The Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crafting a delectable BBQ chicken pizza becomes an adventure of flavors and textures that dance across your plate.

Smoky aromas waft through your kitchen, promising a culinary experience beyond ordinary meal preparations.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in tangy sauce create a mouthwatering canvas for crispy crust and melted cheese.

Unexpected spice combinations and fresh ingredients elevate this classic comfort dish to gourmet heights.

Crisp vegetables and carefully selected toppings add vibrant layers of complexity to each delightful slice.

Weekend cooking transforms into a celebration of creativity and bold taste sensations.

Take the first bite and watch your dinner guests swoon with delight.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Juicy and Tangy Taste

• Elevate Backyard Cooking: Transform ordinary grilling into a gourmet pizza-making adventure that impresses friends and family with restaurant-quality flavors.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily swap ingredients, add personal favorite toppings, and make the pizza uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in minimal time, combining the smoky charm of grilled pizza with the convenience of simple ingredients that everyone loves.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or spontaneous summer dinners where people can enjoy a fun, interactive meal together.

What Goes Into Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Pizza Dough: A foundational element that provides the crispy and chewy canvas for the pizza.
• BBQ Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that serves as the primary flavor base for the pizza.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that add richness and a classic pizza texture.

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds substantial flavor and substance to the pizza.
• Red Onion: A sharp and slightly sweet vegetable that provides a crisp texture and aromatic flavor.

• Olive Oil: A lubricant that helps create a crispy crust and adds a subtle richness.
• Cornmeal: A textural element used to prevent sticking and add a subtle crunch to the pizza base.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: A bright and herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh finish to the pizza.

How to Cook Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat, getting it ready for some serious pizza action.

The goal is creating a hot cooking surface that’ll transform your dough into a crispy masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare Pizza Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a clean surface dusted with flour.

Stretch and shape it until you’ve got a thin, even canvas that’s ready for delicious toppings.

Step 3: Set Up Your Pizza Base

Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel or flat surface to prevent sticking.

Gently transfer your rolled dough onto this surface, preparing for the flavor adventure.

Step 4: Drizzle And Spread Olive Oil

Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil.

This creates a beautiful golden base and helps prevent the crust from getting soggy.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Pour BBQ sauce across the dough, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.

Make sure every inch gets a tasty coating of tangy goodness.

Step 6: Layer Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Cover the sauce completely for maximum melty deliciousness.

Step 7: Add Protein And Veggies

• Sliced chicken breast
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Any additional toppings you desire

Step 8: Grill The Pizza

Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated grill grates.

Close the lid to create an oven-like environment.

Step 9: Cook To Perfection

Grill for 10-15 minutes.

Watch for a crispy golden crust and bubbling, melted cheese.

The edges should look beautifully charred.

Step 10: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the hot pizza.

Slice and serve immediately for the ultimate grilled pizza experience.

Pro Tips for Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Use a sturdy pizza dough that can withstand direct grill heat without falling apart or becoming soggy.
• Grill or cook chicken breasts beforehand, seasoning with salt and pepper for extra flavor before slicing thinly.
• Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning the crust while ensuring cheese melts evenly and toppings cook through.
• Dust pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or semolina to help the pizza slide smoothly onto the grill and prevent sticking.
• Add cheese first after sauce to create a protective barrier and prevent soggy crust, then distribute chicken and onions evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.

Variations to Try with Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Vegetarian BBQ Pizza: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add jalapeños, swap BBQ sauce for chipotle sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Pizza: Substitute BBQ sauce with olive oil and herbs, use feta cheese, and add kalamata olives and sliced artichokes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Pizza Night Party Platter: Create a fun sharing spread with extra sliced pizza, mixed green salad, and crispy garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Serve with zesty ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, or tangy hot sauce on the side for personalized taste preferences.
• Casual Gathering Style: Pair with ice-cold craft beer, chilled white wine, or refreshing sparkling water to complement the grilled pizza's smoky flavors.
• Summer Backyard Companion: Enjoy alongside grilled corn on the cob, quick pickled vegetables, or light coleslaw for a perfect outdoor dining adventure.

Storage Advice for Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled pizza slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps. Avoid microwave to maintain crispy texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the grill?

Use cornmeal on the pizza peel or surface before transferring the dough. This creates a non-stick barrier and helps the pizza slide easily onto the grill grates.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work great, you can experiment with provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• What's the best way to slice the chicken for the pizza?

Slice the chicken breast into thin, even pieces to ensure they cook quickly and distribute evenly across the pizza. Pre-cooked or grilled chicken works best.

Grilled Bbq Chicken Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade grilled bbq chicken pizza delivers smoky flavor and crispy crust in one delightful package. Grill marks and tangy sauce create a perfect summer meal that will satisfy pizza enthusiasts and backyard grill masters alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large cooked and sliced chicken breast
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce

Toppings and Garnishes:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional: Sliced jalapenos
• Optional: Bell peppers
• Optional: Bacon bits

Preparation Ingredients:

• Olive oil (for brushing the dough)
• Cornmeal (for dusting the pizza peel or grill grates)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grill to 400-450°F with medium-high direct heat zones.
2. Stretch pizza dough into a thin, round shape on a lightly cornmeal-dusted flat surface.
3. Generously coat the dough’s surface with olive oil using a pastry brush.
4. Pour BBQ sauce across the dough, spreading evenly with the back of a spoon to create a uniform layer.
5. Distribute mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the sauce-covered surface, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Arrange sliced chicken breast pieces strategically over the cheese layer.
7. Scatter thinly sliced red onion rings across the pizza for added flavor complexity.
8. Carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto clean, preheated grill grates.
9. Close the grill lid and monitor the pizza, rotating occasionally to prevent burning.
10. Cook for 12-14 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crispy, cheese melts completely.
11. Remove from grill and immediately garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves.
12. Allow pizza to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving hot.

Notes

• Opt for a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning the crust when grilling.
• Precook chicken slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked and stays juicy, preventing dry meat on the pizza.
• Use a thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Experiment with alternative sauces like spicy chipotle or tangy honey mustard BBQ for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg