BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, blending smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings. It originated in California and has grown into a global favorite, perfect for family meals, casual dinners, or festive gatherings.
1. Ingredients (for 2 medium pizzas, serves 4):
For the dough:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup warm water
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the homemade BBQ sauce (about 1 cup):
7. 1 cup tomato ketchup
8. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
9. 2 tbsp brown sugar
10. 1 tbsp honey
11. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12. 1 tsp smoked paprika
13. ½ tsp garlic powder
14. ½ tsp onion powder
15. ½ tsp black pepper
16. ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
17. 1 tbsp olive oil
For the topping:
18. 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
19. ½ cup homemade BBQ sauce plus 2 tbsp extra for drizzle
20. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
21. ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
22. ½ cup cooked corn kernels (optional)
23. ½ cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
24. Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
25. Olive oil for brushing
2. Cooking and Serving Details:
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Servings: 4 people
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Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour dough resting)
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Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
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Total time: 40–45 minutes (excluding dough resting)
3. Method:
Making the Dough:
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In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm water, 1 tsp sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Tip: Water should be warm, not hot—40–45°C (105–110°F)—to activate yeast without killing it.
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Add 3 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Tip: Kneading builds gluten which makes the crust chewy.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Tip: For faster rising, keep it in a warm oven with the light on.
Making the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
6. Stir well and simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Tip: Stir often so the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed. Let cool before using. Tip: The sauce thickens more as it cools.
Preparing the Pizza:
8. Toss the cooked chicken with ½ cup homemade BBQ sauce until well coated. Tip: Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 10 minutes for deeper flavor.
9. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone or baking tray inside while heating.
10. Punch down the dough, divide into 2 balls, and roll each into a thin round. Use flour to prevent sticking.
11. Brush each base lightly with olive oil and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce.
12. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese, then spread BBQ chicken evenly. Add onions, corn, and bell peppers.
13. Top with the remaining mozzarella to cover toppings.
14. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. Rotate halfway through for even cooking.
15. Remove from oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, garnish with coriander or parsley, slice, and serve hot.
4. Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
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Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water for balance.
5. Extra Tips:
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Pre-bake the base for 3–4 minutes before topping if you like a crunchier crust.
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Add jalapeños or chili flakes for spice.
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Try a cheese mix—mozzarella with smoked gouda or cheddar—for more depth.
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BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 1 week.
6. Nutrition per serving (4 servings, including homemade sauce):
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Calories: ~430 kcal
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Protein: 25 g
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 11 g
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Sodium: ~750 mg
