BBQ Chicken Mozzarella Pizza

This BBQ chicken pizza is my favorite way to bring the bold flavors of summer barbecue indoors. With a smoky sauce, juicy chicken, sweet-tart onions and melty cheese all on crisp pizza dough, it satisfies every craving for comfort food with just the right balance of tang and savor.

One bite took me straight back to a summer cookout and now my friends look forward to this pizza at every game night I host.

Ingredients

• BBQ sauce: Tenderizes the meat and brings sweet smoky depth. Choose a brand with a bit of tang or smoky notes for best results.
• Pizza dough: Fresh or store-bought dough ensures a crisp base. Let it come to room temperature before rolling for better texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates gooey meltiness across every bite. Pick whole milk mozzarella for extra stretch and richer flavor.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy after cooking. Chicken breast can work if you prefer white meat just avoid overcooking.
• Olive oil: Gives a subtle fruitiness and helps with perfect chicken browning. For bold flavor use extra virgin olive oil.
• Salt and pepper: Season chicken simply. Freshly ground pepper adds more aroma.
• Red or white onion: Brings sweetness and bite. Red is milder and pretty but white gives sharper savory flavor.
• Butter: Caramelizes onion to maximize flavor. Go for unsalted to control overall salt.
• Red wine vinegar: Brightens onions with a pop of acidity. Balsamic can also work if needed.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): For a fresh herby touch. Use flat-leaf for its bright flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken into a sauté pan over medium heat with olive oil. Cook the first side for about 5 minutes then flip and continue cooking with the lid on for another 5 minutes. Lock in moisture and flavor by using the lid. Once thoroughly cooked use two forks to shred the chicken in a bowl and toss with a couple of spoonfuls of your BBQ sauce to coat every piece.

Caramelize Onion:

Using the same pan where you cooked the chicken add sliced onion butter and red wine vinegar. Keep the heat low and stir gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Cook onions slowly until they have softened and turned golden with a syrupy edge. This brings out the sweet tangy taste that perfectly balances the rich BBQ chicken.

Shape Dough:

Line your pizza or sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten the dough into a 12 inch round or divide for smaller pies. Having the dough at room temperature makes stretching much easier and avoids tears.

Assemble Pizza:

Spoon your favorite BBQ sauce over the shaped dough in an even layer including up to the edges for a big pop of flavor. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top making sure it is evenly spread. Add your BBQ chicken and caramelized onions over the cheese using your fingers to distribute them for every bite. Top with fresh cilantro for bright color and taste if desired.

Bake:

Place assembled pizza in a preheated 400 degree oven. Bake for about 13 minutes or until the bottom is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned at the edges. Let the pizza cool just slightly before slicing.

Pin

The caramelized onions take the whole pizza to another level. My kids fight for the slices with the most onions and I sometimes double them just for those extra pockets of flavor.

Storage tips

Let the pizza cool completely then wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage slice and freeze in single layer portions wrapped well for up to one month. To reheat crisp pizza in a hot oven for best texture.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for cooked rotisserie chicken to save time just toss with BBQ sauce as directed. If you have only breast meat lower the cook time slightly to keep it moist. For dairy free options use vegan cheese shreds and plant butter. Gluten free dough can be used with no changes to the method.

Serving suggestions

This pizza pairs well with a fresh green salad or a bowl of corn chowder for a hearty meal. Slice it into squares for an easy party appetizer or serve wedge style for a classic look. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a touch of heat for spice lovers.

Cultural context

BBQ chicken pizza became popular in the US thanks to chefs combining classic Southern barbecue with Italian pizzeria methods. This fusion dish has become a restaurant mainstay and is loved for the way it blends smoky sweet and cheesy flavors in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best for this pizza?

Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy—classic, smoky, or spicy. Opt for a thick sauce for robust flavor and texture.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used. Ensure it's cooked gently to keep it moist and shred easily.

→ How do I caramelize onions for the topping?

Cook sliced onions with butter and a splash of red wine vinegar on low heat until soft, sweet, and golden brown.

→ What is the ideal baking time and temperature?

Bake the pizza at 400°F for about 13 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

→ Is mozzarella cheese essential, or can I use a blend?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can blend with cheddar or gouda for extra flavor and richness.

→ How can I make the pizza crust extra crispy?

Roll the dough thin, use parchment on a hot pan, and bake on the higher oven rack to crisp the base.