Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small flatbread crusts or store-bought Naan bread; 1 ¼ cups barbecue sauce; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (such as the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken); 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or smoked gouda cheese; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 green onion, thinly sliced; Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is pure comfort, combining smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and a double layer of gooey cheese—all on top of crisp, bakery-fresh flatbread. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together fast, tastes like you spent hours, and begs for repeat performances every pizza night. With a perfect blend of tang, melt, and crunch, BBQ Chicken Pizza brings the party to your table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza are simple, but each one is key to building layers of bold flavor, tempting textures, and that signature look. Here’s what you need to make your pizza irresistible every time:

Flatbread crusts or naan: Sturdy, beautifully chewy, and ready-made for hassle-free pizza making—these are the best shortcut for a crispy base.
Barbecue sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—this is the flavor star, so pick your favorite variety for a sauce that sings.
Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes life easy, but any cooked, shredded chicken works (even leftovers!), soaking up all that saucy goodness.
Grated mozzarella or Italian cheese blend: Melts to stringy perfection, giving your pizza the irresistible cheese pull.
Grated cheddar or smoked gouda: Adds a richer and deeper flavor—the blend of cheeses is what makes every bite exciting.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle crunch and mild sharpness, plus a pop of color on top.
Green onion, thinly sliced: For a fresh, peppery finish that brightens up each slice.
Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley: A handful of fresh herbs at the end takes both flavor and appearance over the top.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Flatbreads

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat is what delivers that deliciously crisp, golden crust. Arrange your flatbreads or naan on rimmed baking sheets, ensuring there’s some space between each for even baking. Setting this up in advance makes assembly quick and easy—especially when you’re working with hungry family members eager for dinner.

Step 2: Layer on the BBQ Sauce

Spread about ¼ cup of barbecue sauce onto each flatbread, getting right up to the edge for maximum flavor in every bite. Don’t hold back—this isn’t the time for a light hand! The sauce creates the foundation for that signature sweet and smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza flavor.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

In a separate bowl, toss your cooked, shredded chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce. This step transforms plain chicken into something juicy and irresistible, ensuring every single bite of your BBQ Chicken Pizza packs a saucy punch.

Step 4: Top It Off

Distribute the saucy chicken evenly across your prepared flatbreads. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar (or smoked gouda) cheeses all over, covering the chicken so it’ll melt into gooey, cheesy perfection. Finally, scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top for crunch, color, and a gentle bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Let the pizzas bake for 10–15 minutes, checking for bubbly, melted cheese and edges that are crackling golden brown. When it’s ready, the aroma alone will have everyone crowding the kitchen!

Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Once the pizzas come out, don’t forget the final flourish: scatter green onions and your favorite chopped herbs on top. At this point, your BBQ Chicken Pizza is ready to be devoured—the fresh toppings take it straight from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it adds fresh bursts of flavor and color that balance the richness of BBQ Chicken Pizza. A shower of chopped cilantro at the finish delivers a cool, herby kick, while parsley offers a subtle earthiness. Green onions bring a bit more zing. For heat-lovers, don’t be shy with some chopped jalapeño!

Side Dishes

A crisp, tangy slaw or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette is a classic companion to BBQ Chicken Pizza. If you’re in the mood for comfort, serve with roasted potato wedges, sweet corn on the cob, or even a bowl of pickled veggies on the side to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Arrange BBQ Chicken Pizza slices on a large wooden board or pizza stone for a rustic, communal feel. Cut it into small squares or strips for appetizers at parties. For a twist, serve the pizza open-faced and cut into wedges, letting everyone add their own extra garnishes or hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza (lucky you!), slide slices into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—perfect for a quick lunch or late-night craving.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the pizza slices cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or parchment and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Pop them in the freezer, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. It’s the ultimate meal prep for busy weeks or surprise guests!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven (around 375°F works well) for 8–10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the crust chewy instead of crackly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of flatbread or naan?

Absolutely! Homemade dough brings an extra level of chew and crispness. Just shape it thin, pre-bake slightly for best results, and follow the same steps—your BBQ Chicken Pizza will taste amazing either way.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

You can quickly shred warm, cooked chicken with two forks or use a hand mixer on low for extra speed. Rotisserie chicken is super easy to work with, but leftover grilled or roasted chicken works great, too.

Is there a substitute for cilantro if I don’t love it?

Definitely—swap in fresh parsley or even a little finely chopped basil. The goal is to add a hit of brightness and color, so use your favorite soft herb for garnish.

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free flatbread, naan, or even a cauliflower crust if you prefer. Check that your barbecue sauce is also certified gluten-free—then just build and bake as usual.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to bake the crust quickly and evenly. Also, don’t overload with too much sauce or toppings—the balance is key to a crisp, delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a homemade pizza night full of flavor, adventure, and just a little bit of BBQ magic, give this BBQ Chicken Pizza a try. It’s quick, ridiculously easy to adapt, and always a hit. Grab your ingredients and invite everyone to the kitchen—this is the kind of meal that turns any night into a celebration!

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flavorful barbecue sauce base topped with tender shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 small flatbread crusts or store-bought Naan bread
1 ¼ cups barbecue sauce
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (such as the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken)
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
1 cup grated cheddar cheese or smoked gouda cheese
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Prepare flatbreads: Arrange the flatbreads on rimmed baking sheets. Spread about ¼ cup of barbecue sauce on each flatbread.
Coat chicken: Toss the chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce.
Assemble pizzas: Spread the chicken evenly on top of each flatbread pizza. Sprinkle the cheeses and red onion over the top.
Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp on the edges.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onion, cilantro, or parsley just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American