A bbq chicken pizza is a delicious combination of smoky, saucy bbq flavor and classic pizza ingredients. With tender chicken, sweet bbq sauce, and savory toppings, bbq chicken pizza is a crowd-pleasing choice for pizza night or game day. But what exactly goes on a bbq chicken pizza to make it so mouthwatering? Let’s explore the key components that make this pizza a winner.
Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce
The bbq sauce is arguably the most important ingredient on a bbq chicken pizza. It provides the signature sweet, tangy and smoky flavors we associate with bbq. When selecting a bbq sauce for your pizza:
- Opt for a smokey, tomato-based bbq sauce – Sweet tomato-based bbq sauces pair better with pizza than vinegar-based sauces. Look for ones with a touch of smokiness.
- Seek out authentic bbq sauces – High-quality bbq sauces made by authentic bbq restaurants or pitmasters tend to have the best flavor.
- Use sauces labeled as “pizza sauce” – Some bbq brands make sauces specifically for topping pizzas that have a thicker consistency.
- Go for gourmet or homemade sauces – Upgrading to a gourmet or homemade sauce can take the flavor to the next level.
Get creative and make your own signature sauce by mixing tomato sauce, brown sugar, spices and a dash of liquid smoke. The bbq sauce should generously coat the pizza, infusing every bite with tangy, sweet flavor.
Piling on the Chicken
Of course, you can’t have a bbq chicken pizza without…the chicken! Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cook them until tender and juicy.
- Grill or bake the chicken – Get a smokey flavor by grilling or use the oven for easy cooking.
- Shred or dice the chicken – Shredded or diced chicken will distribute well over the pizza.
- Toss the chicken in bbq sauce – Coat the cooked chicken in some of the bbq sauce before topping the pizza for extra flavor.
- Add chicken generously – Don’t be skimpy! The chicken should be piled high to make it a hearty, protein-packed pizza.
Spread the sauced chicken evenly over the pizza, right to the edges. You want chicken in every bite!
Cheese, Please!
The cheese binds the pizza together and adds essential stretch, flavor and browning.
- Use shredded mozzarella – For the ideal melt factor, shredded mozzarella is a must. Whole milk mozzarella melts best.
- Add extra cheese – Since chicken and toppings will weigh down the pizza, be generous with the cheese.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or Gouda – For a more complex flavor, add some shredded cheddar or Gouda cheese into the mix.
- Top with extra Parmesan – A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan over the pizza bakes into a crisp, salty topping.
Cover the sauced chicken with plenty of shredded cheese right to the edge before adding any other toppings.
Crucial Veggie Toppings
Veggies add freshness, texture, color and nutrients. Here are some great options:
- Onion – Red or white onion, thinly sliced, caramelizes into a sweet topping.
- Bell peppers – Try a mix of red, yellow and orange peppers, thinly sliced.
- Mushrooms – Meaty mushrooms balance the flavors.
- Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half add pops of sweetness.
- Jalapeños – For spice lovers, add sliced or diced jalapeños.
- Pineapple – For a touch of sweetness, pineapple chunks or tidbits work well.
- Corn – Kernels of grilled corn can reinforce the bbq vibe.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves add color and herbal flavor.
Distribute veggies evenly over the cheese. Too many wet toppings like tomatoes can make the crust soggy, so apply moderately.
More Delectable Toppings
In addition to veggies, consider these yummy toppings:
- Crispy bacon – Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch.
- Caramelized onions – For sweetness, top with onions sautéed in bbq sauce.
- BBQ pulled pork – For extra protein, add pulled pork along with the chicken.
- Sliced sausage – Spicy sausage sliced thin gives a hearty, spicy kick.
- Cooked ribs – Diced, cooked ribs make a fun topping.
- BBQ drizzle – Drizzle extra bbq sauce over the pizza after baking.
Garnish the pizza after baking with chopped parsley, cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Choosing the Right Crust
A bbq chicken pizza needs a sturdy crust to hold up to all the toppings. Here are some great options:
- Thick, pan pizza crust – A thick, buttery pan pizza crust can support heavy toppings.
- Grilled pizza crust – A lightly charred crust from the grill adds a smoky element.
- Stuffed crust – Cheese stuffed in the crust gives you something tasty to munch on.
- Thin and crispy crust – For a lighter feel, thin and crispy crusts work too.
- Flatbread crust – Hearty flatbreads like naan make a fun base.
- Cauliflower crust – For low-carb diets, try a cauliflower crust.
- Homemade pizza dough – For best results, make your own sturdy dough at home.
Baking to Perfection
To ensure your bbq chicken pizza comes out hot and delicious from the oven:
- Get the oven rip-roaring hot – Crank your oven as high as it will go, ideally over 450°F.
- Use a pizza stone or steel – These will crisp up the crust beautifully.
- Start on the bottom rack – Place the pizza on the lowest rack first for optimal bottom browning.
- Finish on the top rack – In the last few minutes, move the pizza to the top rack to melt and brown the toppings.
- Watch it closely – Peek at the pizza often to make sure the toppings and edges don’t burn.
- Let it rest briefly – Allow the pizza to rest 1-2 minutes out of the oven before slicing for cleaner slices.
Now that you know what goes on a bbq chicken pizza, it’s time to fire up the oven and get cooking! Build your masterpiece and enjoy every saucy, cheesy, smoky bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Pizza
Want to know more about making and enjoying this flavorful pizza? Here are answers to some common questions about bbq chicken pizza:
What is the best white sauce for bbq chicken pizza?
For a delicious white sauce option, try mixing ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, milk and garlic powder. Spread it over the crust before adding toppings. The creamy white sauce pairs perfectly with the bbq chicken.
Can I use leftover bbq chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover bbq chicken from the grill or smoker is an amazing timesaver. Just dice or shred it and pile on top of your pizza. Add extra sauce to reheat and flavor the chicken.
What cheese is best for bbq chicken pizza?
The best melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda and provolone work wonderfully. For an authentic pizza joint taste, use 100% real mozzarella. Grated Parmesan on top adds extra flavor.
How do you keep bbq chicken pizza from getting soggy?
Start with a well-made crust that’s sturdy enough to hold moisture. Par-bake the crust 2-3 minutes before adding toppings. Drain any excess liquid from ingredients like tomatoes. Don’t overdo wet toppings. Bake the pizza on the lowest rack first.
Can you put raw chicken on pizza?
It’s unsafe to put raw chicken directly on pizza. The chicken may not reach a high enough internal temperature to kill bacteria. Always fully cook chicken before topping pizza.
What goes good on bbq chicken pizza?
Some amazing toppings for bbq chicken pizza are caramelized onions, pineapple, cilantro, crispy bacon, jalapeños, bell peppers, corn and tomatoes. Pulled pork and sausage also pair nicely.
How do you prep chicken for pizza?
Bake, grill or sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh until fully cooked. Allow to cool slightly, then toss the chicken with bbq sauce to coat before topping the pizza.
Can I make bbq chicken pizza without an oven?
Yes, you can cook it on a grill! Build the pizza directly on the grill grates, close the lid and cook over indirect heat. Rotate for even cooking. Or use a pizza stone on the grill with the lid down.
What sides go with bbq chicken pizza?
Great sides for bbq chicken pizza include fresh garden salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, french fries or homemade potato chips.
Should I cook the chicken first or put raw chicken on bbq pizza?
Always cook the chicken first. Raw chicken carries a risk of salmonella and other bacteria. Fully cook diced or shredded chicken before assembling and baking the bbq chicken pizza.
Final Thoughts on Making BBQ Chicken Pizza
When prepared with care, a bbq chicken pizza can be a thing of beauty. Start with a high-quality crust, premium cheese and authentic bbq sauce. Cook the chicken until tender and juicy before topping the pizza. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like pineapple, bacon, onions and cilantro. Bake at a high temperature to achieve the perfect meltiness and crust browned to perfection. Let the bbq chicken pizza rest before slicing and diving in. Make it on grill grates or a pizza stone for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this saucy, comforting pizza straight from the oven anytime for guaranteed deliciousness. What goes on a bbq chicken pizza? Anything your heart desires!