If you are craving a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Imagine a golden, crispy crust layered with tangy barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, a mix of melted pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, and zesty pickled jalapeños that awaken your taste buds with every bite. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to devour, ideal for sharing with friends or treating yourself to an irresistible homemade pizza night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the warm yeast dough that forms the crispy base to the spicy jalapeños that add a zing, every item plays a crucial role in making this pizza unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the pan for a golden crust and used in the dough to add moisture and richness.
- Warm water (110 degrees F): Activates the yeast for a fluffy, risen dough.
- Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy BBQ sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and tenderizes the pizza dough.
- Salt: Enhances all the dough’s flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Barbecue sauce: Brings that signature smoky and sweet taste that defines this pizza.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: Offers creamy texture with a hint of spice.
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese blend: Adds melty richness and a mild sharpness.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: The hearty protein that soaks up BBQ sauce deliciously.
- Pickled jalapeños: Provides a bright, tangy heat that cuts through the richness.
- Diced red onion: Adds a juicy bite and a little sweetness.
- Diced scallion: Garnishes with fresh, herbal notes.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by brushing a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote crisping. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast, letting it sit until it becomes foamy, which signals the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then whisk in sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt before gradually adding the flour to form a sticky dough. This initial step sets the stage for a soft but crispy crust.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten, providing that ideal chew. Transfer the dough back to the oiled baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour. Patience here leads to that perfect airy texture.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the lower rack to get nicely heated. Gently press and stretch your risen dough to cover the pan, then let it rest for 30 minutes so it can relax and stretch further if needed. This ensures an even thickness and a crust that bakes perfectly crisp yet tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Crust for Toppings
Before adding your toppings, pierce the dough all over with a fork. This prevents large air bubbles from forming in the crust, guaranteeing even cooking and a stable base to hold all the delicious toppings without any sogginess.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Brush the dough generously with BBQ sauce, leaving the edges bare to form a natural crust. Layer half of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses over the sauce, scatter the shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and scallion on top, then finish with the remaining cheese. This layering ensures every slice bursts with flavor and melty goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles enticingly. The hot stone cranks up the heat from below, mimicking a professional pizza oven to deliver a crispy bottom and perfectly melted toppings.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Slice
Once baked, allow the pizza to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps set the cheese and toppings, making it easier to cut clean slices without everything sliding off. Plus, it’s the perfect moment to appreciate the inviting aromas.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with fresh garnishes can elevate every bite. Sprinkle additional diced scallions or fresh cilantro for a bright pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. A drizzle of ranch or a dollop of sour cream can also balance the spice and add creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this smoky, spicy pizza with light, crisp sides such as a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or crunchy coleslaw. These sides provide refreshing contrast and balance the richness of the cheese and barbecue sauce, making the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe on individual small pans for a personal mini-pizza experience. You can also experiment with barbecue sauces — try a spicy chipotle or a sweet honey BBQ to surprise guests with different flavor profiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza will maintain its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, consider freezing the assembled but unbaked pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive your leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven rather than microwaving to keep the crust crisp. A quick 5 to 10 minutes in a 375-degree F oven works beautifully to restore that fresh-baked texture and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and mix with the barbecue sauce before topping your pizza.
What if I don’t have pickled jalapeños? Can I substitute them?
Yes, feel free to use fresh jalapeños for more heat, or banana peppers for a milder tangy kick. You could also omit them if you prefer less spice.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free pizza flour blend that is designed for yeast doughs. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
The spiciness is moderate and mainly comes from the pepper jack cheese and pickled jalapeños. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it after kneading, then let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and excitement in every slice, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is your answer. It’s straightforward, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for making memories around the table. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite pizza creation!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe features a homemade yeast dough topped with tangy barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, a blend of pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses, and zesty vegetables like pickled jalapeños and red onion. The pizza is baked on a hot stone to achieve a crispy crust with bubbling cheese and vibrant flavors, perfect for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing the baking sheet)
- 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
- Prepare the Baking Sheet and Yeast Mixture: Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast and let it stand until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating activation.
- Mix and Knead Dough: Whisk in sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to the prepared sheet pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven and Shape Dough: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet placed on the lower rack to heat thoroughly. Gently press and stretch the dough to cover the pan evenly. Let it stand for 30 minutes for the second rise, then stretch again if needed to fill the pan.
- Dock the Dough: Pierce the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles during baking.
- Add Toppings: Brush the surface of the dough with barbecue sauce, leaving the edges plain for a crust. Evenly distribute half of the pepper jack and cheddar jack cheeses over the sauce, then top with shredded chicken, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, and scallion. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Letting the dough rest and rise twice creates a lighter and airier pizza crust.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce according to your taste preference.
- You can substitute cooked chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra heat, add more pickled jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
