Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

When you’re craving a restaurant-quality pizza with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, this Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect answer. This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, smoky chipotle peppers, and melted cheese atop a crispy homemade crust. It’s the ideal fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion: The smoky chipotle peppers paired with sweet BBQ sauce create an unforgettable taste.
2. Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add toppings to suit your preferences.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day or family dinner, this pizza is always a hit.
4. Homemade Goodness: Every element, from the crust to the toppings, is made fresh for the ultimate pizza experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix BBQ sauce, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Simmer: Heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Shred or cube the chicken and toss it with 2 tablespoons of the chipotle BBQ sauce.
2. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Grate the Cheese: Shred mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a perfect melting blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
3. Dust with Cornmeal: Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking. Transfer the rolled dough onto it.
4. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the chipotle BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
5. Add Toppings: Layer with shredded chicken, red onion slices, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer to Oven: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
2. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
3. Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza

1. Use a Pizza Stone: Preheating a pizza stone ensures a crispy, evenly cooked crust.
2. Let Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest after rolling prevents shrinking and makes it easier to handle.
3. Adjust Spice: For a milder flavor, use less chipotle pepper or omit the adobo sauce.
4. Pre-cook Toppings: If using additional toppings like bell peppers or mushrooms, sauté them briefly to prevent excess moisture.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
2. Extra Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or gouda for extra richness.
3. Thin Crust: Roll the dough thinner for a crispier base. Adjust baking time accordingly.
4. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust recipe or store-bought alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing or extra chipotle BBQ sauce on the side.
• Cold Drinks: Complement the bold flavors with a cold beer, sparkling water, or lemonade.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza is more than just a dinner idea—it’s a culinary adventure. The smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle peppers, paired with the sweetness of BBQ sauce and melty cheese, create a unique and irresistible pizza experience. With its perfect balance of textures and bold tastes, this pizza will quickly become a family favorite.

Yield: 4

Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

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When you're craving a restaurant-quality pizza with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, this Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect answer. This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, smoky chipotle peppers, and melted cheese atop a crispy homemade crust. It’s the ideal fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (or grilled chicken, shredded)
• ½ cup chipotle BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

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1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the toppings.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

3. Prepare the Toppings:

1. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with ¼ cup of the chipotle BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
2. Set aside the remaining BBQ sauce for spreading on the crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza).
2. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
3. Spread the remaining chipotle BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly across the pizza, followed by the red onion slices.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and smoked Gouda, if using.
7. Brush the crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of extra chipotle BBQ sauce if desired.
• Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

For Extra Heat: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Use Pre-Made Dough: If short on time, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly.

Experiment with Cheese: Swap Gouda for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Grill Option: Cook the pizza on a hot grill for a smoky, charred crust.