There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pizza baking in the oven to ignite my excitement for a cozy night in. For a quick and easy dinner that never disappoints, I reach for my Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe. This dish combines gooey mozzarella and tangy gouda with tender, BBQ sauce-marinated chicken, transforming a typical pizza night into an unforgettable culinary adventure. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can use raw or cooked chicken, catering to whatever time crunch you find yourself in. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that your friends and family will rave about! So, are you ready to create a flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to become a favorite? Let’s dive in! Why is this pizza a must-try? Irresistible Flavor: The combination of gooey mozzarella and unique gouda creates a rich, savory experience. Quick & Easy: With the option to use pre-cooked chicken, this pizza comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights! Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños for a spicy kick or to swap in whole wheat crust for a healthier option. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is guaranteed to impress your guests and turn any meal into a celebration. Elevate your next pizza night even further by pairing it with a refreshing side salad or try it alongside Bbq Chicken Sliders for a complete feast! Comfort Food: It’s a cozy blend of flavors that brings joy to both young and old, making it a timeless favorite. Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Ingredients • Get ready to gather everything you need for a delicious pizza night! For the Pizza Base Pizza Dough – This is your foundation; feel free to use homemade or store-bought for ease. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This adds moisture and flavor; it can also be swapped with vegetable oil if needed. For the Toppings Chicken Cutlets – Your protein source; marinate these in BBQ sauce for maximum flavor, or opt for pre-cooked chicken for convenience. BBQ Sauce – Acts as the flavor powerhouse; Sweet Baby Ray’s is a fan-favorite, but any brand you love will work wonders. Red Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch; shallots can be a great substitute if you prefer something milder. Mozzarella – This delivers that gooey creaminess; grated mozzarella is a must for even melting, but provolone will also bring a delightful twist. Gouda – A unique, smoky flavor that takes your pizza to the next level; if you’re out, cheddar serves as a tasty alternative. Fresh Cilantro – A burst of freshness and color; omit if it’s not your thing or swap in parsley for a different herb. Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors beautifully; feel free to use it according to your taste preferences. This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is the definition of simple, satisfying, and scrumptious! Now that you’ve got your ingredients rounded up, let’s get crafting this crowd-pleaser! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your pizza dough instructions, usually around 475°F (245°C). This ensures that your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza bakes evenly and achieves a perfectly crispy crust. While the oven warms up, take a moment to gather your ingredients, setting the stage for a fun cooking experience. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Take your raw chicken cutlets and place them in a bowl. Drizzle a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors, prompting a mouthwatering outcome when it’s all combined atop your pizza. Step 3: Cook the Chicken In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and slice it into bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly on your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza. Step 4: Prepare the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness, roughly 12-14 inches in diameter. Once rolled, transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil. This will not only help the crust crisp up but also lend a lovely flavor that complements the rich toppings. Step 5: Add the BBQ Sauce Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Ensure that the sauce covers the dough completely—this flavorful layer is essential for our Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza. You can add more or less sauce based on your taste preference, so feel free to adjust! Step 6: Layer the Toppings Now it’s time to assemble your unique pizza masterpiece! Start by evenly distributing the sliced chicken over the BBQ sauce. Then, sprinkle the red onion, followed by a generous layer of grated mozzarella and gouda cheese. This combination will melt beautifully, creating that cheesy stretch we all love in a great pizza. Step 7: Bake the Pizza Carefully slide your pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it—the aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is almost ready! Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor, and then slice it up. Serve this delightful Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza hot, paired with a refreshing side salad or your favorite beverage for a complete and satisfying meal. What to Serve with Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza There’s nothing quite like pairing a delicious pizza with the perfect accompaniments to create a memorable meal experience. Crispy Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a delightful crunch and tang that complements the savory flavors of the pizza beautifully. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks drizzled with garlic and herbs make an irresistible side that everyone will love. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispy texture provide a delightful balance to the savory BBQ chicken pizza you’ll enjoy. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, grilled peppers and zucchini add a touch of healthy, charred flavor that elevates the dining experience. Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade cleanses the palate and adds a zesty twist to the meal. Mango Salsa: Bright and vibrant, mango salsa brings a fruity, zippy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Indulge sweetly afterward with warm chocolate chip cookies for a classic dessert that will satisfy sweet cravings. Storage Tips for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping the pizza sealed prevents it from drying out and preserves its cheesy goodness. Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This keeps the flavors intact for future enjoyment. Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help restore the crispiness of the crust and melt the cheese perfectly. Avoiding Sogginess: To keep the crust from becoming soggy, allow the pizza to cool completely before storing it, and return it to the oven briefly when reheating for that fresh-baked taste! Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations Feel free to get creative with your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza—it’s all about making it your own! Gluten-Free Crust: Opt for a gluten-free pizza base to cater to dietary needs without compromising on flavor. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist that will awaken your taste buds. Veggie Boost: Incorporate additional toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutritious upgrade. The vibrant colors and textures will brighten up your pizza! Alternative Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as feta or pepper jack, to switch up the flavor profile while keeping it cheesy. Ranch Drizzle: After baking, drizzle ranch dressing over the top for a creamy contrast to the tangy BBQ sauce, creating an indulgent treat. Pulled Pork Swap: Substitute the chicken with pulled pork for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce. This hearty variant will be a hit at gatherings! Herbal Essence: Swap out cilantro for fresh basil or oregano to bring an aromatic depth that elevates each bite. Imagine the fragrant notes blending with gooey cheese! Marinated Chicken: Instead of BBQ sauce, marinate the chicken in a teriyaki glaze for an Asian-inspired take. The sweet and savory elements will complement the pizza perfectly! Explore these variations, and remember, the magic of pizza is all about personalization. If you’re looking for more delicious ideas, why not check out Fried Chicken Street or try a comforting Cream Cheese Chicken dish? Happy cooking! Expert Tips for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Chicken Cooking: Ensure that chicken is fully cooked before adding it to your pizza for optimal flavor and safety. Cheese Layering: Don’t skip the grated mozzarella—this ensures an even melt and that classic cheesy stretch in your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza. Cool Before Slicing: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes after baking to prevent burns and to help maintain a perfect cheese texture. BBQ Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your own sweet and tangy preference; a little more can bring out that delightful BBQ flavor! Fresh Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be a lovely substitute for garnish, adding freshness without overpowering the dish. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite extras like jalapeños or bell peppers for a personal touch to your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza! Make Ahead Options These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizzas are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken cutlets in BBQ sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those delicious flavors to develop. Additionally, you can prepare the sliced chicken and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For even quicker assembly, you can roll out the pizza dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your pizza, simply preheat the oven, layer the prepared ingredients, and bake as instructed for a comforting, homemade meal that’s just as satisfying as if you made it fresh! Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this pizza? Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for fresh chicken cutlets that you can marinate in BBQ sauce. If you’re tight on time, you can also use pre-cooked chicken; just ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution on the pizza. How should I store leftovers of my Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza? To keep your delicious pizza fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the cheesy goodness and prevent it from drying out. Can I freeze my Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza? Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that perfect crust and ooey-gooey cheese. What should I do if my pizza crust is soggy? If you find yourself with a soggy crust, it may be due to excess moisture from the toppings. To prevent this, allow the pizza to cool before storing, which helps avoid sogginess. When reheating, place it directly on the oven rack to get that lovely crispy texture back, and consider pre-baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings next time. Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this recipe? Of course! While this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza is perfect for feeding family and friends, it’s not suitable for pets. Dogs and cats shouldn’t consume cheese, BBQ sauce, or onions due to potential digestive issues. Additionally, ensure to check for any allergies to specific ingredients, such as gluten in the pizza dough or dairy in the cheese. Always feel free to modify the recipe according to dietary needs! Can I make this pizza ahead of time? Very much so! For a make-ahead option, prepare the BBQ chicken earlier in the day and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble all the ingredients and pop it into the oven for a quick and delightful meal. This is a great way to save time and enjoy fresh pizza at a moment’s notice! Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza Indulge in this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza featuring gooey mozzarella and tangy gouda atop BBQ-marinated chicken, transforming pizza night into a flavorful feast. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsMarinating Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 42 minutes mins Servings: 4 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pizza Base1 lb Pizza Dough homemade or store-bought2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil can substitute with vegetable oilFor the Toppings2 cups Chicken Cutlets marinate in BBQ sauce1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Sweet Baby Ray's recommended1 medium Red Onion or shallots as a substitute2 cups Mozzarella grated1 cup Gouda or cheddar as an alternative1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro omit if undesiredto taste Black Pepper Equipment skilletpizza stone or baking sheetRolling Pin Method Pizza PreparationPreheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) according to pizza dough instructions.Marinate the chicken cutlets with BBQ sauce for about 15 minutes. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Roll out the pizza dough to 12-14 inches on a floured surface and transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the pizza dough, leaving a border for the crust. Layer the sliced chicken, red onion, mozzarella, and gouda on top of the BBQ sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro, then slice and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
