pizza perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for 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
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 the warm water and active dry yeast; let it stand until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Whisk in granulated sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Add the flour and stir until you form a sticky dough.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preheat and shape: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower rack to heat. Gently press and stretch the risen dough to evenly cover the baking pan. Allow it to rest and stand for 30 minutes, then stretch it again if necessary to achieve the desired size.
- Prepare crust: Use a fork to pierce the dough all over. This will help prevent bubbles during baking and ensure an even cook.
- Add toppings: Brush the dough generously with barbecue sauce, leaving the edges plain for a crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses on top. Evenly distribute the cooked shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and diced scallion over the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to set the toppings before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; ideally 110 degrees F.
- Letting the dough rest after shaping helps achieve a better crust texture.
- Using a pizza stone ensures even heat and a crisp crust.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your taste preference.
- Can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add more veggies or swap jalapeños for mild peppers if you prefer less heat.
