Best Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

A Flavor Explosion Everyone Craves

This BBQ Chicken Pizza swaps traditional tomato sauce for sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce, then piles on juicy rotisserie chicken, red onion, a dreamy duo of mozzarella and smoked gouda, and a shower of fresh cilantro. One bite delivers smoky, sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in perfect harmony—making it an instant family favorite and game-day legend.

Skip the Delivery – Make It at Home

Using pre-cooked chicken and an easy homemade (or store-bought) dough means this gourmet-style pizza comes together faster than delivery arrives. The crust bakes up crispy on the edges yet soft and chewy inside, and the smoked gouda adds an irresistible depth that you simply can’t get from plain mozzarella. It’s the pizza you’ll make again and again!

Perfect for Busy Nights or Weekend Feasts

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this BBQ chicken pizza hits every craving. Double the toppings and use the full dough batch to feed a crowd, or freeze half the dough for next week—because you’ll definitely want this on repeat.

Ready to ditch boring pizza forever?
Scroll down for the easy step-by-step recipe and make tonight a pizza night to remember!

Best Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Recipe by Next DeliciousCourse: PizzaCuisine: United StatesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

310

kcal

Ingredients

• ½ recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb store-bought dough)

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil, divided

• 1 Tablespoon cornmeal

• ⅓ cup + 2 Tablespoons (130g total) your favorite barbecue sauce

• 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)

• ⅔ cup (70g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ⅔ cup (70g) shredded smoked gouda cheese

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (or basil) for topping

Directions

• Prepare pizza dough through rising (if homemade) or thaw store-bought dough.
• Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 20 minutes. Place pizza stone inside if using.
• Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with ½ Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
• Punch down dough, divide in half (freeze the other half), and stretch into a 12-inch circle, about ½-inch thick. Create a small rim around the edge.
• Brush dough lightly with remaining olive oil. Spread ⅓ cup BBQ sauce evenly, leaving the rim bare.
• Toss chicken with the extra 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce, then scatter over the sauce.
• Top evenly with mozzarella, smoked gouda, and sliced red onion.
• Bake 14–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

• No smoked gouda? Use all mozzarella or try cheddar for a different twist.
• For extra-crispy crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or steel.
• Make it spicy: add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.

Health Benefits of BBQ Chicken Pizza

This delicious BBQ chicken pizza offers balanced nutrition in every slice. Lean chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety, while the homemade dough delivers energizing carbohydrates. Red onion contributes antioxidants and vitamin C, and cilantro adds anti-inflammatory compounds. Using olive oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat, and portion control keeps calories moderate. When made with whole wheat dough and extra veggies, fiber increases, supporting digestion and heart health—turning a fun meal into a smarter choice.

Lean Protein Boost

Rotisserie or grilled chicken supplies about 25g of protein per serving, helping you stay full longer and supporting muscle maintenance without excess fat.

Antioxidant Touch

Red onion and fresh cilantro deliver quercetin and other antioxidants that combat inflammation and support immune function—small additions with big wellness benefits.

Storing Tips for BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap + foil or freezer bag; freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) on a lined sheet for 10–15 minutes (or until hot) for the crispiest results—avoid the microwave to prevent soggy crust.

Conclusion

This easy homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza proves that takeout can’t compare to the fresh, bold flavors you create in your own kitchen. With its perfect sweet-smoky sauce, tender chicken, double-cheese magic, and bright cilantro finish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour. Keep extra dough in the freezer and this recipe becomes your new weeknight hero. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a modern classic—make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)