A BBQ chicken pizza is a delicious fusion of classic pizza and smoky, saucy barbecue flavors. The interplay between the cheese, crust, veggies, and sauced chicken makes for an exciting and satisfying pie that appeals to pizza lovers and barbecue fans alike. There’s a lot going on atop a bbq chicken pizza, so let’s break down the key ingredients and how they come together to create barbecue flavor in pizza form.

The Crust

The foundation of any good bbq chicken pizza is a quality crust. The crust needs to be sturdy enough to support generous toppings while also baked to a crisp, flaky exterior with a warm, chewy interior.

Here are some of the most common crust options for bbq chicken pizzas:

Hand-tossed dough – The traditional pizza crust. Sturdy enough for heavy toppings while still achieving that bubbly char and chewiness. Works well in a casual bbq chicken pizza.
Thin crust – Thin and crispy crust gives a nice textural contrast against saucy, juicy toppings. Provides crunch without competing for prominence.
Chicago deep dish – An extra thick, almost frittata-like crust can contain copious amounts of bbq sauce and molten cheese. Satisfying for those who like abundant toppings and dough.
Cauliflower crust – For lower carb diets, substituting cauliflower florets for some of the dough can yield a tender, mildly flavored gluten-free crust.
Pretzel crust – For a sweet and salty flavor, pretzel dough baked into a pizza crust lends a delicious twist to a bbq chicken pizza.

The choice depends on personal preference, but any of these can provide a sturdy, appetizing foundation for bbq chicken pizza toppings.

The Sauce

No bbq chicken pizza is complete without a generous slathering of barbecue sauce. Sweet, tangy, smoky – the sauce pulls all the ingredients together into a cohesive barbecue flavor profile.

Some sauces that pair well with bbq chicken pizza:

Classic barbecue sauce – Sweet ketchup-based sauce with spices like mustard, garlic, and chili pepper. Provides classic bbq flavor.
Kansas City-style – A molasses and tomato based sauce with savory, spice, and moderate sweetness. Great bbq chicken pizza sauce.
Alabama white sauce – Tangy mayonnaise-based sauce adds creamy contrast to the cheese and chicken. Unique twist.
South Carolina mustard sauce – Yellow mustard flavor with cider vinegar tang. Bright accents to the pizza.

The sauce can go on the crust, mixed in with the cheese, slathered over the toppings – maximize coverage for saucy bbq chicken flavor in every bite.

Cheese

Ooey gooey cheese pulls a bbq chicken pizza together, giving a decadent base note under the toppings and tying in the smoky flavors. Using a blend provides more complexity.

Good cheese choices for bbq chicken pizza:

Mozzarella – The quintessential melty pizza cheese. Provides stretchy texture and milky, saline flavor. Use for cheese pull!
Cheddar – Aged cheddar adds nutty, buttery, extra-savory notes to complement the sweet bbq sauce.
Provolone – Slightly tangy yet mellow taste contrasts with bold bbq seasonings. Its melt factor also works well.
Monterey Jack – Creamy with a slight sourness similar to cheddar. Won’t compete with bbq flavors.

Grate or shred the cheese so it melts thoroughly and seamlessly combines with the sauces. Go heavier on cheese coverage for a true cheesy barbecue pizza experience.

Chicken

Naturally, chicken is the star ingredient and namesake of a bbq chicken pizza. It needs to be cooked and sauced properly to deliver optimal flavor and texture.

Some tips for the bbq chicken topping:

Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for easiest eating and thorough saucing/coverage.
Chop or shred into small pieces – this gives the chicken better surface area for absorbing sauce.
Simmer the chicken in barbecue sauce before topping the pizza – infuses it with deep, smoky bbq flavor .
Mix some crispy roasted chicken in with the sauced chicken for variation in texture.
Scatter chicken evenly over the pizza or in chunks for meaty bites throughout.

Well-executed barbecue chicken elevates this style of pizza and gives you delicious meat in every slice. Don’t skimp on the quality prep for this key ingredient!

Vegetables

While meat and cheese do the heavy lifting, fresh vegetables provide texture, color, flavor contrast, and nutrition to a barbecue chicken pizza. They balance out the richness.

Some veggie mix-ins to consider:

Red onion – Caramelized onions give sweetness. Raw red onion adds bite and sulfuric brightness.
Bell peppers – Green, red, yellow – provide flavorful crunch and visual appeal.
Jalapeños – For spicy kick and flavor if you like the heat!
Mushrooms – Meaty, umami-rich flavor and pleasant, chewy texture.
Corn – In kernels or grilled off the cob, corn’s sweetness pairs well with bbq.
Tomatoes – Spliced Roma or cherry tomatoes for bursts of acidity and color contrast.

Use a mix of raw and cooked vegetables to liven up the textural landscape of your bbq chicken pizza. Pick vegetables to complement the particular flavors of your chosen barbecue sauce and cheese.

Garnishes

Finally, garnishes put the finishing touches on a artisan bbq chicken pizza, adding extra flavor notes, visual appeal, and textural accents.

Some tasty garnish options:

Cilantro – Fresh, herbaceous flavor and color contrast
Green onions – Bright, biting flavor and vivid green specks
Smoked paprika – Wonderful smoky accent
Chipotle powder – Smoky, spicy dusting
Crispy fried onions – Fun garnish for crunch
BBQ potato chips – Actually on the pizza for whimsy
Lime wedge – Bright acidity to cut the richness

Don’t overlook garnishes – small touches that complete the craveable barbecue flavor experience. Get creative with mixes of herbs, spices, greens, and crispy toppings.

Putting it All Together

Constructing the bbq chicken pizza is easy once you have all your key ingredients prepared.

Here’s a straightforward build process:

Evenly spread the barbecue sauce over the crust as the base
Distribute the cheeses, using more mozzarella close to the crust and more flavorful cheeses on top
Scatter the chicken over evenly, nestling into the cheese
Arrange your vegetable mix-ins in balance with good color coverage
Finish with desired garnishes like herbs, spices, or crispy onions

Of course, you can also just get creative and layer the ingredients however looks best to you! Just be sure the chicken and cheese get soaked in plenty of that barbecue sauce.

After assembly, bake the pizza until the crust is crispy, the cheese fully melted and bubbly, and the toppings are sizzling. Then slice and serve immediately. The first bite of a fresh, hot bbq chicken pizza is hard to beat!

The combination of flavors and textures – the crunch of the crust and veggies, the gooey satisfaction of hot cheese, the juicy bursts of chicken, the sticky sweet and tangy sauce – is what makes this genre of pizza so irresistible and craveable. Hopefully this guide gives you inspiration to try your hand at making your own mouthwatering barbecue chicken pizza creation at home. Get saucy with it!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Pizza

Barbecue chicken pizza is a crowd-pleasing fusion full of flavor. But you may have questions about making it or customizing it to your tastes. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about bbq chicken pizza:

What’s the best barbecue sauce for bbq chicken pizza?

It depends on your preferences! For a classic pizza taste, a tomato-based sauce is traditional. For craveable sweetness and tang, try a Kansas City or Carolina-style sauce. Spicy chipotle sauce can also be delicious. The key is finding a sauce that complements the cheeses without overpowering.

What kind of chicken works best?

For even cooking and thorough sauce coverage, boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal. You can grill, bake or saute it, then chop or shred to top the pizza. Both white and dark meat work if you prefer one over the other.

How do I prevent a soggy bbq chicken pizza crust?

Start with a well oiled, crispy crust. Par-bake it before topping to help set the dough. Don’t oversauce. Then bake only until cheese melts and chicken heats through. This prevents over-softening of the crust.

Can I use frozen chicken on a bbq chicken pizza?

It’s not ideal. Thawed, cooked frozen chicken can release moisture as it bakes, making the pizza watery. For best flavor and texture, use fresh or fully thawed, cooked chicken.

What toppings go best with bbq chicken pizza?

Beyond the core ingredients, you can add crispy bacon, pineapple, red pepper flakes, caramelized onions, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, cilantro – customize with your favorite pizza toppings!

How do I reheat leftover bbq chicken pizza?

Best way is to reheat in a skillet over medium-low, flipping once, until hot and slightly crispy. Oven can work too but may over-toast the crust. Microwave as a last resort.

Can I make bbq chicken pizza on a grill or smoker?

Absolutely! Many people love cooking their pizza crust right on a grill or smoker. Just build the pizza there and you get bonus smoky flavor.

Is bbq chicken pizza better with crispy or soft crust?

It depends if you prefer crunchy or chewy texture. Most pizzerias use a soft, chewy hand-tossed crust. But a thin and crispy crust can work great too. Choose your favorite!

What drink goes well with bbq chicken pizza?

Beer is a classic – go for something refreshing like a pale ale or wheat beer. Otherwise, fruity cocktails, hard cider, or cold brew iced tea can pair nicely with the flavors.

So try out some unique twists on sauces, crusts, cheeses and toppings! Barbecue chicken pizza invites creativity. Make it your own for a custom pizza experience every time.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe From Scratch

Once you have a grasp on the core components of incredible barbecue chicken pizza, you may want try your hand at making your dream bbq chicken pizza completely from scratch. We’ll provide a full recipe and instructions for crafting artisan-quality bbq chicken pizza in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:

3 1⁄2 cups (425g) bread flour
1 packet (2 1⁄4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1⁄2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 1⁄2 tsp salt
1 1⁄4 cup (295 ml) warm water
1⁄4 cup (60ml) olive oil

For the bbq sauce:

1 cup (240g) ketchup
1⁄4 cup (60g) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30ml) cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15g) molasses
1 tsp (6g) mustard powder
1 tsp (2g) chili powder
1⁄2 tsp (3g) garlic powder
1⁄2 tsp (3g) onion powder
1⁄4 tsp (1g) ground black pepper

For the pizza:

12 oz (340g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
1⁄2 cup (50g) sliced red onion
1⁄2 cup (75g) sliced bell pepper
2 cups (230g) grated mozzarella
1⁄2 cup (50g) grated cheddar
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

For the pizza dough:

In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix and knead everything together for 5-7 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

For the bbq sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses and all spices.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool.

To assemble the pizza:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly oil a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Punch down the dough and stretch out to your desired pizza size on the prepared pan. Form a slight crust edge.
Bake for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven.
Lightly grease a skillet and cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Shred or chop chicken.
Brush the crust evenly with a thin layer of bbq sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over the sauce.
Scatter the chicken, onions and peppers evenly over the cheese.
Drizzle with more bbq sauce and sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
Bake pizza for 12-15 minutes until crust is crispy and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Remove pizza from oven, garnish with cilantro, slice and serve immediately!

The end result is a craveable, barbecue-infused pizza with homemade crust, sauce and toppings. Make it your own with desired spices, vegetables or garnishes. Enjoy the fruits of your bbq chicken pizza labor!

Creating a Gourmet BBQ Chicken Pizza

Beyond the basic build, there are endless ways to create an ultra-indulgent, gourmet masterpiece bbq chicken pizza with unique ingredients and flavor fusions. If you’re looking to go over-the-top, here are some ideas for taking your barbecue chicken pizza to the next level.

Crust Upgrades

Start with an artisanal crust:

Garlic knots – Individual knotted dough bites topped as mini bbq chicken pizzas
Pretzel crust – For a sweet and salty base to balance the bbq
Charred crust – Grill or broil the stretched dough for smoky char flavor
Stuffed crust – Molten cheese edge provides craveable richness
Cauliflower crust – Vegetable-based crust for low carb diets

Sauce Ideas

Branch out from classic bbq with gourmet accents:

Chipotle mango bbq sauce – Sweet, smoky and fruity
Jalapeño bbq sauce – Spicy kick
Whiskey bbq sauce – Oaky, caramel tones
Coffee infused bbq sauce – Rich, earthy undertones
Fried onion straws in the sauce – Fun garnish

Premium Cheese & Meat

Indulge with decadent cheese and quality meats:

Fresh mozzarella – Delicate, creamy alternative to shredded
Burrata – Oozes rich creaminess when heated
Goat cheese – Tangy, earthy accent
Prosciutto – Slightly salty cured ham
Pulled pork – Combine with chicken for duo of smoked meats
Capicola – Dry cured spicy pork
Bacon – Chopped crispy bacon bumps up the savory factor

Upscale Toppings

Take the pizza to new levels of flavor complexity with gourmet toppings:

Caramelized balsamic onions – Sweet intensity
Fire roasted vegetables – Smoky flavor
Arugula – Spicy salad green
Roasted garlic – Musky and sweet
Sun-dried tomatoes – Intense umami pop
Crumbled blue cheese – Strong, salty accent
Avocado slices – Rich, buttery finish

Drizzles & Accompaniments

Finish an ultra-gourmet pizza with artful embellishments:

Honey drizzle – For subtle sweetness
Balsamic reduction – Adds bold acidity
Ranch or blue cheese drizzle – Classic contrasting dipper
Bruschetta mix – Fresh chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic

With quality crusts, creative sauces, lavish cheeses and meats, and unique toppings in the mix, it’s easy crafting your masterwork bbq chicken pizza suited exactly to your palate. The only limit is your imagination – and appetite!

How BBQ Chicken Pizza is Made in Restaurants

Beyond home kitchens, barbecue chicken pizza is a staple menu item at pizzerias across the country. Each restaurant that offers this popular pie likely has its own unique methods and tricks for crafting and baking drool-worthy bbq chicken pizza for their hungry customers every day.

Here’s some insight into how bbq chicken pizza is made in a high-volume restaurant setting:

Prepping Ingredients in Bulk

Dough is prepared in bulk ahead – Some restaurants make their own, while others have dough delivered daily from a commissary kitchen
Sauces come in large #10 cans to be portion

What is on a BBQ Chicken Pizza?