Barbeque Chicken Pizza Recipe

Preheat and prepare pizza surface

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes. If using a grill, preheat to medium-high and clean the grate. Lightly dust a pizza peel or a work surface with cornmeal or semolina.

Shape dough

On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the 12-inch pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Brush the top of the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to promote browning and prevent sogginess.

Apply sauces

Spread 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. If a customer requests marinara, apply 1/2 cup marinara to a separate pizza or use a thin layer mixed with the barbecue for a sweeter-tomato balance. Reserve ranch and bleu cheese for finishing or individual serving as requested.

Prepare chicken

If your grilled chicken is not seasoned, toss 1 cup sliced/shredded grilled chicken with 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce so it stays moist and flavored. Taste and season lightly with 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp salt if needed.

Assemble cheese and chicken

Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. If using smoked cheddar or provolone, scatter 1/2 cup over the mozzarella for additional flavor. Distribute the sauced grilled chicken evenly on top of the cheese layer.

Add onion and jalapeños

Scatter 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion and optional 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños across the pizza for brightness and heat. Press toppings down lightly so they make contact with the cheese and will heat through.

Bake

Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet (or grill). Bake in the oven at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, rotating halfway, until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbly. On a grill, cook over indirect heat with the lid closed for 6–10 minutes, moving briefly over direct heat at the end to char the crust slightly if desired.

Finish and serve

Remove pizza from oven or grill. Let rest 2 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro across the top if desired. Offer marinara, bleu cheese crumbles (0.25 cup), or ranch dressing (0.25 cup) on the side or drizzle lightly per request. Slice and serve hot.