If you are craving a dish that brings together smoky, tangy barbecue flavors with the irresistible comfort of melty cheese and crispy crust, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender shredded chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce, a perfect blend of cheeses, and a crisp flatbread base, this recipe is a quick family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or casual weekend treat, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe hits every delicious note with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smoky barbecue sauce that coats the chicken, to the combination of cheeses that create gooey, golden goodness, and fresh veggies that add just the right touch of brightness and crunch.
- Flatbread Crusts: Four small flatbread crusts or store-bought Naan bread offer a quick and sturdy base with a lovely crisp texture.
- Barbecue Sauce: About 1 ¼ cups divided, like Sweet Baby Ray’s, provides that tangy, smoky foundation for this pizza.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Two cups, perfect for soaking up all the barbecue flavor.
- Mozzarella or Italian Cheese Blend: One cup, giving you that classic melt and stretch.
- Cheddar or Smoked Gouda Cheese: One cup, adding a sharp, smoky contrast to the mozzarella.
- Red Onion: Half an onion thinly sliced to add a slight bite and vibrant color.
- Green Onion: Thinly sliced, to sprinkle on top for fresh, mild onion notes.
- Optional Fresh Herbs: Like chopped cilantro or parsley to brighten and garnish the finished pizza beautifully.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your flatbread crusts become perfectly crisp without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Flatbreads
Place your flatbread crusts evenly spaced on rimmed baking sheets. Spread about ¼ cup of barbecue sauce over each crust with a spoon, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed to create that signature tangy base flavor.
Step 3: Toss the Chicken with BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, mix your shredded chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce until every shred is deliciously coated. This step is what infuses the chicken with that unmistakable smoky-sweet barbecue taste.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza
Evenly distribute the sauced chicken over each flatbread. Next, layer on the mozzarella or Italian cheese blend, followed by the cheddar or smoked gouda cheese. Finally, scatter the thinly sliced red onion for a mild crunch and pop of color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizzas into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt fully and bubble up, while the edges of the flatbread turn golden and crisp.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your pizzas with green onions and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if you wish. Slice up this crowd-pleaser and serve warm, savoring every bite of this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like fresh green onions and chopped herbs add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked cheesy chicken. They brighten the flavors and add visual appeal, making each slice irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, coleslaw, or even some roasted corn for a full, satisfying meal. These sides complement the pizza’s bold flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving mini flatbread pizzas individually on wooden boards or as part of a pizza party spread with various toppings. Adding small bowls of extra barbecue sauce or ranch dressing on the side can elevate the experience, letting everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, perfect for an easy lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked pizzas by wrapping them securely in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up for up to two months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven to maintain crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it might make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience, but leftover grilled or poached chicken will also be delicious. Just shred it finely for the best texture.
What if I don’t have flatbread or naan? Can I use regular pizza dough?
Yes, traditional pizza dough can be substituted, though the cooking time might need adjusting. Flatbread keeps this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe quick and simple, but dough offers a thicker, chewier base if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for plant-based BBQ “chicken” alternatives or use grilled vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian twist on the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe.
Is there a recommended cheese blend for this recipe?
A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and a sharper cheese like cheddar or smoked gouda enhances flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian or smoked cheeses to make it your own.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just wait to add fresh garnishes until after baking to keep them vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that balances ease, flavor, and comfort perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe has got your back. I hope you dive in with as much enthusiasm as I do, and enjoy every smoky, cheesy, crispy bit!
