BBQ chicken pizza is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s smoky, slightly sweet, deeply savory, and incredibly satisfying. First popularized in California kitchens in the 1980s, this pizza has become a nationwide favorite—and for good reason. When made at home, it’s often fresher, more flavorful, and far more customizable than anything you’ll get from a delivery box.
This recipe walks you through making a truly restaurant-quality BBQ chicken pizza at home, with clear steps, smart tips, and plenty of room to make it your own. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family dinner, a casual get‑together, or a fun weekend cooking project, this pizza delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza
This homemade BBQ chicken pizza strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tangy barbecue sauce forms the base, tender seasoned chicken adds protein and depth, and a blend of melty cheeses brings everything together. Thinly sliced red onions provide just enough crunch and bite, while fresh herbs finish the pizza with brightness.
Making it at home also gives you full control—over the sauce, the cheese, the crust thickness, and even how smoky or sweet the final pizza tastes. It’s an easy recipe that feels special without being complicated, making it ideal for both weeknights and entertaining.
Is BBQ Chicken Pizza Worth Making at Home?
Absolutely. Homemade BBQ chicken pizza allows you to:
- Control ingredient quality and portion sizes
- Adjust sweetness, smokiness, and spice levels
- Save money compared to takeout
- Customize each pizza for different preferences
It’s also surprisingly approachable. With a hot oven, simple ingredients, and a little planning, you can create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of a Great Pizza
For the Pizza Dough (or use 1 lb store‑bought dough)
- 2½ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the BBQ Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pizza Toppings
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (for the base)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce
A thick, well‑balanced barbecue sauce works best for pizza. Look for one that isn’t overly sweet or watery. Popular store‑bought options like Sweet Baby Ray’s, KC Masterpiece, or Stubb’s are reliable choices. If you prefer more control, a homemade sauce lets you fine‑tune sweetness, tang, and spice to match your taste.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
If making homemade dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Tip: For deeper flavor, prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
2. Cook the BBQ Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice into bite‑sized pieces.
- Toss chicken with ¼ cup BBQ sauce and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll or stretch dough into a 12–14 inch round on a floured surface.
- Transfer dough to a pizza stone or greased baking sheet.
- Brush crust edges lightly with olive oil.
- Spread ⅓ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1‑inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- Add BBQ chicken and red onion slices evenly.
4. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For extra color on top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with green onions and cilantro. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cheese is layered to protect the crust from excess sauce
- Chicken is pre‑cooked and lightly sauced to prevent dryness
- High oven temperature ensures a crisp, bakery‑style crust
- Fresh toppings are added after baking for better flavor
These small details make a noticeable difference in the final result.
Cooking Methods to Try
Pizza Stone
Produces a crisp, evenly baked crust. Preheat the stone for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling
Adds subtle smoky flavor and char. Grill the dough briefly before adding toppings.
Cast Iron Skillet
Creates a thicker pizza with crispy, golden edges—great for sharing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much BBQ sauce, which can make the pizza soggy
- Adding wet or freshly washed chicken without patting it dry
- Overloading toppings, which prevents even baking
- Baking at too low a temperature
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Southwest: Add jalapeños, corn, and black beans
- Hawaiian BBQ: Include pineapple for a sweet contrast
- Buffalo BBQ: Mix BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles
- Vegetarian: Use roasted mushrooms or BBQ‑tossed chickpeas
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Pizza
Side Ideas:
- Caesar salad
- Honey‑lime coleslaw
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
Drinks:
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced tea with lemon
- Light beer or red wine
Storage and Reheating
- Store cooled pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes
- A skillet or air fryer also works well for crisp results
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just toss it with BBQ sauce before adding to the pizza.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Use moderate sauce, layer cheese first, and bake at high heat.
Can I freeze BBQ chicken pizza?
Yes. Freeze baked slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Is this pizza spicy?
It’s mild by default. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
Final Thoughts
Making BBQ chicken pizza at home is about more than convenience—it’s about creating a pizza that fits your taste perfectly. With a crisp crust, balanced sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, this recipe offers a reliable foundation you can return to again and again.
Once you try it, you may find that homemade BBQ chicken pizza becomes a regular part of your meal rotation—no delivery required.
