If you are craving a flavor-packed, restaurant-style treat that you can easily make at home, this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe will quickly become your new go-to favorite. Imagine juicy, smoky grilled chicken slathered in tangy BBQ sauce atop a crisp, golden crust, crowned with melty mozzarella and a burst of fresh red onion and cilantro. This pizza perfectly balances smoky, sweet, cheesy, and fresh elements in every bite, bringing all the best summer vibes to your plate no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, essential ingredients is the best way to guarantee delicious results. Each component in this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe plays a key role, lending texture, depth of flavor, and vibrant color to your masterpiece.
- Pizza Dough: Use homemade or store-bought for a crispy and chewy base that’s easy to work with.
- Grilled Chicken: Seasoned, shredded chicken brings smoky protein and BBQ sauce absorption.
- BBQ Sauce: Pick a sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess for that signature BBQ zip.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy pockets that tie the pizza together.
- Red Onion: Thin slices add subtle sharpness and crunch with every bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbal garnish that lifts the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the dough adds golden crispness and moisture.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour, yeast, and warm water with a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This allows for a light and airy crust that crisps beautifully when grilled or baked.
Step 2: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Give your chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. This simple seasoning is crucial for building that delicious smoky flavor in each bite after grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken for roughly 6-7 minutes per side until perfectly cooked and juicy. Let the chicken rest briefly before shredding, keeping all those flavorful juices locked in.
Step 4: Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Coat the shredded chicken with your chosen BBQ sauce, ensuring every strand is infused with that tangy, sweet goodness. This step is where the heart of the Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe begins to take shape.
Step 5: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Whether using an oven or grill, get it ready at about 475°F (245°C). This high heat is essential for producing a crisp crust that holds up against the toppings.
Step 6: Roll and Prepare the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 12-inch circle. Brush lightly with olive oil to add flavor and help achieve that beautiful golden crust.
Step 7: Blind Bake the Dough
Place the dough on your grill or heated pizza stone and cook for 3-5 minutes. This “blind bake” firms up the crust so it doesn’t get soggy under the toppings.
Step 8: Add the BBQ Chicken
Spread your BBQ-coated shredded chicken evenly over the par-cooked crust. This ensures the chicken heats through perfectly without drying out.
Step 9: Layer the Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the chicken for that irresistible gooey texture that cheese lovers dream about.
Step 10: Top with Red Onion
Add thinly sliced red onions for a sharp, crunchy contrast that starts brightening your pizza’s flavor profile.
Step 11: Final Cook to Melt and Brown
Return your pizza to the grill or oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, signaling it’s time to pull it out.
Step 12: Fresh Herb Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pizza. This herb adds a refreshing burst that cuts through the richness delightfully.
Step 13: Slice and Serve
Slice your pizza into wedges, serve hot, and watch everyone savor their first smoky, cheesy, tangy bite of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is classic, but you can also add thin slices of jalapeño for heat or even a drizzle of ranch dressing to complement the BBQ flavor and add creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob to round out your meal with fresh, light textures that contrast the pizza’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve as an outdoor party feast by slicing into small squares for finger food, or try building mini personal pizzas using the same toppings on smaller dough rounds to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain that wonderful juiciness in the chicken and freshness in the toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough and cooked shredded chicken separately to save time next time you crave this pizza. Once assembled, freeze the entire pizza on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving as it can leave the crust soggy and the toppings less vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can cut down prep time while still providing delicious BBQ chicken flavor when mixed with your favorite sauce.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Look for a BBQ sauce that strikes a balance between sweet and tangy to complement the grilled chicken and cheese without overpowering the fresh toppings.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers and use a tangy BBQ sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the dough?
Pre-baking helps prevent sogginess by firming up the crust so it holds the juicy BBQ chicken and cheese without getting soggy—especially important if using a thick sauce.
What’s the best way to shred grilled chicken?
Allow the cooked chicken to rest first, then use two forks or your hands to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces that soak up the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that’s perfect for sharing any time you want to impress family and friends. Once you try it, I promise it will earn a special spot in your homemade pizza rotation. So fire up that grill or heat your oven and get ready for a flavor explosion with every slice!
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (1 whole 12-inch pizza)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza combines smoky grilled chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh toppings on a crispy homemade pizza crust. Perfectly cooked on the grill or in the oven, this pizza offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound Pizza Dough (Homemade or store-bought for a 12-inch pizza crust)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For brushing on the pizza dough)
Chicken Topping
- 2 cups Cooked, Shredded Grilled Chicken (Seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices before grilling)
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce (Choose a sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess)
Cheese and Veggies
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Can mix with sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Thinly sliced for topping)
Garnish
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (For garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast, and ¾ cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and knead until smooth. Allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Marinate Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and preferred spices to prepare for grilling.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest before shredding.
- Prepare Topping: Shred the grilled chicken and toss with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) or prepare grill for indirect heat setup.
- Roll Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch round shape. Brush the top with olive oil.
- Par-cook Dough: Transfer dough to the grill or a preheated pizza stone in the oven and cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Add BBQ Chicken: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the partially cooked crust.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken layer evenly.
- Add Onion: Place thin slices of red onion atop the cheese layer.
- Finish Cooking: Return pizza to the grill or oven and cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove pizza from heat, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh cilantro. Slice into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the pizza dough with store-bought dough for convenience.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- For added flavor, mix mozzarella with sharp cheddar cheese.
- If grilling the pizza, set up one side for direct heat and the other for indirect to avoid burning the crust.
- Brushing olive oil on the dough helps achieve a crisp and golden crust.
- Let the pizza rest briefly after cooking to prevent the cheese and toppings from sliding off when slicing.
