BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful twist on classic pizza, combining tangy barbecue sauce with tender chicken and gooey cheese. Perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is simple yet delicious.

Ingredients
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + extra for drizzle
- 2-3 chicken cutlets*
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Rays), plus more if desired
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella, grated
- 1/2 cup gouda, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Marinate the chicken cutlets in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Step 3: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Gently brush it with olive oil, then spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the edges free of sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of gouda over the pizza, keeping the edges clear to form a crust.
- Step 6: Top the pizza with the cooked chicken pieces and red onion slices. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Step 7: Place the pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust turns golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked gouda instead of regular gouda.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
- Swap red onion for caramelized onions for a sweeter topping.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, frozen dough works well. Just thaw it completely according to package instructions before rolling it out.
What can I substitute for gouda cheese?
You can use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese as a flavorful substitute if gouda isn’t available.
PrintBBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Pizza features tender chicken cutlets marinated in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella and gouda cheeses, red onions, and fresh cilantro on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Baked to golden perfection, it combines smoky, savory, and fresh flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzle
- 2–3 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended), plus extra if desired
Toppings
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup gouda cheese, grated
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl and coat them with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Let them marinate for 25-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Once rolled, place the dough in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Dress the pizza dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, avoiding the edges to leave room for the crust.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and 1/4 cup gouda evenly over the pizza, leaving the edges free for a golden crust.
- Top the pizza: Distribute the cooked chicken pieces and thinly sliced red onion evenly on top of the cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Place the assembled pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and put it on the middle oven rack. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust turns golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh cilantro and freshly ground black pepper. Slice and serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough based on your preference and time availability.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked gouda if available.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste; some prefer a saucier pizza.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain its juiciness before slicing.
- Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or bell peppers for additional flavor and crunch.
Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, homemade pizza, BBQ sauce pizza, grilled chicken pizza, American pizza recipe

