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Crispy Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe Easy Cheesy Perfection

crispy homemade bbq chicken pizza - featured image

A quick and easy homemade BBQ chicken pizza with a crispy crust, smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • About 2 tbsp semolina flour (optional, for dusting)
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (about 8 oz / 225g), thinly sliced or shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet preferred)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional extras: jalapeño slices, crumbled cooked bacon, Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit until frothy and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if sticky, but avoid overdoing it.
  3. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rest in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
  4. Prepare the chicken: While dough rises, heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook thinly sliced chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Toss with half the BBQ sauce and set aside.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare pizza base: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack. Roll out dough on a semolina-dusted surface to about 12 inches (30cm) round. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
  6. Assemble the pizza: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, reserving some for drizzling later. Evenly distribute BBQ chicken, red onion slices, and cheese mix. Add optional toppings like jalapeños or bacon if desired.
  7. Bake the pizza: Slide pizza onto the hot stone or place baking sheet in oven. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch closely after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  8. Finishing touches: Remove pizza from oven. Drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Let rest 3-5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set.

Notes

Use semolina or cornmeal under the dough to help crisp the crust and prevent sticking. Preheat oven and pizza stone or skillet for best results. Cook chicken ahead to keep it juicy. Let dough rest after baking before slicing to avoid cheese spill. Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat in oven or skillet to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and use dairy-free cheese if needed.

Nutrition

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