BBQ Chicken Pizza – Smoky, Sweet & Cheesy Homemade Perfection You’ll Crave Every Week!

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favourite — combining the bold, smoky-sweet flavour of BBQ sauce with juicy chicken, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is perfectly balanced — slightly tangy, slightly sweet, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re hosting a weekend pizza night or simply craving something comforting and flavour-packed, this easy homemade pizza will hit the spot every time.

BBQ chicken pizza became popular in California in the 1980s, thanks to chefs who loved blending American BBQ culture with Italian-style pizza dough. It’s since become a global favourite, known for its irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and savoury flavours. The caramelized onions bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy BBQ sauce, while the seasoned chicken adds depth and juiciness.
If you want to make it even more special, try making your own dough — I have a simple recipe on my blog that yields the perfect chewy crust! 🍕
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully in the air fryer or oven — just a few minutes, and your pizza tastes freshly baked again.


Key Ingredients & Their Roles:

Pizza Dough → The foundation of any great pizza — chewy, crisp, and soft in all the right places. A homemade dough gives the best texture, but store-bought works fine for convenience.
Chicken Breast → Lean and tender, it soaks up the smoky BBQ flavours beautifully while keeping the pizza light.
BBQ Sauce → The star of the show — adds a rich, smoky, sweet, and tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
Caramelized Onion → Adds natural sweetness and depth, balancing the smoky chicken and tangy sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese → Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy stretch and golden crust on top.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder → Boosts the flavour of the chicken, enhancing the smoky BBQ notes.



BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe Details:

📌 Prep Time: 15 minutes |Cook Time: 15 minutes |Total Time: 30 minutes |Cuisine Type: Fusion (American + Italian) |Calories: Approx. 530 kcal per serving |Serving Size: 2–3 servings


📝 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 200 g (7 oz) chicken breast, sliced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pizza:

  • 1 pizza dough (about 370 g / 13 oz) – see my [homemade pizza dough recipe here]
  • 1 onion, sliced and caramelized
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
  • Add chicken slices and coat well.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Cook chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 

2️⃣ Caramelize the Onion:

  • In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook over low heat until golden and sweet (about 8–10 minutes). 

3️⃣ Assemble the Pizza:

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F).
  • Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. 

  • Spread a layer of BBQ sauce over the dough. 

  • Sprinkle half the cheese evenly, then add cooked chicken and caramelized onion. 

  • Top with the remaining cheese. 

4️⃣ Bake the Pizza:

  • Place the pizza on a baking tray or pizza stone.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. 

5️⃣ Finish & Serve:

  • Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley. 

  • Slice and enjoy while warm!

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions:

Cheese Options: Try adding a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavour.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken or grilled tofu, vegan BBQ sauce, and dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken and caramelized onions a day ahead — assemble just before baking.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section):

Q1. Can I make BBQ chicken pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cook the chicken, and caramelize the onions in advance. Assemble just before baking.

Q2. What’s the best BBQ sauce for pizza?
Choose a thick, smoky-style BBQ sauce with a balance of sweetness and tang. Homemade or hickory-flavoured sauces work beautifully.

Q3. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and still tastes delicious with BBQ sauce.

Q4. How do I store leftover pizza?
Keep slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Q5. Can I freeze BBQ chicken pizza?
Yes — freeze cooked slices in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 220°C (428°F) for about 8–10 minutes.


Wrap-Up 

This BBQ Chicken Pizza brings together everything we love about comfort food — smoky, sweet, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect choice for pizza night or a casual gathering with friends. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments! 🍕
👉 What’s your favorite topping combination for homemade pizza?
If you loved this recipe, check out my Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe to make the perfect base next time!


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