Tasty BBQ Chicken Treat

Featured in Poultry Perfection: Chicken & Turkey Recipes.

Want to try a version of that California BBQ chicken pizza right in your kitchen? This one's spot on! It blends gooey mozzarella with smoky gouda for an amazing flavor. Start with a crunchy crust, layer on BBQ sauce and tender chicken, finish with zingy red onions and bright cilantro. It’s super versatile, so you can use any dough you’ve got, skip the gouda if you prefer all mozzarella, and even stash leftovers in the freezer. A meal that feels like it’s from a fancy spot, but made at home.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:20:58 GMT
BBQ Chicken Pizza Ready to Serve Pin it
BBQ Chicken Pizza Ready to Serve | linacooks.com

When you make BBQ chicken pizza from scratch, you get this amazing mix of sweet-tangy sauce, smoky cheese, and juicy chicken on a chewy, homemade crust. I'm telling you, once you try this, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with delivery.

I totally changed my pizza game when I started mixing smoked gouda with regular mozzarella. That combo plus the sweet BBQ sauce? It's a total game-changer that'll make your taste buds dance.

Key Components

  • Homemade Pizza Dough: Gives you that perfect bite and chew
  • BBQ Sauce: Pick whatever brand you love
  • Pre-cooked Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken to cut down on work
  • Smoked Gouda: Brings that can't-miss smoky kick

Step-By-Step Guide

Dough Preparation (15 minutes):
Get your dough nice and warm. Push it into a 12-inch round. Make a little edge around the outside. Add a bit of olive oil. Let it sit while you work on the rest.
Topping Assembly (10 minutes):
Mix your chicken with some BBQ sauce. Get both cheeses grated. Cut your red onion super thin. Make sure everything's ready to go. Get your oven as hot as it'll go.
Pizza Construction (5 minutes):
Paint BBQ sauce all over the dough. Add your saucy chicken pieces. Scatter all that cheese. Lay down some onion rings. Add a little more sauce on top.
Baking Process (12-15 minutes):
Stick your pizza in that super hot oven. Wait for the cheese to get bubbly. Look for those crispy brown edges. Check underneath to make sure it's done. Pull it out when it looks perfect.
Finishing Touches (2 minutes):
Throw some fresh cilantro on top. Add more BBQ sauce if you want. Let it cool just a bit. Cut it up and dig in. Toss some red pepper flakes on there if you like heat.
Easy Quick BBQ Chicken Pizza Pin it
Easy Quick BBQ Chicken Pizza | linacooks.com

After making tons of pizzas at home, I've figured out that how you stack things matters big time. Start with just a bit of sauce, then the chicken, then all that cheese. That way, every bite has the perfect mix of flavors.

Italian Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Pin it
Italian Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza | linacooks.com

Prep Ahead Pointers

  • Get your dough ready the day before
  • Cook and sauce your chicken in advance
  • Grate all your cheese early
  • Put everything together right before baking

This BBQ chicken pizza beats anything you'll get at a restaurant. When you put together that smoky gouda, sweet BBQ sauce, and fresh herbs, you'll create something your family won't stop talking about. It's my go-to for both family dinners and when friends drop by.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I grab dough from the store?
Absolutely, you just need 1 pound of it instead of making your own.
→ How do I keep extras fresh?
Wrap it up tightly and refrigerate for no longer than five days. Or freeze it—stays good for up to three months.
→ Can I swap out the gouda cheese?
Sure, you can use shredded mozzarella as an alternative without any issues.
→ What’s the easiest way to warm it back up?
Reheat slices in the microwave or pop them into a 350°F oven, covered, for 10 minutes. Adjust to 15-20 minutes for a whole pizza.
→ Can I prep this pizza in advance?
Yup! Bake it fully, then freeze for up to three months and reheat when ready.

BBQ Chicken Treat

This yummy pizza pairs BBQ chicken with smoked gouda, mozzarella, and red onions. It's all laid on a golden crust and topped with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
130 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
145 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12-inch single pizza

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
02 1 Tablespoon olive oil, split into two portions
03 1/2 batch of homemade dough or 1 pound store-bought variety

→ Toppings

04 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (or swap with basil)
05 1/2 small red onion, sliced thinly
06 2/3 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
07 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (about 8 ounces)
09 1/3 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of BBQ sauce you enjoy most

Instructions

Step 01

Homemade dough? Follow through step 3 of your recipe. If you're using frozen store-bought dough, make sure it's thawed first.

Step 02

Set your oven to 475°F (246°C) and let it heat for 15-20 minutes. Coat a large pan with half the olive oil and sprinkle some cornmeal on top. If you're using a pizza stone, pop it in the oven to warm up during preheating.

Step 03

Flatten the dough on a floured counter, forming a circle about 12 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Pinch the edges to make a little crust. Cover the dough and let it sit for a bit.

Step 04

Poke some small indentations in the dough to stop bubbles from forming. Brush the surface with olive oil, spread BBQ sauce, and layer on chicken tossed with the extra sauce, then sprinkle the cheeses and thinly sliced onion.

Step 05

Pop it into the oven and bake for 14-15 minutes until the crust gets crispy and golden. Add some cilantro on top if you'd like before serving. Enjoy right away!

Notes

  1. Freeze the pizza, whole or in slices, for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge or on the counter before reheating.
  2. Microwave or bake refrigerated slices at 350°F to warm them up (10 minutes for slices or 15-20 minutes for an entire pizza).
  3. If smoked gouda isn’t available, just use extra mozzarella. The cilantro and onion can be skipped if you'd prefer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet or pizza pan
  • Small pastry brush
  • Sharp pizza cutter