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Homemade California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza (Copycat Recipe) photo
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California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza (Copycat Recipe)

A crisp, smoky BBQ chicken pizza with Gouda, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (for coating chicken)
  • 16 ounces pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons semolina or cornmeal for dusting work surface
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for pizza) total, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded total, divided
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts 5 to 6 minutes, turning as needed, until just cooked through; do not overcook. Transfer to a plate and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
  • Once the chicken is chilled, toss or coat it with 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Return to the refrigerator while you prepare the oven and dough.
  • Place a pizza stone in the center of the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for 1 hour, or preheat the oven and stone according to your oven's instructions. If using a pizza pan, preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons semolina or cornmeal on your work surface. Place half of the 16 ounces pizza dough on the semolina and roll it out to your desired thickness.
  • Use a large spoon to spread about 1/4 cup of the 1/2 cup barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small rim for the crust.
  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon shredded Gouda over the sauce, then top with 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
  • Distribute half of the chilled, sauced chicken pieces evenly over the cheese, then scatter approximately half of the sliced red onions across the pizza.
  • Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella over the top of the pizza.
  • Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or pan and bake until the crust is crisp and golden and the center cheese is bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro over the hot pizza. Slice and serve. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and ingredients to make a second pizza.

Equipment

  • Large frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • work surface (with semolina or cornmeal)
  • Rolling Pin
  • pizza stone or pizza pan
  • Oven
  • Spoon
  • Knife

Notes

  • Chill the cooked chicken before tossing with BBQ sauce so it absorbs flavor.
  • Preheat the pizza stone for best results and a crisp crust.
  • Semolina or cornmeal prevents sticking and adds texture to the crust.
  • Divide the cheese and sauce as described for even coverage.