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BBQ Chicken Pizza

A smoky, cheesy BBQ chicken pizza with red onion and cilantro on a 12-inch crust.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) uncooked chicken breast chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 recipe pizza dough homemade or store-bought (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce plus 3 tablespoons more; homemade or store-bought, divided
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded, low-moisture
  • 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese shredded
  • 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced
  • fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken and brushing dough
  • garlic salt to sprinkle on dough edges

Instructions

  • If using homemade dough, prepare it and complete the second rise; if using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature while you prepare toppings. Shape the dough into a 12-inch round and brush lightly with olive oil; sprinkle lightly with garlic salt and prick several times with a fork.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and chipotle chili powder.
  • Pat the chicken pieces dry, then toss them with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce to coat the cooked chicken; set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
  • Evenly spread 1/3 cup BBQ sauce over the shaped, uncooked dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  • Arrange the BBQ-coated chicken over the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and smoked Gouda evenly on top. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese.
  • Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, slice with a pizza cutter, and serve immediately.

Equipment

  • heavy-bottom skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork
  • rolling surface or parchment
  • Pizza Cutter
  • Oven

Notes

  • Let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before shaping.
  • BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated or frozen.
  • Cooked chicken can be prepared and refrigerated up to two days before assembling.
  • Sliced red onion can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Brushing dough with oil helps prevent a soggy crust.