BBQ Chicken Pizza is a lively ingredient crowd-pleaser that changes the all-natural pizza to a wild combination of sweet, smoky & savory style. Tender chunks of chicken covered in savory hickory BBQ rub, melted smoked Gouda cheese, and fresh red onions put in service against a pre-baked pizza crust come together as an indulgent and accessible dish.
Honey, molasses, and fresh cilantro add depth of flavor to go along with the casual dinner, game night, or family dinner table superstar. The bbq chicken pizza recipe easy enough for weeknights yet bold enough for guests. The recipe is for 4–6 people, each eating one to two slices of a 12-inch pizza (which yields 8 slices per serving).
Here we will walk you through the method of making this simple bbq chicken pizza recipe, the health benefits of ingredients, pairing suggestions and variations, and more about how to cook this pizza.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan For preparing chicken sauce
- 1 Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone For baking pizza
- 1 Knife For slicing onions and chopping cilantro
- 1 Cutting board For prep work Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 halves Boneless Chicken Breast Cooked, cubed (~1 lb)
- 1 cup Hickory-Flavored BBQ Sauce Choose low-sugar if possible
- 1 tbsp Honey Adds natural sweetness
- 1 tsp Molasses Source of iron and calcium
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar Use sparingly for health
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
- 1 Pre-baked Pizza Crust 12-inch
- 1 cup Smoked Gouda Cheese Shredded
- 1 small Red Onion Thinly sliced (1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon molasses, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Add 3 cooked and cubed boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb). Stir to coat, bring to a boil (3–5 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Place a 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. Top with 1 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2–3 minutes, slice into 8 wedges, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled mushrooms or tofu.
- Pair with a green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Nutritious ingredients of non-fatty foods to say No to Junk Food Chicken Pizza (in moderation, where sugar and fats are concerned):
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein (~26g protein per 4 oz) aka – chicken has little fat and contains B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6) that support energy & muscle health. A great foundation for a simple chicken pizza recipe.
- Cilantro: 1 tbsp of cilantro contains vitamins A, C, and K equivalent to around ten percent of your daily vitamin K needs. It aids digestion, detox, boosts immunity, and has antioxidants.
- Red Onions: Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which can lower cholesterol and protect the heart. Red onions are also high in fiber and vitamin C.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: Calcium (about 200mg per oz) and protein to help with bones & muscles. Its smoky flavor means that less must be added to reduce the fat level—an excellent option among bbq chicken pizza toppings.
- Honey: Natural sweetener, honey is also rich in antioxidants and can have some antibacterial properties (goodie) for the immune system in very small quantities.
- Molasses: 1 Tablespoon has more than five percent of your daily iron, calcium, and magnesium, which means it fuels energy and bone strength.
- Pasta Sauce: Tomato-based sauces have lycopene, which is known to be good for the heart; however, moderation is necessary (high in sugar + sodium).
- Pizza Crust: The calories from the brown sugar are okay, but for a bbq chicken pizza recipe healthy, look for a crust made with wholegrains and low (preferably zero) sugar for greater nutritional value.
Serving Ideas and Variations
BBQ Chicken Pizza is versatile and perfect for various occasions:
Serving Ideas:
- For Game Night: It goes with coleslaw and potato wedges, then becomes a satisfying kind of sloppy dinner.
- Family Dinner: Serve with a side of green salad and ranch dressing to offset the pizza.
- Appetizer: Slice into smaller squares and serve alongside mozzarella sticks, veggie tray, etc., for a party platter.
- Picnic: Store slices in a cooler with iced tea and fruit skewers for a summer outdoor feast with the family.
Variations:
- Heat It Up: Replace regular red pepper with 1/4 teaspoon of the stuff or 1/4 sliced jalapeños in the chicken mixture — a spicy twist on your bbq pizza recipe.
- Vegetarian Version: You can substitute grilled mushrooms or even tofu for the chicken and use a veggie barbecue sauce instead of beef.
- Change in Cheese: Use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of smoked Gouda for a slightly milder to hotter experience.
- Whole-Grain Crust: Use cauliflower or a low-carb whole-grain pizza crust for some extra fiber and fewer carbs.
If you’re exploring the best bbq pizza toppings, this recipe offers it all: tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty onion, and sweet molasses—stacked right.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
- Chicken Breast: Purchase fresh, firm chicken breasts without any smell. Refrigerate (day bag) 2 days / Freeze 6 months. Cook and cube in advance for ease of use.
- Hickory BBQ Sauce: Look for barbecue sauce that is hickory-flavored, minimally sweetened. Unopened bottles: store in the pantry (1 year); Open bottles: refrigerate right away and use within 2 months.
- Cilantro: Get beautiful, bright, healthy cilantro with no wilting. Refrigerate with the cut end of the storage in water or a damp paper towel for up to 2 weeks.
- Red Onion: Select firm, dry papery-skinned onions. An unpeeled shallot will even last around 1–2 months in a cool, dry place.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: Shop for shredded smoked gouda cheese (it’s convenient) or shred fresh for more flavor. Wrap tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Pizza Crust: Purchase a high-quality pre-baked crust or make your own for freshness. Store unopened crusts in the pantry for 3 months; with open bags, store in the fridge for weekly use.
General Advice: Perk up the chicken and sauce mixture a day ahead (put it in the refrigerator), but assemble and bake the pizza only when you are about ready to serve to have an extra crispy crust and melted cheese. This is key to a truly bbq chicken pizza worth sharing.
Beverage Pairings
BBQ Chicken Pizza, with its excellent combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, complements many drinks:
- Beer: Pale ale or amber ale to balance out the sticky barbecue sauce and Gouda.
- White Wine: The pizza is sweet; the vermouth matches its sweetness with the acidity of a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Red Wine: A light Zinfandel pairs well with the BBQ sauce and red onion’s tang.
- Unwined Version: Sparkling apple cider or iced tea with lemon to give some cool contrast.
Best Time of Day to Consume
The pizza is probably best eaten as a lunch or dinner time meal, especially during the mid-afternoon to evening. It is adequate for casual or social eating due to its nice and heavy macaroni, protein, and cheese combination. A year-round favorite, especially in summer for barbecues or fall for tailgating, the chicken pizza toppings here shine in every season.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Pizza — Barbecue! The bold bbq chicken pizza with tender grilled chicken, smothered in creamy Gouda & tonnes of fresh toppings on top of a crisp pizza dough. Containing healthy things like chicken, cilantro, and red onions, it’s flavorful and plenty nutritious if taken sparingly.
From lively game night specific pizza to family dinner set or even a casual party statement, this pizza leaves a memorable taste and a pretty face. Using the guide in a step-by-step fashion, through experimenting and developing, along with pairing your entrees wisely from stacking on the other side, will make a great feast that considers the harmony of bold, strong flavors.
Get to savor this sweet and smoky goodness as it will add warmth and joy to your next gathering. Whether you’re making a bbq chicken pizza recipe healthy, a simple chicken pizza recipe, or exploring new bbq chicken pizza toppings, this one brings everyone to the table.
