Description

This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe combines tender, saucy chicken with a blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses atop a crispy 12-inch crust. Perfectly baked at a high temperature for a golden crust and bubbly cheese, this pizza is garnished with fresh herbs and scallions to add a fragrant, fresh finish. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing pizza ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for a 12-inch crust)

Chicken Topping

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
½ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Garnishes

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2–3 tablespoons sliced green onions (scallions)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475 °F (245 °C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust.
Prepare Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup of BBQ sauce until each piece is well coated, infusing it with flavor.
Shape Dough: Roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape and transfer it carefully onto a lightly floured pizza peel or a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
Spread Sauce: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
Add Chicken and Onion: Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the sauced dough evenly and sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions on top.
Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda (or cheddar) cheeses over the chicken and onions for rich, melty goodness.
Bake Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Rest and Drizzle: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top if desired for added tanginess.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet helps achieve a crispier crust.
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken but any cooked chicken will work.
Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preference, both in the chicken mixture and for drizzling.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a bright, fresh flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Make sure not to overload the pizza with toppings to ensure it cooks evenly.