BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade pizza with a twist! A crispy, golden crust is topped with a tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of jalapeños and red onions for a flavor combination that’s both sweet and savory. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a game day gathering, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade crust: This recipe includes a simple and easy-to-follow method for making a delicious homemade pizza crust.
• Flavorful: The combination of barbecue sauce, chicken, cheese, and vegetables creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
• Crowd-pleaser: This pizza is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

this Recipe

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious homemade pizza. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sheet Pan:

• Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking sheet and prevent the pizza from sticking.

For the Dough:

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: Makes the dough rise and gives it a light and airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds flavor and richness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the pizza dough.

For the Toppings:

• Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
• Pepper Jack Cheese and Cheddar Jack Cheese Blend: A combination of cheeses that adds a melty, cheesy flavor with a hint of spice.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast: Adds a lean protein boost.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Adds a spicy kick.
• Diced Red Onion: Adds a sharp and flavorful bite.
• Scallions: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Brush an 11×17-inch rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until foamy. Whisk in the olive oil and salt. Add the flour and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat and Shape the Dough

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the lower third rack. Gently press and stretch the pizza dough on the baking sheet to cover as much of the pan as possible. Let stand for 30 minutes, then gently press and stretch again if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Crust

Use a fork to pierce the pizza dough all over, starting at the center and working to within 1 inch of the edge.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Brush the dough evenly with barbecue sauce, leaving the edges bare for the crust. Top with half of the cheeses, then add the cooked chicken, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and scallions. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet on the hot pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cutting board and slicing into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dough: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
• Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
• Baking time: Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Casual dinner: This pizza is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun family meal.
• Game day: It’s also a great option for serving at a game day gathering or party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pizza crust or your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving.

Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before¹ reheating.

My pizza crust is soggy, what did I do wrong?
If your pizza crust is soggy, it could be that you used too much sauce or that the oven temperature was too low. Make sure to use the correct amount of sauce and bake the pizza at a high temperature to ensure a crispy crust.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for BBQ Chicken Pizza. I hope you enjoy it!

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