bbq chicken pizza recipe easy is the search I type when I’m craving something cozy but don’t want to fuss with complicated steps. If that’s you today, pull up a chair. This is my weeknight lifesaver pizza that always feels a little special. The crust gets crispy at the edges, the sauce is smoky and sweet, and the chicken stays juicy. It’s fast, it’s foolproof, and it tastes like you called in takeout. Let’s make dinner simple and seriously good. 
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
This is my go-to pizza when I want big flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and a few fresh toppings that bring everything to life. It’s affordable, easy to customize, and you can absolutely use store-bought shortcuts.
I’ve tested many versions and this one nails the balance. It uses just the right amount of sauce so the crust doesn’t get soggy, a quick cheese blend for stretch and flavor, and a few small tricks for crisp edges and a golden top. If you’ve got 20 minutes of prep and 12 to 14 minutes of baking time, you’re in business.
Why you’ll love it
- Fast enough for weeknights. Prep ahead or use rotisserie chicken.
- Balanced flavors. Smoky, sweet, savory, and a little bright crunch.
- Flexible. Works with homemade or store-bought dough.
- Crowd-pleaser. It disappears quickly, even with picky eaters.
What makes it quick
Use precooked chicken, your favorite bottled sauce, and pre-shredded cheese. Roll the dough thin for a faster bake and extra crispness. Preheat the oven properly so the crust cooks fast and stays light.
Want to make pizza nights easier next time? Check out this homemade pizza dough guide for a weekend prep session. It pays off on busy weekdays.
“Tried this for our Friday movie night. My kids asked why we ever ordered pizza before. Crisp crust, melty cheese, and the BBQ sauce made it next-level. Saving this recipe forever.”
Pro tip: A hot oven is everything for pizza. Give it a full 20 minutes to heat up so the bottom gets crisp and the cheese bubbles fast.
What Ingredients You Need to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Simple ingredients, big payoff. Here’s what I use for one 12 to 14 inch pizza that feeds 2 to 3 hungry people.
- Pizza dough: 12 to 16 ounces, room temperature for easier stretching.
- BBQ sauce: 1/3 to 1/2 cup, divided for the base and chicken. Go smoky or sweet.
- Cooked chicken: 1 to 1 1/2 cups, shredded or chopped.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 to 1 1/2 cups, shredded for melt and stretch.
- Cheddar or gouda: 1/2 cup, adds flavor and color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, fresh bite.
- Cilantro: A handful, chopped for brightness after baking.
- Olive oil: For brushing the crust and pan.
- Cornmeal or flour: To keep the dough from sticking.
- Optional extras: Sliced jalapeño, bacon crumbles, pineapple tidbits.
Ingredient swaps that work
No cooked chicken? Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. Want mild flavor? Try a honey BBQ sauce. Need dairy-free? Use a dairy-free mozzarella that melts well. Fresh out of mozzarella? Provolone or Monterey Jack can pinch-hit. If red onion feels too sharp, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Curious which sauces pair best with chicken? I keep a quick list here: best store-bought BBQ sauces for pizza. The sauce sets the tone, so pick one you love.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Grab your baking sheet or pizza stone and let’s do this.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F or as high as it safely goes. Put a pizza stone in if you have one and let the oven heat for 20 minutes. Hot oven equals crisp crust.
- Prep the chicken. Toss cooked chicken with 2 to 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until lightly coated. It keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. If you need a fast technique, here’s how to shred chicken quickly.
- Stretch the dough. Dust your counter with flour. Gently press and stretch the dough into a 12 to 14 inch circle. If it resists, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again. No need to be perfect.
- Build the base. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on a pizza peel or oiled pan. Spread 1/4 to 1/3 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, stopping 1/2 inch from the edges.
- Add cheese. Scatter mozzarella and a little cheddar or gouda. Cheese first helps protect the crust from getting soggy.
- Top with chicken and onion. Distribute chicken evenly, then add thin red onion slices. For a kick, add jalapeño. For extra richness, add a small handful of cheddar on top.
- Bake. Slide onto the stone or place the pan on the center rack. Bake 12 to 14 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with browned spots.
- Finish. Brush the crust edge with a tiny bit of olive oil for shine. Scatter chopped cilantro. Let it cool 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese sets, then slice.
That’s it. Dinner, done. If you’d like a crispy bottom without a stone, use a preheated inverted sheet pan. It acts like a makeshift stone and works surprisingly well.
Helpful Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
Let your dough rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before shaping. Cold dough stretches poorly and tends to spring back. Warm dough behaves, which makes your life easier.
Use less sauce than you think. A thin layer is enough to flavor the pizza without turning the center soggy. If you want extra saucy vibes, serve a little on the side for dipping.
Balance your cheese. Mozzarella brings stretch, cheddar or gouda brings flavor. A 3:1 ratio is my sweet spot. Grate it yourself if you can for better melt.
Thinly slice the onions. Thick slices can stay too crunchy. A paper-thin layer gives the right texture and gentle bite.
Preheat like you mean it. A blazing hot oven makes a huge difference. If your oven runs cool, extend the bake by a minute or two and watch for golden edges.
Try a stone or steel if you love crisp crust. Preheat it with the oven, then slide the pizza on. If you’re curious, here are some baking stone tips I lean on when I want restaurant-style results.
Make it ahead. Mix the chicken with sauce and slice onions in the morning. When it’s dinnertime, you’ll only need to roll, top, and bake.
More Delicious BBQ Chicken Recipes
If you’re into the smoky-sweet combo, keep the theme going. BBQ chicken flatbreads are lightning-fast with naan as the base. BBQ chicken quesadillas hit the same notes with minimal cleanup. I also love BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes for a high-protein lunch that reheats like a dream.
Hosting game day or a backyard hangout? Try BBQ chicken sliders with a crunchy slaw, or toss chopped BBQ chicken on a salad with corn, black beans, and avocado for a lighter dinner. For a fun twist, BBQ chicken nachos are pure comfort and disappear in minutes. And if you want a hand-held snack for the kids, BBQ chicken pinwheels made with tortillas are always a hit. I drop quick how-tos inside my BBQ chicken slider ideas for parties when time is tight.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mild smoked gouda all work well. Combine with mozzarella for the best melt and flavor balance.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
Use a preheated inverted sheet pan or a heavy cast iron skillet. Both give the crust a nice head start on crisping.
How do I prevent a soggy center?
Use a thin sauce layer, cheese directly on the dough, and a properly preheated oven. Avoid watery toppings and pat pineapple dry if you use it.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Mix the chicken with sauce and slice the onions up to 2 days ahead. Shape and bake right before serving for the best crust.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Skillet on medium heat with a lid for 3 to 5 minutes. The bottom gets crisp, and the cheese remelts without drying out the chicken.
Pizza Night, Simplified and So Satisfying
If you’ve made it this far, you probably want something reliable and tasty that still feels a little fun. This bbq chicken pizza recipe easy hits that sweet spot. It comes together fast, has layers of flavor, and turns a regular night into something worth looking forward to. For more ideas and variations, I like how this guide breaks it down in the Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe – I Heart Naptime and the simple step-by-step in this Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe | The Recipe Critic. I hope this becomes your new midweek hero too. 
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 500°F or as high as it safely goes. Put a pizza stone in if you have one and let the oven heat for 20 minutes.
- Toss cooked chicken with 2 to 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until lightly coated.
- Dust your counter with flour. Gently press and stretch the dough into a 12 to 14 inch circle.
- Sprinkle a little cornmeal on a pizza peel or oiled pan. Spread 1/4 to 1/3 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, stopping 1/2 inch from the edges.
- Distribute chicken evenly, then add thin red onion slices.
- For a kick, add jalapeño. For extra richness, add a small handful of cheddar on top.
- Slide the pizza onto the stone or place the pan on the center rack.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with browned spots.
- Brush the crust edge with a tiny bit of olive oil for shine.
- Scatter chopped cilantro on top and let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing.
