This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a summer must-try! With juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust, it’s fun and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for those sunny days when you want something tasty but easy to make. I love serving it with a fresh salad—makes it feel fancy, even if it’s just pizza night! 🍕🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but you can also use thighs for extra juiciness. If you need a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is perfect—just shred it and mix with BBQ sauce!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience or make a homemade version using ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a unique touch.
Pizza Dough: If you’re short on time, pre-made dough is a lifesaver. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pizza crusts available at most grocery stores.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Also, try using vegan cheese if you’re going dairy-free!
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds bite, but you can use green onions or even caramelized onions for a sweeter flavor.
How Do You Grill Pizza Without Burning It?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it! First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat, which helps create a crispy crust without burning it.
- Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is essential for easy flipping.
- Grill the dough until you see grill marks (about 2-3 minutes). Don’t walk away—this is quick!
- Flip using tongs or a spatula and work fast to add sauce and toppings. Close the lid to help melt the cheese evenly.
- Keep an eye on the pizza as it cooks. If the edges are browning too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy perfectly grilled pizza every time! Enjoy your summer gatherings! 🌞🍕
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza can be ready in about 30-40 minutes! You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and another 20-30 minutes for grilling and assembling. Perfect for a quick summer meal or a fun cookout with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it thinly and toss the pieces in ½ cup of barbecue sauce to coat them well.
2. Preheating the Grill for Pizza:
Next, brush the grill grates with a bit of olive oil to help prevent sticking. Once that’s done, lower the heat to medium. This helps achieve a perfect, crispy crust without burning it!
3. Preparing the Dough:
Now, let’s get the dough ready! On a floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a circle that’s about 12 inches across. To keep it from sticking, dust a pizza peel or large baking sheet with cornmeal or flour, and place the dough on it.
4. Grilling the Dough:
It’s time to cook the dough! Place the dough directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom has nice grill marks and feels crispy to the touch. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the dough over to the other side.
5. Assembling the Pizza:
Once flipped, quickly spread the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the grilled side of your dough. Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and smoked gouda, if you’re using it) evenly on the sauce. Then, add the BBQ chicken slices and scatter the sliced red onions evenly on top. Close the grill lid to help everything cook evenly, and let it grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the crust is cooked through.
6. Finishing Touches and Serving:
Carefully remove the pizza from the grill. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of flavor. Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it up and enjoy your delicious summer grilled BBQ chicken pizza!
This recipe combines smoky grilled flavors with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings. Enjoy! 🍕🌞
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to mix the meat with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy crust!
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this pizza vegetarian! Skip the chicken and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach instead. You can also add some grilled corn for an extra burst of flavor! Just remember to keep the BBQ sauce for a delicious base.
What is the Best Way to Grill Dough Without it Sticking?
To prevent the dough from sticking, always brush the grill grates with olive oil before cooking. Also, dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour when transferring the dough onto the grill. This helps it slide off easily!