BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic pie smoky, sweet, and cheesy all in one irresistible bite. With tangy barbecue sauce, tender chunks of chicken, melty Colby-Jack cheese, and a punch of flavor from red onion and pepperoncini peppers, this pizza is bursting with personality.

Perfect for weeknights, family movie nights, or game-day gatherings, this pizza delivers big flavor with minimal effort thanks to a pre-baked crust and simple ingredients. It’s ready in just 20 minutes but tastes like something straight from your favorite pizzeria.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza has everything you could want smoky sauce, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and just enough kick from the peppers. It’s the ultimate flavor-packed meal that looks impressive but comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have.

With its bold barbecue flavor and gooey, cheesy topping, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it at home, bringing it to a potluck, or making personal pizzas for a night in, this recipe delivers restaurant-style taste with none of the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crust
• 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.

If your chicken isn’t already cooked, quickly grill or pan-sear both breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, then cube them once cooled. You can also use leftover roast chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Step 2: Assemble the pizza base

Place the pre-baked pizza crust on the prepared pan. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Step 3: Add the toppings

Sprinkle half of the shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the barbecue sauce layer. Add the cubed chicken, scattering evenly across the pizza. Layer on sliced pepperoncini peppers and the chopped red onions. Top it all off with the remaining cheese for that perfect gooey finish.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone or directly on the oven rack for the last 2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use cooked chicken: Leftover grilled or shredded chicken works great for minimal prep time.

• Mix up your barbecue sauce: Try honey barbecue for sweetness or chipotle-style for a smoky kick.

• Don’t overload: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy balance is key.

• Perfect melt: Shred your own cheese if possible; it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.

• Grill it: For a fun twist, make this on the grill for added smoky depth and crisp crust.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Pineapple BBQ Pizza: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy burst.

• Buffalo-style pizza: Substitute BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top after baking.

• Veggie version: Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and color.

• Cheese swap: Use mozzarella or smoked gouda for a different melt and flavor profile.

• Mini pizzas: Make smaller personal-sized versions using flatbreads or pita rounds for parties or kids’ meals.

Serving Ideas

• Game night snack: Slice into finger-sized pieces and serve with ranch dipping sauce.

• Family dinner: Pair with a side salad or grilled veggies for a balanced meal.

• Outdoor grilling: Make on the barbecue for smoky flavor perfect for summer get-togethers.

• Party platter: Cut into squares and serve as fun appetizers for gatherings.

• Lunch upgrade: Use leftovers as a portable meal; BBQ chicken pizza is just as tasty cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken?

No, the chicken should always be pre-cooked before topping the pizza; the baking time isn’t long enough to cook raw poultry safely.

Can I make it with homemade dough?

Yes! Roll out your favorite pizza dough and pre-bake it for 6–8 minutes before adding toppings. This prevents a soggy crust.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crisp crust and melty cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can build the pizza up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?

Yes. Assemble on a baking sheet, freeze uncovered for 1 hour, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 15–18 minutes.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 20
• Yield: 6 slices 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Smoky-sweet twist on classic pizza with tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, melty Colby-Jack cheese, zesty red onion, and tangy pepperoncini. Quick and easy with pre-baked crust for perfect weeknight or game-day dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crust
• 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
• 2 cooked skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment.
2. Grill or pan-sear chicken seasoned with salt and pepper if needed; cube.
3. Place crust on pan. Spread barbecue sauce evenly, leaving a small border.
4. Sprinkle half the cheese over sauce. Add chicken, pepperoncini, and onion. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6. For crispier crust, finish on pizza stone or oven rack 2 more minutes.
7. Rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle cilantro on top. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

Pre-cooked chicken is essential for safety and quick prep.

Shred cheese fresh for best melting texture.

Avoid overloading toppings to prevent soggy crust.

Grill chicken for added smoky flavor and crisp texture.

Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer.

• Prep Time: 8
• Cook Time: 12
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 735mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 53mg

Keywords: bbq chicken pizza, barbecue chicken pizza recipe, easy chicken pizza, weeknight pizza ideas, spicy bbq pizza