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Quick Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza

quick crispy BBQ chicken pizza - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight pizza featuring a crispy crust, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy evenings when you want a flavorful homemade meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 store-bought pre-made pizza dough or thin naan bread
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches diameter. For naan or flatbread, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil to help it crisp up.
  5. Blind bake the crust in the oven for 5-7 minutes until it starts to firm but is not browned.
  6. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then add thin slices of red onion.
  8. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the crust is crispy. Watch closely after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and any optional toppings like jalapeños or extra BBQ sauce.
  11. Slice into 6-8 pieces and serve warm.

Notes

Blind baking the crust prevents sogginess. Brush the crust generously with olive oil for extra crispiness. Avoid overloading with sauce or chicken to keep the crust crispy. Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to maintain crisp texture; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, quick pizza recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy pizza crust, easy pizza, BBQ sauce pizza