If you’re a fan of bold, smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness, then BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect choice for your next homemade pizza night. The combination of tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and caramelized red onions creates a pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a favorite among pizza lovers who like something a little different. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza right at home!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup corn kernels (optional, for added sweetness and texture)
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey (if using), and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir well to combine. This sauce will be spread over the pizza to add the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor.

3. Caramelize the Onions

While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious depth of flavor to your pizza. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken breast. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or grill some chicken breasts for extra smoky flavor. Make sure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded for easy topping.

5. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness (usually about 12 inches in diameter).

Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce. Add the caramelized onions and any optional ingredients like corn kernels. Finally, top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Slice, serve, and enjoy the smoky, sweet goodness of your BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, but make sure it’s one with a good balance of sweetness and tanginess. If you prefer a more smoky flavor, opt for a smoky BBQ sauce.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but grilled or roasted chicken will provide a richer flavor.
• Extra Toppings: You can add extra ingredients like bell peppers, bacon, or even a little bit of jalapeño for some heat.
• Crispier Crust: If you like a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone in the oven before placing the dough on it.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful and fun twist on the classic pizza. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions makes for a pizza that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or treating yourself to something special, this BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to be a hit. Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings, and enjoy the smoky, savory goodness in every bite!

Happy cooking! 🍕🍗