Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza recipe during a summer barbecue with friends. The combination of smoky, grilled chicken and zesty BBQ sauce was an instant hit. After experimenting with different toppings and techniques, I perfected it into a family favorite. It’s now a regular dish at our gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table."

Chef Mitchell has over 10 years of experience in American cuisine, specializing in dinner recipes. His passion for cooking started at a young age, leading him to culinary school. With a knack for creating delicious meals that bring people together, his recipes are loved by many.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza served on a plate

Why This Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining the smoky meatiness of grilled chicken with the sweetness of BBQ sauce. The addition of fresh vegetables adds a crunchy contrast, while the melted cheese ties everything together. Easy to make with a pre-made crust, it's a quick, satisfying meal.

The grilling technique enhances the chicken's flavor, making it more robust and ideal for pairing with the rich BBQ sauce. Using a hot oven ensures the pizza crust becomes crispy, while the cheese melts beautifully. This recipe guarantees flavorful bites in every slice.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for at least an hour before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicier chicken. Additionally, don't overload the pizza with toppings to ensure a crisp crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza up to the baking stage. Once topped, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.

If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can use a homemade mixture of ketchup, vinegar, and spices as a substitute. Alternatively, try using hot sauce for a spicier kick, or a marinara sauce for a classic flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will differ from the original recipe.

The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. You can also check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow it to rest a few minutes before slicing for the best results.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

This pizza pairs well with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a more indulgent meal option. Beverages like iced tea or a light beer complement the flavors perfectly.

Leftover Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the pizza ahead of time. Store the individual components in the refrigerator and put the pizza together just before baking to maintain its quality. This is a great option for busy nights.

The best way to reheat the pizza is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain a crispy crust. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the crust may become soft.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pizza turns out dry, it likely means the chicken was overcooked or there wasn't enough sauce.

Solution: To prevent dryness, be sure to monitor the chicken while grilling and avoid cooking it too long. Additionally, generously coat the pizza with BBQ sauce before adding toppings.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: A pizza that isn't crispy may have too many toppings or was not baked at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure your oven is preheated to the proper temperature and consider reducing the number of toppings. Baking on a pizza stone can also help with crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your pizza is overcooked, the crust may be burnt or the cheese could be hard.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on the pizza while it bakes. Use a timer to check at the minimum cook time and adjust as needed.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can happen if the oven temperature is too low or the pizza is too thick.

Recovery: Ensure the oven is fully preheated and consider using a pizza stone for better heat distribution. If the crust is thick, extend the cooking time accordingly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior typically indicates that the pizza was cooked at too high a temperature or for too long.

Prevention: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep an eye on cooking time to prevent burning the edges while ensuring the center cooks evenly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pizza is too sweet, consider balancing it with a bit of acidity using lemon juice or vinegar.

Too Salty: To counteract saltiness, you can add a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Bland: To enhance bland flavors, add more spices or herbs, such as garlic powder or chili flakes, to elevate the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza

Key ingredients in this pizza include grilled chicken, which adds a smoky flavor and protein to the dish. BBQ sauce brings sweetness and tang, while mozzarella cheese provides creaminess and melt-in-the-mouth goodness. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions not only add color but also contribute crunch and flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results. Opt for fresh chicken breasts, quality BBQ sauce, and real mozzarella cheese. Fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the pizza, making it more aromatic and flavorful.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Grilled Chicken: Make sure to season the chicken well before grilling. You can marinate it in BBQ sauce for added flavor. Grill it to get those beautiful char marks, which enhance the taste.
  • BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love, as it will significantly influence the pizza's flavor. A sauce with a good balance of sweetness and tanginess works best.
  • Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting properties. Mixing mozzarella with cheddar adds depth to the flavor profile while maintaining that creamy texture.
Cooking process for Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza starts with preparing your ingredients. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, which is essential for the BBQ taste. Once grilled, combine it with sauce and layer it on a crust with cheese and veggies.

Make sure to bake at a high temperature to achieve that perfect crispy crust while ensuring the cheese melts beautifully. This method delivers a pizza that's not only delicious but visually appealing.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza

The key technique is to grill the chicken properly to infuse it with smoky flavors. Also, ensure that the oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza, which helps in achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    For mixing with chicken
  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    For extra flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 pre-made pizza crust
    Your choice of crust
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
    Shredded
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers
    Sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion
    Thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
    Shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
    Grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Grill the chicken pieces over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.

  2. Slice Chicken

    Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes and then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Make BBQ Sauce Mixture

    In a bowl, combine the grilled chicken with BBQ sauce and mix well.

  4. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.

  5. Prepare Pizza Crust

    Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza stone or baking sheet to prevent sticking, and place the pre-made pizza crust on it.

  6. Top the Pizza

    Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the crust, followed by mozzarella and cheddar cheese, red onion, bell peppers, and cilantro.

  7. Season

    Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the top for added flavor.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  9. Serve

    Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy your BBQ pizza!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade perfectly complements the flavors.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your Grilled Chicken BBQ Pizza by adding different toppings like jalapeños for spice, or swapping the chicken for pulled pork. You can also use a cauliflower crust for a low-carb version.