If you are searching for a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal that brings together smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors, this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy shredded chicken slathered in rich BBQ sauce with a perfectly crisp grilled crust and a luscious blend of mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, this pizza takes your usual pie game to a whole new level. Plus, grilling the pizza adds a subtle smokiness and a tender, chewy texture that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a unique homemade pizza, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the chewy but airy premade dough to the blend of cheeses that create gooey, melty goodness, every component works harmoniously to delight your palate.
- Premade pizza dough: Using store-bought dough speeds up the prep and forms a crispy, airy crust when grilled.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce perfectly, adding heartiness to the topping.
- BBQ sauce: Half is for brushing the crust and the rest for mixing with the chicken, infusing tang and smoky sweetness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides classic stretchiness and mild creaminess that melts beautifully.
- Gouda cheese: Adds a smoky, caramel-like richness that complements the BBQ flavor wonderfully.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and crunch to contrast the rich toppings.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbal garnish that refreshes each bite with a pop of green color.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by placing your premade pizza dough onto a floured pizza stone or rimless baking sheet. Stretch it gently into your desired shape, whether round or oval. Then let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch the dough again to a thinner, even layer without snapping back.
Step 2: Preheat and Oil the Grill
Fire up your grill to high heat and make sure the grates are well greased with nonstick spray or a bit of oil. This step is essential to prevent the dough from sticking and to achieve those beautiful grill marks that add smoky flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cook the Dough on the Grill
Place the stretched dough directly on the hot grill grates and close the lid. Let it grill for about 5 minutes. This gives the dough a firm bottom crust and smoky char, while the surface remains soft enough to add your toppings.
Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese
Take the grilled dough off the grill and flip it over so the grilled side is facing up. Brush the surface with ½ cup of BBQ sauce, spreading it evenly to infuse that tangy, smoky flavor directly onto the crust. Sprinkle half of both the mozzarella and Gouda cheeses on top, which will start melting and acting as a delicious base for the rest of your toppings.
Step 5: Add Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Spread this BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer on your pizza. This will add juicy, saucy bites in every slice.
Step 6: Finish with Onions and Cheese, Then Grill
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the chicken, adding a mild bite and a slight crunch. Then top with the remaining mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, which will melt over the veggies and chicken, creating a luscious, bubbling layer. Place the pizza back on the grill for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep the grill lid closed to retain heat and melt the cheese evenly.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove your grilled pizza from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This brief cooling time allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Just before serving, garnish generously with fresh cilantro for a vibrant and aromatic finish that balances the smoky richness beautifully.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the star garnish for this BBQ chicken pizza, as its bright herbal notes cut through the richness of the cheese and smoky BBQ sauce, giving each bite a lively freshness. You can also sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes if you like an added kick or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for an impressive finish.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs perfectly with light, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the bold flavors. Grilled corn on the cob brushed with a bit of butter and chili powder also complements the smoky BBQ theme and keeps the meal approachable and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family-style dinner, serve the pizza on a large wooden paddle or platter to showcase those gorgeous grill marks and melted cheese. You can cut the pizza into smaller squares for easy finger food, or even offer a build-your-own BBQ chicken pizza bar where everyone customizes their slices with extra toppings like jalapeños, pineapples, or different cheeses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will stay relatively crisp thanks to the initial grilling, but reheating properly is key to preserving texture.
Freezing
This grilled BBQ chicken pizza can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding fresh garnishes like cilantro. Wrap the cooled pizza tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pizza in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or place it under a broiler for a couple of minutes to revive the crispy crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the texture; it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s at room temperature and nicely stretched before grilling to achieve the perfect crust.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for this pizza?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce style, whether it’s smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Each variety will subtly change the pizza’s flavor profile, so pick one that suits your taste for the best results.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and load up on veggies like grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a BBQ twist without meat.
Is grilling pizza difficult for beginners?
Not at all! This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps. Just make sure your grill is well oiled and preheated, and keep an eye on the cooking times to avoid burning.
How can I add extra smoky flavor?
If you have a smoker box or wood chips for your grill, adding a little hickory or applewood smoke can elevate the smoky flavor and complement the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe a try soon because it is such a delicious way to bring together the flavors we all love in a fun and approachable grilled pizza format. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or your next backyard gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Happy grilling and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a smoky and flavorful Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza that combines tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, and thinly sliced red onions on a crispy grilled pizza crust. Perfect for summer barbecues or a delightful outdoor cooking experience, this recipe delivers a delicious twist on classic pizza using your grill for a charred, smoky finish.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 premade pizza dough (from the grocery store), room temperature
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured pizza stone or rimless baking sheet, stretch the pizza dough into your desired shape. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again to your preferred size and thickness.
- Preheat and Grease Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Make sure to grease the grill grates well using nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Dough: Place the stretched dough directly onto the hot grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes. This will give the crust a lightly charred, crispy base.
- Flip and Add Base Toppings: Remove the dough from the grill and carefully flip it so the grilled side is facing up. Brush the grilled surface with ½ cup of BBQ sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Gouda cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken Topping: In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Spread this chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the pizza.
- Add Remaining Toppings and Grill: Top the chicken with the thinly sliced red onions and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Gouda cheeses on top. Place the pizza back on the grill and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the crust is fully cooked, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to keep the grill lid closed while cooking to maintain high heat and achieve a nice crust.
- Use room temperature dough for easier stretching and better texture.
- Grilling times may vary depending on your grill’s heat—watch closely to avoid burning.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- Fresh cilantro can be substituted with fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
