Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The smoky flavor from the grill combined with tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and bubbling cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone reaching for a second slice. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just looking for a fun new meal idea, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
There are countless reasons to love this grilled BBQ chicken pizza! First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation. The grilling process imparts a unique smoky flavor that you can’t achieve with conventional baking. Plus, the combination of flavors—sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, savory chicken, and gooey mozzarella—makes each bite utterly irresistible. It’s a fantastic dish for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in!
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
Directions:
-
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it’s ready to create that perfect crispy crust.
-
Step 2: Mixing the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Step 3: Preparing the Pizza Crust
Brush one side of the pizza crust with olive oil. Place it on the grill, oiled side down. This will help achieve a nice crispiness on the bottom of the crust.
-
Step 4: Grilling the Crust
Grill the crust for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is crispy and slightly charred. This initial grilling gets the crust nice and toasty!
-
Step 5: Adding Toppings
Flip the crust carefully and spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced red onion on top.
-
Step 6: Melting the Cheese
Close the grill lid and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
-
Step 7: Garnishing
Once done, remove the pizza from the grill and garnish it with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
-
Step 8: Serving
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it hot for everyone to enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Grilled BBQ chicken pizza is versatile and can be served alongside a fresh garden salad or some crunchy coleslaw. For an extra kick, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Pair it with a chilled beverage, such as lemonade or iced tea, to balance the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you happen to have leftovers, store the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a grill or in an oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Make sure your grill is properly preheated to avoid a raw crust at the base.
- Feel free to customize the pizza with your favorite toppings, like bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust.
- If you don’t have a grill, this pizza can also be made in the oven on a pizza stone or baking sheet—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Delicious Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Replace the barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
- Veggie Lovers: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a colorful veggie-packed pizza.
- Hawaiian Style: Incorporate diced pineapple along with the BBQ chicken for a sweet and savory blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can elevate your pizza to another level. Just ensure it’s stretched thin enough for grilling. -
What type of grill is best for this pizza?
A gas or charcoal grill works well. You can also use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. -
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cooked chicken can be shredded and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a quick option for pizza night. -
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties all work well, so choose one that fits your taste. -
How can I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes atop the cheese before grilling for an extra spicy kick.
Conclusion
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fantastic recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and fun! Whether you’re grilling during a hot summer day or enjoying it at a backyard cookout, this pizza is sure to impress friends and family alike. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy a culinary experience that’s both delicious and satisfying! Happy cooking!
Print
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl.
- Brush one side of the pizza crust with olive oil.
- Grill the crust for about 2-3 minutes until crispy and slightly charred.
- Flip the crust carefully and spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced red onion on top.
- Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
