BBQ Chicken Cheesy Delight

This BBQ chicken pizza combines the smoky-sweet flavors of barbecue sauce with melty cheese and tender chicken for a family-friendly dinner that comes together in minutes. The contrast of tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and crisp vegetables creates a pizza that's miles beyond your standard delivery option.

I first created this pizza when trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, and it's since become our Friday night tradition. My teenagers now request it specifically when friends come over, proudly calling it "the famous family pizza."

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crust: Provides convenience and consistent results. Look for refrigerated dough in the dairy section for fresher flavor
• Shredded chicken: Delivers protein and meaty texture. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor
• BBQ sauce: Forms the flavor foundation. Choose a sauce with balanced sweetness and smokiness
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that classic stretchy pizza texture while adding mild creaminess
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly
• Red onion: Contributes a subtle bite that balances the sweet sauce. Look for firm onions with tight skin
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the rich flavors. Pick bunches with vibrant green leaves
• Corn kernels: Add sweet pops of texture in every bite. Fresh corn provides the best flavor when in season
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Enhance the savory depth. Fresh spices will have more potent flavor
• Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. Extra virgin adds subtle flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 475°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect pizza crust with a crispy exterior and chewy interior. Allow at least 20 minutes for your oven to fully preheat, as most ovens signal they're ready before actually reaching the set temperature.

Season and Prepare the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The warm spices enhance the smoky notes in the sauce while the garlic adds depth. Stir thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated, which ensures consistent flavor throughout the pizza.

Prepare Your Pizza Base:

If using refrigerated dough, let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before handling. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 12 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the entire surface lightly with olive oil, focusing on the edges to promote browning.

Apply the BBQ Chicken Layer:

Spread the seasoned BBQ chicken mixture evenly across the prepared crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge for a proper crust to form. Distribute the chicken pieces evenly rather than clumping them together to ensure each slice has plenty of flavor.

Add the Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken layer, followed by the sharp cheddar. Using two different cheeses creates complexity in both flavor and texture. The mozzarella provides the stretchy, melty quality while the cheddar brings a sharper, more pronounced flavor that stands up to the bold BBQ sauce.

Top with Vegetables:

Distribute the red onion slices and corn kernels evenly across the surface. The vegetables should be scattered rather than piled to ensure even cooking. The onions will slightly caramelize during baking while the corn kernels add sweet texture throughout the pizza.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your pizza in the middle rack of your fully preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and the crust edges to turn golden brown. The bottom should be crisp enough to hold the toppings without sagging.

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The first time I served this pizza at a neighborhood potluck, three families asked for the recipe before the night was over. Something about the combination of sweet BBQ sauce and the sharp cheddar cheese creates a flavor profile that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Perfect BBQ Sauce Selection

The BBQ sauce you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor of your pizza. For a classic profile, select a sauce with balanced sweetness and smokiness. Kansas City style sauces work beautifully here with their thick consistency and tomato base. If you prefer more tang, opt for a Carolina style sauce with vinegar notes. For heat lovers, choose a spicy BBQ sauce with chipotle or habanero. Regardless of style, look for sauces without high fructose corn syrup for better caramelization during baking.

Creative Variations

This recipe serves as an excellent base for endless variations. For a southwestern twist, add black beans and pickled jalapeños. Create a tropical version by incorporating diced pineapple and bacon. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms tossed in the same BBQ mixture. For a white BBQ pizza, use Alabama white sauce instead of traditional red BBQ sauce and top with smoked turkey. During summer months, try grilled chicken and add fresh avocado slices after baking for a California style variation.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without competing. A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and homemade dressing provides refreshing contrast. For casual gatherings, serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli. When entertaining, present the pizza on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and hot honey for drizzling. During warmer months, a cucumber and tomato salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and fresh herbs balances the rich pizza beautifully.

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With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dinner that rivals your favorite pizzeria!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This versatile dish works well with pulled pork, shredded beef, or even bacon as alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try substituting the chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans tossed in the same BBQ sauce mixture.

→ What's the best BBQ sauce to use?

The best BBQ sauce is really a matter of personal preference. A sweet and smoky variety works well with the cheese, but you could also try a spicy or honey BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile. Homemade BBQ sauce is also an excellent option if you have a favorite recipe.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time - mix the BBQ chicken mixture and prep the toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the best results and crispiest crust.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors. Garlic bread or buffalo wings also make excellent accompaniments. For beverages, try a cold craft beer, iced tea, or lemonade to complement the BBQ flavors.

→ How can I make the crust crispier?

For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the prepared pizza on it. You can also par-bake the crust for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings. Another trick is to brush the crust with olive oil mixed with a bit of garlic powder before adding the toppings.

→ Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, you can freeze leftover slices. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.