Is there anything more satisfying than a pizza hot from your own oven, loaded with smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese? This isn’t your average delivery pizza. Mouthwatering Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza takes the classic flavors you love from a summer cookout and bakes them onto a crispy, chewy crust. It’s a fun twist on taco night that comes together on one simple sheet pan, making cleanup a total breeze. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting, a little bit messy, and completely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t keep you chained to the stove. It’s so, so much better than ordering in. We’re using a trusty sheet pan, which means we’re skipping the fuss of a pizza stone and getting a perfectly crispy crust every single time. The combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with savory chicken and sharp red onion is just magic. And honestly? This is one of those easy family meals that feels like a treat but is simple enough for a hectic weeknight. So good.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade (the foundation of our pizza)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (for hearty, protein-packed bites)
- 3/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, divided (for that signature smoky-sweet flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to help achieve a golden, crispy crust)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for the essential stretchy, melty layer)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (adds a bold, tangy flavor boost)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (provides a sharp, crunchy contrast)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (a bright, fresh finish)
- Cornmeal or extra flour, for dusting (prevents the dough from sticking to the pan)
Step by Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a large sheet pan upside down in the oven while it heats. This helps get the pan super hot for a crispier crust.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated. Set it aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a rectangle that will fit your sheet pan. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven, sprinkle it with cornmeal, and lay the dough on top.
- Brush the edges of the dough with the olive oil. This will help them get beautifully golden brown.
- Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle on half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Then, evenly distribute the BBQ chicken and red onions. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with the fresh cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.
Equipment Needed for Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver, and all you really need is one sturdy half-sheet pan (that’s roughly 18×13 inches). A good rimmed baking sheet is key because it contains any saucy messes. I also love my bench scraper for easily transferring the pizza from the pan to a cutting board. And don’t forget a good pair of oven mitts—that pan gets seriously hot!
Creative Variations on BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Switch Up the Sauce: Try a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce or a honey mustard BBQ blend for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Lover’s: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even some canned pineapple tidbits (trust me on this one).
- Extra Cheesy: Swap the cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack to really amp up the flavor.
- Turkey Twist: For a different smoky note, use shredded smoked turkey instead of the chicken.
- Herb Garden: If you’re not a cilantro person, fresh chopped parsley or chives make a lovely garnish.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Family Meals
This pizza is a full meal all on its own, but a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a true backyard barbecue feel, serve it with some crunchy carrot and celery sticks or a tangy homemade coleslaw. And if you’re feeding a real hungry crowd, a big pitcher of iced tea or lemonade is the perfect drink to wash it all down.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Leftovers? Let the pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, skip the microwave unless you love a soggy crust. Instead, pop a slice on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty again and the bottom is crisp. You can also reheat it in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for a super fast and crispy result.
Air Fryer Settings for Homemade BBQ Pizza
If you want to make a smaller, personal-sized pizza, your air fryer is a fantastic tool. Roll out a portion of dough to fit your air fryer basket (you might need to use a parchment paper sling). Pre-cook the naked crust at 370°F for 3 minutes. Then, add your toppings as directed and air fry for another 5-7 minutes at 370°F, checking frequently, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe? Absolutely! A store-bought rotisserie chicken is my number one time-saving trick. Just shred the meat and toss it with the BBQ sauce.
- My dough is always tough. What am I doing wrong? The biggest secret is to let your dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you try to stretch it. Cold dough will always fight you and snap back.
- Can I make this Homemade BBQ pizza ahead of time? You can prep the components ahead. Shred the chicken, slice the onions, and shred the cheese. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge, then assemble right before baking for the best results.
- What’s the best way to get a crispy crust for this quick dinner? Preheating your sheet pan in the oven is the game-changer. That instant blast of heat on the bottom of the dough is what gives you that perfect, crispy foundation.