BBQ Chicken Pizza Perfection: Grill-tastic Recipe for Pizza Night!

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the cheesy goodness of pizza. This recipe elevates the classic by using a grill, adding a delightful char and smoky depth that you simply can’t achieve in a standard oven. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a delicious pizza, this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to fire up the grill and create a pizza masterpiece!

## Why Grill Your Pizza?

Grilling pizza offers several advantages over baking it in the oven. The high heat of the grill creates a crispy crust with a slightly charred exterior, adding a unique smoky flavor that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly. It’s also a fun and interactive way to involve your guests in the pizza-making process. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list:

### For the Pizza Dough:

* **1 pound pizza dough:** You can use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. For homemade dough, you’ll need:
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

### For the BBQ Chicken:

* **1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts:** Cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **1/2 cup BBQ sauce:** Use your favorite brand or homemade recipe.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the chicken.
* **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Adds extra smoky flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** For seasoning.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To season the chicken.

### For the Pizza Toppings:

* **1 cup BBQ sauce:** For the pizza base.
* **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese:** Or a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
* **1/2 cup red onion:** Thinly sliced.
* **1/2 cup cilantro:** Freshly chopped, for garnish.
* **Optional toppings:** Cooked bacon bits, grilled pineapple chunks, jalapeños.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the pizza-making process. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza:

### Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough (if making homemade)

1. **Activate the yeast:** In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. **Mix wet and dry ingredients:** Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3-5 minutes.
5. **First rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

### Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

1. **Season the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. **Cook the chicken:** Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. **Add BBQ sauce:** Pour BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Set aside.

### Step 3: Prepare the Grill

1. **Clean the grill:** Clean your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. **Preheat the grill:** Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). You’ll need direct heat for a crispy crust.

### Step 4: Shape the Pizza Dough

1. **Punch down the dough:** If you’re using homemade dough, punch it down gently to release the air.
2. **Divide the dough:** Divide the dough in half (or into smaller portions for individual pizzas).
3. **Stretch or roll the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 12-14 inches in diameter. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.

### Step 5: Grill the Pizza Dough

1. **First side grilling:** Lightly brush one side of the pizza dough with olive oil. Place the oiled side down on the preheated grill grates.
2. **Grill for 2-3 minutes:** Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is slightly charred and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The dough should puff up slightly.
3. **Flip the dough:** Use tongs or a large spatula to carefully flip the dough over. The grilled side should now be facing up.

### Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

1. **Add BBQ sauce:** Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the grilled side of the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
2. **Add cheese:** Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce.
3. **Add BBQ chicken:** Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly over the cheese.
4. **Add red onion:** Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion over the chicken.
5. **Add optional toppings:** If desired, add cooked bacon bits, grilled pineapple chunks, or jalapeños.

### Step 7: Grill the Pizza with Toppings

1. **Close the grill lid:** Close the grill lid and continue grilling for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom crust is cooked through.
2. **Check for doneness:** Use a spatula to carefully lift the edge of the pizza and check the bottom crust. It should be golden brown and crispy.

### Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. **Remove from grill:** Use a large spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
2. **Garnish:** Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the pizza.
3. **Slice and serve:** Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.

## Tips for Grilling Pizza Successfully

Grilling pizza can be a bit tricky at first, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time:

* **Use a pizza stone or baking sheet (optional):** If you’re worried about the dough sticking to the grill or burning, you can use a pizza stone or baking sheet. Preheat the stone or sheet on the grill before placing the pizza on it.
* **Keep a spray bottle of water handy:** If the flames get too high or the crust starts to burn, lightly spray water onto the flames to cool them down.
* **Don’t overload the pizza:** Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to handle on the grill. Use a moderate amount of toppings.
* **Use a pizza peel:** A pizza peel is a large, flat spatula that makes it easier to transfer the pizza to and from the grill.
* **Work quickly:** Once the dough is on the grill, work quickly to assemble and cook the pizza to prevent the crust from burning.
* **Experiment with different toppings:** Feel free to customize your BBQ Chicken Pizza with your favorite toppings. Other great options include bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn.

## Making Homemade Pizza Dough: A Detailed Guide

While store-bought pizza dough is convenient, making your own homemade dough is surprisingly easy and yields a superior result. Here’s a more detailed guide:

### Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough:

* **1 cup warm water (105-115°F):** The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
* **1 teaspoon sugar:** Sugar provides food for the yeast, helping it to activate and rise.
* **2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast:** Ensure your yeast is fresh for best results. Expired yeast won’t rise properly.
* **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting:** Bread flour can also be used for a chewier crust, but all-purpose flour works well for most home cooks.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt controls the yeast activity and adds flavor to the dough.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing:** Olive oil adds flavor and moisture to the dough, making it more pliable and easier to work with.

### Detailed Steps for Making Homemade Pizza Dough:

1. **Activate the yeast:** In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This process, called proofing, ensures the yeast is alive and active. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely expired and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** While the yeast is proofing, in a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Whisking helps to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour, which is important for consistent results.
3. **Mix wet and dry ingredients:** Once the yeast is foamy, add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment of your stand mixer to mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will initially be sticky and uneven.
4. **Knead the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3-5 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure and elasticity. If kneading by hand, use a push-turn-fold motion. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth ball.
5. **First rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. This prevents the dough from sticking to the bowl as it rises. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm place helps the yeast to work more efficiently. You can place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or in a sunny spot. The rising time will vary depending on the temperature of your environment.
6. **Punch down the dough:** After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and create a more even texture. Punching down also makes the dough easier to work with.
7. **Second rise (optional):** For a more flavorful crust, you can allow the dough to rise a second time after punching it down. Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes. This second rise will further develop the gluten and create a more complex flavor.
8. **Divide and shape:** Divide the dough into the desired number of portions (e.g., two for two large pizzas, or more for individual pizzas). On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch or roll.

## BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations

The beauty of pizza is its versatility. Feel free to adapt this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe to your liking. Here are some variations to inspire you:

* **Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the pizza.
* **Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza:** Add grilled pineapple chunks and ham or Canadian bacon to the pizza for a tropical twist.
* **Vegetarian BBQ Pizza:** Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Use a vegetarian BBQ sauce.
* **White BBQ Chicken Pizza:** Instead of traditional BBQ sauce, use a white BBQ sauce, which is typically made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices. This creates a tangy and creamy flavor.
* **BBQ Chicken Pizza with Ranch Drizzle:** After baking, drizzle the pizza with ranch dressing for added creaminess and flavor.
* **BBQ Chicken and Corn Pizza:** Add grilled corn kernels to the pizza for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

## Serving Suggestions

BBQ Chicken Pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the pizza.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
* **Potato Salad:** A classic potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Corn on the cob:** Grilled corn on the cob is a summery side that pairs well with BBQ chicken.
* **Beer:** A crisp, refreshing beer is the perfect drink to enjoy with BBQ Chicken Pizza.
* **Iced Tea:** Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a great non-alcoholic option.
* **Lemonade:** Homemade lemonade is a refreshing and tangy drink that complements the smoky flavors of the pizza.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the following methods:

* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the pizza slices for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. However, the crust may become soggy in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

* **Serving Size:** 1 slice (1/8 of a 12-inch pizza)
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Fat:** 15-25g
* **Saturated Fat:** 7-12g
* **Cholesterol:** 40-60mg
* **Sodium:** 600-800mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 35-45g
* **Fiber:** 2-4g
* **Sugar:** 8-12g
* **Protein:** 15-20g

## Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a delicious and fun way to enjoy the flavors of barbecue in pizza form. Grilling the pizza adds a unique smoky char that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a pizza night with friends, this recipe is sure to be a winner. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece!

Enjoy your homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza!