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BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

This Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender, smoky BBQ chicken with a crispy homemade pizza crust, melty mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh cilantro for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and sweetness, this crowd-pleasing pizza is baked to golden-brown perfection in your oven.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (8-10 oz) or 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for chicken)

Pizza

  • 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for pizza base)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
  • Semolina flour or cornmeal (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season generously with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
  2. Cook the chicken: Either stovetop cook the chicken over medium-high heat, searing 5-7 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  3. Prepare BBQ chicken: Shred or dice the rested chicken, then toss with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce until well coated. Set aside for topping.
  4. Preheat oven and setup: Place a pizza stone or heavy-duty baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven and preheat the oven to its highest setting (475-500°F / 245-260°C) for 30-60 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
  5. Prepare pizza dough and toppings: Thinly slice red onion, chop fresh cilantro, and shred mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses. On a lightly dusted surface using semolina flour or cornmeal, stretch or roll out pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Transfer dough to a dusted pizza peel or baking sheet for easy handling.
  6. Brush crust: Lightly brush the outer edge of the pizza dough with 1 tbsp olive oil to help achieve a golden crust.
  7. Spread BBQ sauce: Spoon the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce evenly onto the dough, leaving a 1/2 to 1-inch border for the crust.
  8. Add cheese and chicken: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by smoked gouda on top. Then evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the cheese layer.
  9. Add onions: Scatter the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the pizza for a slight crunch and sharpness.
  10. Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly with some light browning. Rotate halfway if needed for even cooking.
  11. Rest and garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board or wire rack. Let rest 3-5 minutes to settle toppings. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbal finish.
  12. Serve: Slice the Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza into 8 wedges. Optionally drizzle a little more BBQ sauce before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful homemade pizza!

Notes

  • You can use either chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference for lean or juicier meat.
  • Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is key to achieving a crispy crust.
  • Semolina flour or cornmeal helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle texture to the crust base.
  • If smoked gouda is unavailable, you can substitute with another smoky cheese or omit altogether.
  • Leftover pizza is best reheated in a hot oven or skillet to restore crispness.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce quantity to taste for more or less sweetness and tang.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/bbq-chicken-pizza-recipe/