If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, this BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Cilantro is a must-try. With tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and the fresh pop of cilantro, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time. Perfect for pizza night or any time you’re craving something deliciously different.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavor-packed twist on the classic. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and perfect for the whole family. The sweet and smoky barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the cheese and chicken, while fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finish. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Full list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found below.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to prevent sogginess.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the sauce. Add a layer of red onion slices, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 6: Add Fresh Cilantro
Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a burst of freshness.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce before adding it to the pizza.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to ensure even cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Try gouda or cheddar for a smoky twist.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn can add more texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle with sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this BBQ Chicken Pizza with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing side. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the smoky flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked potato wedges or garlic bread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or toaster oven until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza crust? A: Absolutely! Store-bought crust is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.
Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough or crust to adapt the recipe.
Q: What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this pizza? A: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well. Just ensure it’s cooked and seasoned to your liking.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time? A: You can prep the toppings and assemble the pizza ahead, but bake it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Pizza with Fresh Cilantro is a simple yet flavorful way to shake up your pizza routine. With its smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy pizza night like never before!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with Fresh Cilantro
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on classic pizza! It features a tangy barbecue sauce base, juicy shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough (Skip if using store-bought):
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken and red onion slices.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Add Cilantro and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- For a smoky flavor, try a hickory or mesquite barbecue sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg