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Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Featured in Homemade pizza creations.

Looking to recreate that famous California Pizza Kitchen BBQ chicken pizza at home? This recipe nails it perfectly! The magic comes from combining two cheeses - mozzarella for that perfect melt and smoked gouda for rich flavor. The pizza starts with a perfectly crispy crust, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and tender chicken. Red onions add a nice bite, while fresh cilantro brings a pop of freshness. What makes this recipe extra special is its flexibility - use homemade or store-bought dough, swap out the gouda for more mozzarella if needed, and even freeze the extras for later. It's restaurant quality pizza made right in your kitchen!
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:11 GMT
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Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza | myhomemaderecipe.com

The ultimate homemade BBQ chicken pizza combines tangy sauce, smoky cheese, and tender chicken on a perfectly chewy crust. This recipe proves that creating restaurant-quality pizza at home isn't just possible - it's better than takeout.

The moment I discovered combining smoked gouda with mozzarella, this pizza went from good to extraordinary. That smoky-creamy cheese combination with tangy BBQ sauce creates something truly special.

Essential Ingredients

  • Homemade Pizza Dough: Creates perfect chewy base
  • BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand
  • Pre-cooked Chicken: Rotisserie saves time
  • Smoked Gouda: Adds crucial smoky flavor

Detailed Instructions

Dough Preparation (15 minutes):
Let dough come to room temperature. Press into 12-inch circle. Create slight rim around edge. Brush with olive oil. Let rest while preparing toppings.
Topping Assembly (10 minutes):
Toss chicken with BBQ sauce. Shred both cheeses. Slice red onion thinly. Have all ingredients ready before starting. Preheat oven to highest setting.
Pizza Construction (5 minutes):
Spread BBQ sauce evenly. Layer sauced chicken. Add cheese mixture. Arrange onion slices. Drizzle with extra sauce.
Baking Process (12-15 minutes):
Place pizza in preheated oven. Watch for bubbling cheese. Look for golden crust edges. Check bottom for browning. Remove when perfectly cooked.
Finishing Touches (2 minutes):
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired. Let rest briefly. Slice and serve hot. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired.
Easy Quick BBQ Chicken Pizza pin it
Easy Quick BBQ Chicken Pizza | myhomemaderecipe.com

Having made countless pizzas at home, I've learned that the key to perfect BBQ chicken pizza lies in layering. Starting with a thin layer of sauce, then chicken, followed by the cheese blend creates the best flavor in every bite.

Italian Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza pin it
Italian Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza | myhomemaderecipe.com

Make-Ahead Options

  • Prepare dough in advance
  • Pre-cook and sauce chicken
  • Shred cheeses ahead
  • Assemble just before baking

This BBQ Chicken Pizza proves that homemade pizza can rival any restaurant version. The combination of smoky gouda, tangy sauce, and fresh herbs creates something truly memorable. Whether made for family pizza night or casual entertaining, it never fails to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use 1 pound of store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade dough.
→ How do I store leftover pizza?
Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can I substitute the smoked gouda cheese?
Yes, you can replace it with the same amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
→ What's the best way to reheat this pizza?
Either microwave or bake covered at 350°F for 10 minutes (slices) or 15-20 minutes (whole pizza).
→ Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the pizza, then freeze it for up to 3 months.

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

A delicious homemade pizza featuring BBQ chicken, mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese, topped with red onions and fresh cilantro on a crispy crust.

Prep Time
130 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
145 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Pizza Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: one 12-inch pizza

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
02 1 Tablespoon olive oil, divided
03 1 Tablespoon cornmeal

→ Toppings

04 1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons your favorite barbecue sauce
05 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
06 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 2/3 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
08 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, for topping (or use basil)

Instructions

Step 01

If using homemade dough, prepare through step 3. For store-bought frozen dough, ensure it's fully thawed.

Step 02

Heat oven to 475°F (246°C) for 15-20 minutes. Grease a large baking sheet with 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

Step 03

Punch down dough to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, flatten into a 12-inch circle about 1/2-inch thick. Create a lip around the edges. Let rest covered for a few minutes.

Step 04

Make dents in dough surface to prevent bubbling. Brush with olive oil, spread BBQ sauce, add chicken tossed in remaining sauce, then top with cheeses and red onion.

Step 05

Bake for 14-15 minutes until crust is golden brown. Top with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. You can freeze the baked pizza or slices for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator or at room temperature.
  2. Reheat cold pizza in microwave or in 350°F oven until warm (10 minutes for slices, 15-20 minutes for whole pizza).
  3. If you don't have smoked gouda, use additional mozzarella instead. Onion and cilantro are optional.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pizza pan or baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Pizza cutter