If you’re craving a smoky, cheesy delight that brings together the best of backyard grilling and comfort food, then you’re going to love this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, layers of melty mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, a hint of sharp red onion, and fresh cilantro for brightness—all sitting on a perfectly crisp grilled pizza crust. Cooking the dough directly on the grill infuses it with that irresistible charred flavor, making this pizza a standout summer favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the creamy cheese blend to the zingy red onions and fresh cilantro, these simple components come together beautifully to create a pizza you’ll want to make again and again.
- Premade pizza dough: Using ready dough saves time and ensures a consistent, chewy crust that grills well.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender and perfect for soaking up that smoky BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Half is brushed on the crust and the other half mixes with the chicken for a double punch of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, creamy base to this pizza.
- Shredded Gouda cheese: Offers a smoky richness that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Adds just the right amount of bite and crispness to balance the richness.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts and freshens every slice.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by gently stretching your premade pizza dough on a floured surface or pizza stone into your desired shape. It’s important to let the dough rest for 10 minutes after the initial stretch—this helps relax the gluten, making it easier to stretch again without tearing. This step sets the stage for that perfect grilled crust.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Crank your grill up to high heat and give those grates a good oiling with nonstick spray or a brush of cooking oil. The high heat ensures a quick crust cook with those magical grill marks and smoky flavor that’s so signature to this pizza style.
Step 3: Grill the Dough
Place the dough right on the hot grill grates, close the lid, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a crust that’s golden and crisp on the bottom with those wonderful charred spots—it’s the secret to a truly great grilled pizza base.
Step 4: Flip and Add Toppings
Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the dough so the grilled side is facing up. Now it’s time to slather ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the crust, followed by an even sprinkle of half the mozzarella and Gouda cheeses. This cheese layer acts as a tasty barrier to keep your toppings moist and delicious.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to coat every bite in tangy goodness. Spread this mixture evenly over the cheese-topped crust, ensuring every slice gets plenty of that saucy chicken.
Step 6: Finish and Grill
Scatter thinly sliced red onions on top for a burst of flavor and crunch. Then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Gouda cheeses generously over the entire pizza. Place it back on the grill, close the lid, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is cooked through perfectly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let the pizza rest a few minutes—this allows the cheese to set slightly and keeps the crust wonderfully crisp. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing pop of herbaceous flavor that ties all the smoky, cheesy goodness together.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh cilantro is fantastic for that bright finish, you can also consider adding sliced jalapeños for heat or a drizzle of ranch dressing for creaminess. These add-ons can take the flavor profile in exciting new directions depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, grilled corn on the cob, or even some crunchy coleslaw. These light, fresh sides help balance the richness of the pizza perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled BBQ chicken pizza sliced into smaller pieces for a party platter or on wooden boards to elevate your casual gathering. Adding small bowls of extra BBQ sauce or hot sauce alongside allows everyone to customize their flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal with minimal fuss.
Freezing
Although best fresh, you can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to enjoy later without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp. Instead, warm slices in a hot skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts again. This method revives that fresh-off-the-grill texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works perfectly and can add a lovely personal touch. Just be sure it’s rolled out evenly and rested well to achieve the best grilled crust.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that complements chicken well. Whether it’s a classic hickory smoke flavor or a spicy chipotle, pick one you love because it’s the star ingredient here.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to toss on some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a little twist. Just keep in mind how toppings affect cooking times on the grill.
Is it necessary to grill the pizza dough first?
Grilling the dough first gives the pizza that incredible smoky flavor and crisp texture that oven baking can’t replicate. However, if you don’t have a grill, you can bake it in a hot oven for a different but still delicious result.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?
Making sure your grill grates are well oiled before placing the dough down is key. Also, letting the dough rest and stretching it properly helps it hold together better, making flipping easier.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and fun outdoor cooking. It’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family with minimal effort but maximum taste. Trust me, once you try this, grilling pizza will become a new favorite tradition! So fire up that grill and dig in—delicious memories await.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe combines smoky grilled dough with a tangy, saucy chicken topping and melted cheeses for a deliciously unique pizza experience. Using a pre-made pizza dough grilled over high heat creates a crispy base while the BBQ sauce-infused chicken topping adds savory flavor, complemented by red onion and fresh cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 premade pizza dough (from the grocery store), room temperature
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: On a floured pizza stone or rimless baking sheet, gently stretch the pizza dough into your desired shape. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again to reach the final size and thickness.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, grease the grill grates using nonstick spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Dough: Place the stretched dough directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook the dough for about 5 minutes until it has grill marks and starts to crisp.
- Flip and Add Toppings: Remove the dough carefully from the grill and flip it so the grilled side faces up. Brush this grilled side with ½ cup of BBQ sauce, then evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Gouda cheese on top.
- Add Chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Spread this sauced chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the dough.
- Finish and Grill: Top the chicken with thin slices of red onion and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Gouda cheeses over everything. Place the assembled pizza back on the grill and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent the dough from sticking and tearing.
- Letting the dough rest after initial stretching helps prevent shrinkage when grilling.
- You can substitute Gouda with smoked cheddar for a different smoky flavor.
- For even cooking, try to keep the dough thickness uniform during stretching.
- Use cooked chicken to avoid raw meat on the pizza and ensure safe grilling times.
