Description
This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe combines tangy barbecue sauce, tender pre-cooked chicken, and a delightful blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Finished with fresh red onions and a sprinkle of cilantro, this pizza offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
Toppings
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons (130g) your favorite barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, for topping (or use basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Prepare pizza dough through step 3 of your dough recipe. If using store-bought frozen dough, make sure it is fully thawed before shaping.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (246°C), allowing it to fully preheat for 15–20 minutes. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle cornmeal on it to add crunch and flavor to the crust.
- Shape the pizza dough: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it in half and freeze one half for later use. On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough into a disc and stretch it into a 12-inch circle about 1/2-inch thick. Create a lip by folding and pinching the dough edges upward. If dough resists stretching, let it rest covered for 5-10 minutes before retrying. If using a pizza stone, place the dough on a cornmeal-dusted peel. Cover lightly and let rest briefly while preparing toppings.
- Prepare the dough surface: Using your fingers, press dents into the dough to prevent bubbling. Brush the remaining olive oil evenly over the dough surface.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread 1/3 cup (about 95g) barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Toss the cooked chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce and scatter it evenly on top. Add shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese evenly over the chicken, then scatter thinly sliced red onions on the pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Place the prepared pizza on the baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 14–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Slice and serve immediately. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for future meals.
Notes
- This BBQ chicken pizza features a smoky blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses balanced with fresh onions and cilantro.
- The homemade pizza dough recipe makes enough for two 12-inch pizzas; this recipe uses half the dough with toppings listed for one pizza.
- Freeze unused dough for convenience or double toppings to make two pizzas.
- Store-bought pizza dough can be used for an easier shortcut.
- Ensure the oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are fully preheated for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
