Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Sink your teeth into a slice of pure summer joy with Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza, an absolute crowd-pleaser that marries smoky, caramelized barbecue flavors with melty cheese and a crisp, fire-kissed crust. This recipe takes the best of both worlds—fresh-off-the-grill pizza and crave-worthy BBQ chicken—and brings them together for a memorable meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re hosting friends or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, this pizza is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every layer of this pizza packs a flavorful punch. These simple ingredients create a show-stopping pie with robust barbecue notes, perfect gooey cheese, and a pop of freshness. Let’s break down how each one makes this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza unforgettable.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): Homemade or store-bought, a sturdy pizza base is key for holding all those bold toppings and getting those beautiful grill marks.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushing the dough helps achieve that delightfully crisp, golden crust—and it prevents sticking, too.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): Rotisserie or grilled chicken is super convenient and soaks up the barbecue sauce for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Barbecue sauce (½ cup, divided): Your favorite BBQ sauce provides sweet-tangy backbone, both as a base sauce and for tossing the chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): The classic pizza melt—mozzarella brings gooeyness and balances the assertive barbecue flavors.
- Shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese (½ cup): Smoked gouda adds depth and a touch of savoriness, but sharp cheddar works fantastically too.
- Thinly sliced red onion (¼ cup): These slivers bring sharp crunch and a bit of sweetness that pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce.
- Sliced jalapeños (¼ cup, optional): Add these for a pop of heat and color—feel free to skip if you prefer mild.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkling this on at the end adds fresh, herbal notes and a bright finish.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Pizza Dough
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high, aiming for around 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to keep that gorgeous crust from sticking. On a floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch round—no need for perfection! Brush one side lightly with olive oil; this not only helps with grilling but creates a tasty, golden-brown edge.
Step 2: Grill the Dough
Place your prepared dough, oiled side down, directly on the hot grill. Watch as bubbles start to form and the underside chars lightly, about 2-3 minutes. Brush the top with more olive oil, then flip the dough carefully using tongs or a large spatula. This method gives you that crave-worthy crispy-chewy grilled crust.
Step 3: Saucing and Topping
Immediately spread half of the barbecue sauce over the grilled side of the dough. In a bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the sauced dough, add on your BBQ chicken, then scatter on the shredded gouda, red onion slices, and jalapeños (if you’re using them). Finish off with the remaining mozzarella—layering ensures every bite is irresistibly cheesy.
Step 4: Finish Grilling
Close the grill lid and let the pizza cook for another 4–6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the toppings are slightly caramelized, and the crust is cooked through with those beautiful grill marks. This step transforms everyday pizza into Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza magic!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once off the grill, let your pizza rest just a couple of minutes before slicing—this keeps the cheese nicely set and makes it easier to handle. Shower the pie with chopped fresh cilantro for that final burst of color and garden-fresh flavor. Now, slice and dive in!
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle your Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with plenty of fresh cilantro; for even more flair, try a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce, a sprinkle of smoked sea salt, or a dash of chili flakes if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
Offset the smoky-cheesy richness of this pizza with a lightly dressed green salad or a tangy slaw. Sweet corn on the cob or grilled veggies also make fantastic companions for a summer meal, rounding out your backyard feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pizza into thin strips for a shareable appetizer platter, or pile slices on a big wooden board for rustic picnic vibes. For BBQ night, serve alongside individual mini salad cups or crispy potato wedges for the ultimate comfort spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza? Place cooled slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, arrange individual slices on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their quality for up to 2 months—perfect for quick meals.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the crust will be soft rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked pizza crust instead of raw dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, go for a pre-cooked crust. Just grill it briefly on each side to warm through before adding your toppings, then let the cheese melt over indirect heat.
What’s the best way to cook Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! Simply bake your pizza in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12–15 minutes on a pizza stone or baking sheet until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
How spicy does it get with jalapeños?
The jalapeños bring a mild to moderate heat, especially when sliced thin. To tame the spice, be sure to remove the seeds, or just skip them if you prefer things milder; the pizza will still shine!
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut for Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza! Just shred it up, toss with barbecue sauce, and pile on. It keeps the meal super convenient but still deliciously juicy.
Is it possible to make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein—try grilled jackfruit, smoked tofu, or even chickpeas tossed in barbecue sauce. The flavors and fun textures still come through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is the kind of recipe that brings smiles and second helpings every time you make it. Fire up the grill, play with your favorite toppings, and savor the unbeatable mix of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself adding this one to your regular summer rotation—every bite is a delicious celebration!
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining smoky barbecue flavors with grilled pizza goodness. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface. Brush one side lightly with olive oil and grill for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Spread barbecue sauce on one side of the dough. Top with chicken, cheeses, red onion, and jalapeños. Close the grill lid and cook for 4–6 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, let it rest for 2 minutes, sprinkle with cilantro, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoky twist, use smoked mozzarella.
- If grilling is not an option, bake the pizza at 450°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
