Zesty BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with Fresh Cilantro Magic

Crisp and smoky BBQ chicken pizza dances with unexpected flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Juicy grilled chicken mingles with tangy sauce and melted cheese for a seriously delicious combo.

Homemade crust provides the perfect canvas for this mouthwatering creation.

fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous punch that cuts through the richness.

Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade with this crowd-pleasing meal.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in minutes to create something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next pizza night adventure.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Brings Smoky Flavor to Every Slice

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients effortlessly based on personal taste preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe super adaptable for spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepared in just 30 minutes, this pizza transforms leftover chicken into a delicious meal that satisfies hunger without complicated preparation steps.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Delivers gourmet-style barbecue chicken pizza experience using simple ingredients, creating restaurant-level taste right in your kitchen without expensive takeout costs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar barbecue flavors, melted cheese, and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Ingredient Guide

• Flour: Main dry ingredient for creating pizza crust structure.
• Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light texture, choose fresh package.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough consistency.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and rich flavor to dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall dough flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Chicken, Shredded: Primary protein source, best when pre-cooked and seasoned.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp flavor and crisp texture, thinly sliced for even distribution.

• Barbecue Sauce: Primary flavor base with tangy and sweet profile, choose thick consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides melting quality and rich dairy flavor, both offer different taste profiles.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh finish with herbal notes, best when finely chopped just before serving.

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Cilantro Assembly Method

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

If making homemade dough, grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Pour in warm water and sprinkle sugar.

Gently scatter yeast across the surface and wait 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

Pour in olive oil, add salt, and gradually mix in flour.

Knead the mixture until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

Cover the bowl and let it rest in a cozy spot for about an hour, watching it rise and double in size.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a blazing 475°F.

If you have a pizza stone, slide it inside to get scorching hot and ready for action.

Step 3: Craft Your Pizza Base

Dust your workspace with flour and roll out the dough into a perfect 12-inch circle.

Gently transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.

Lavish the dough with barbecue sauce, leaving a small border for a crispy crust.

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar

• Shredded chicken
• Sliced red onion

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly masterpiece.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flair

Pull the pizza from the oven and immediately shower it with fresh cilantro.

For an extra flavor kick, drizzle additional barbecue sauce.

Slice and serve while it’s hot and irresistible.

Homemade Pizza Tips for BBQ Chicken with Cilantro

• Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled, smoked, or leftover chicken for diverse flavor profiles and easy preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the pizza base soggy and ensure a crispy texture.
• Mix different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add depth and complexity to the pizza's overall taste.
• Adjust barbecue sauce heat by selecting mild, medium, or spicy sauce to match personal preference and dietary tolerance.
• Experiment with additional fresh herbs like green onions or parsley alongside cilantro for extra aromatic dimension and vibrant presentation.

Store BBQ Chicken Pizza Right

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Revive cold pizza in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness and warm toppings evenly.

What Goes With BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Flavor Fusion: Match smoky BBQ chicken pizza with crisp, tangy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich cheese and barbecue sauce.
• Refreshing Companion: Pair with a light, citrusy wheat beer or hefeweizen that complements the cilantro and balances the pizza's bold flavors.
• Cool Contrast: Serve alongside a zesty mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the pizza's intense barbecue profile.
• Texture Harmony: Include crisp cucumber slices or pickled red onions as a side to add crunch and brighten the overall meal experience.

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Add-In Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pizza Option: Swap traditional wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious pizza experience.
• Vegan BBQ Chicken Alternative: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegan cheese, and select a dairy-free barbecue sauce for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust Variation: Create a cauliflower pizza base instead of traditional dough, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy texture and pizza-like experience.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap red onions for green onions, include pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with chipotle barbecue sauce for a zestier flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to the pizza. Simply shred the meat and use it directly on the pizza.

• How can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as an alternative. Most grocery stores now carry pre-made gluten-free pizza bases that work perfectly.

• Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and cheddar cheese?

While not mandatory, the combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates a richer, more complex cheese flavor. If you prefer, you can use just one type of cheese, but the two-cheese blend adds depth to the pizza.

• Can I prepare the pizza dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead. After the first rise, wrap it tightly and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out when you’re ready to make the pizza.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with Fresh Cilantro Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken pizza delivers a mouthwatering fusion of smoky grilled flavors and zesty cilantro. Crisp crust meets tender chicken, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, promising a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Pizza Dough and Flour Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Protein and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (340 grams) cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (57 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Topping and Garnish Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (118 ml) barbecue sauce
• 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Additional barbecue sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast and allow it to bloom for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
2. Create the pizza dough by incorporating olive oil, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture, kneading thoroughly until a smooth, elastic texture develops. Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for approximately one hour or until it doubles in volume.
3. Heat the oven to a high temperature of 475°F, positioning a pizza stone inside if available to ensure optimal heat distribution.
4. Prepare the pizza base by rolling the dough into a circular shape on a lightly floured surface, maintaining an even thickness and creating a slightly raised outer edge.
5. Apply a generous layer of barbecue sauce across the dough, ensuring complete coverage while leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Distribute a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the sauce, creating an even, melty foundation for the toppings.
7. Arrange shredded chicken and thinly sliced red onions strategically across the cheese layer, ensuring balanced coverage.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the toppings to create a rich, golden-brown surface during baking.
9. Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet, cooking for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
10. Immediately garnish the hot pizza with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Optionally drizzle additional barbecue sauce for enhanced flavor. Slice and serve while warm.

Notes

• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy, tender crust that holds toppings perfectly.
• Choose a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce for deeper flavor complexity that complements the chicken and cheese.
• Shred chicken while it’s still warm for easier and more even distribution across the pizza surface.
• Pat chicken dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional flour with a high-quality gluten-free pizza dough mix or cauliflower crust.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Chop cilantro just before sprinkling to maintain its bright, fresh taste and vibrant green color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg