Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Are you tired of the same old pizza routine and looking to spice things up in the kitchen? Look no further than this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe! This pizza creation has become a beloved favorite in my household, bringing excitement to our Friday nights and making us feel like we’re dining at a fancy pizza joint without leaving the comfort of home.

The magic of BBQ Chicken Pizza lies in its perfect combination of flavors – the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, the savory chicken, the crunch of red bell peppers, the sharpness of red onions, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeños. It’s a medley of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, this BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

  • Elevates leftover chicken into a new and exciting dish with complex flavors
  • Offers a delicious combination of sweet BBQ sauce, fresh vegetables, and spicy jalapeños
  • Adaptable to various tastes and ingredients, making it a versatile and customizable meal
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or as a weekend treat

Why You’ll Love This Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe Recipe

  • Transforms Ordinary Ingredients: Turns leftover chicken into an exciting and flavorful pizza.
  • Exciting Flavor Profile: Combines smoky BBQ sauce, fresh vegetables, and spicy jalapeños for a unique taste experience.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Customize with different veggies, cheeses, or toppings for endless flavor possibilities.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, but special enough to feel like a treat.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this pizza, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizza place.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully, freezes well, and keeps for days, making it ideal for planned leftovers or quick lunches.
  • Balanced and Delicious: The combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and crispy elements creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Pizza Base

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 store-bought pizza crust
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Toppings

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

How to Make Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dough

Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll or stretch half of the homemade dough onto a dark cookie sheet or pizza pan for a crispy crust; use a light-colored pan for a softer crust.

Step 2: Add BBQ Sauce Base

Evenly spread BBQ sauce on pizza crust, leaving a small border. Sprinkle black pepper evenly over the sauce.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

Spread the chopped chicken evenly over the pizza crust. Opt for rotisserie or grilled chicken for optimal taste and ease.

Step 4: Add Fresh Vegetables

Evenly distribute the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño peppers over the chicken, ensuring the vegetable slices are thin for proper cooking.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza, ensuring all toppings are covered for even melting and flavor distribution.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots, and edges are crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve promptly while hot and cheese is melty.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious BBQ chicken pizza, it’s important to store any leftovers correctly to maintain their freshness and flavor. To store the pizza, cover it with a lid or tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The BBQ chicken pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the pizza in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust and warm it through.

If you have extra pizza that you won’t be consuming within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. To freeze the pizza, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The BBQ chicken pizza can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen pizza, simply bake it from frozen in a preheated oven. Keep in mind that you may need to add extra baking time to ensure the pizza is heated through and the crust crisps up nicely. Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave for quick lunches, although using the oven method will help maintain the crust’s crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the pizza dough, if you don’t have the time or ingredients to make homemade dough, you can easily use a store-bought pizza crust as a convenient alternative. Look for pre-made pizza crusts in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store for a quick and easy substitution that will save you time.

If you prefer a different protein or have leftover cooked turkey, pork, or even tofu on hand, feel free to substitute them for the cooked chicken in the recipe. This allows you to customize the pizza based on your preferences or what you have available, while still enjoying the delicious flavor combination of BBQ sauce, cheese, and vegetables. Just ensure the protein is cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding it to the pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion: For a fun and interactive pizza night, set up a DIY BBQ chicken pizza bar with bowls of different toppings like extra shredded cheese, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Let everyone customize their own mini pizzas before baking for a personalized touch.

Another creative way to enjoy BBQ chicken pizza is to turn it into a delicious party appetizer. Cut the pizza into bite-sized squares or triangles and serve them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. This way, guests can enjoy the flavors of BBQ chicken pizza in a convenient and social setting.

FAQs for Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this BBQ chicken pizza?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great as it adds flavor and saves time. Simply chop or shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce before adding it to your pizza.

Can I customize the toppings on this BBQ chicken pizza?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences. You can add or swap toppings like pineapple, corn, different types of cheese, or fresh herbs like cilantro. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.

How should I store leftover BBQ chicken pizza?

To store leftover BBQ chicken pizza, cover it and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, place it in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust. You can also freeze unbaked assembled pizzas for up to three months, but adjust the baking time when cooking from frozen.

What is the key to achieving the perfect balance of sauce on this pizza?

The key to getting the sauce just right on this BBQ chicken pizza is to apply it evenly and sparingly. Too little sauce can result in a dry pizza, while too much can make the crust soggy. Aim for a thin, even layer with a small border around the crust to maintain the ideal balance of flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend meal or a quick weeknight dinner, BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect choice that promises to delight your taste buds. This flavorful pizza is not just about satisfying your hunger but also about creating a memorable dining experience right in the comfort of your own home.

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Pizza lies in its versatility – from the choice of toppings to the balance of flavors, you can truly make it your own. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the process, and this recipe is a fantastic way to do just that. Embrace the joy of homemade pizza and treat yourself to the deliciousness of BBQ Chicken Pizza whenever the craving strikes!

Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Transform ordinary leftover chicken into an exciting BBQ Chicken Pizza bursting with smoky sweetness, fresh crunch, and perfect heat for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time30 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings10 Servings (10 pizza slices)

Ingredients

Pizza Base

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1 store-bought pizza crust
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Toppings

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Dough: Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll or stretch half of the homemade dough onto a dark cookie sheet or pizza pan for a crispy crust; use a light-colored pan for a softer crust.
  2. Add BBQ Sauce Base: Evenly spread BBQ sauce on pizza crust, leaving a small border. Sprinkle black pepper evenly over the sauce.
  3. Layer the Chicken: Spread the chopped chicken evenly over the pizza crust. Opt for rotisserie or grilled chicken for optimal taste and ease.
  4. Add Fresh Vegetables: Evenly distribute the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño peppers over the chicken, ensuring the vegetable slices are thin for proper cooking.
  5. Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza, ensuring all toppings are covered for even melting and flavor distribution.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots, and edges are crispy.
  7. Cool and Serve: Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve promptly while hot and cheese is melty.