Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food, and when you combine it with the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue, it becomes irresistible. This Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is the perfect way to bring together the savory richness of BBQ chicken with the cheesy, golden crust of a homemade pizza—all in a convenient, easy-to-make sheet pan format. Ideal for feeding a crowd or treating your family to a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re making the dough from scratch, follow these steps:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

1. Shred the Chicken:
   Use two forks to shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss with BBQ Sauce:
   In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your sheet pan inside to heat while you prepare the pizza.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the size of your sheet pan. It should be about ¼-inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined sheet pan.
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
   Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
4. Spread the BBQ Sauce:
   Evenly spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges for the crust.
5. Add the Toppings:
   • Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
   • Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly across the pizza.
   • Scatter red onion slices over the chicken.
   • Top with the remaining cheese blend for maximum gooeyness.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake Until Golden:
   Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Check the Bottom:
   For a crispier crust, lift the edge slightly to ensure the bottom is evenly cooked. If needed, bake for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Freshness:
   Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pizza for a burst of flavor.
2. Optional Heat:
   For a bit of spice, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
3. Slice and Serve:
   Use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza into squares or rectangles, perfect for sharing.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with:

• A crisp green salad with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic knots or breadsticks.
• A refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade.

Tips for Success

1. Preheat the Sheet Pan:
   A hot sheet pan helps achieve a crispy crust.
2. Don’t Overload:
   Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Stick to moderate amounts for the best results.
3. Use High-Quality Cheese:
   Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the pizza a creamy texture.
4. Customize the Sauce:
   Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to your BBQ sauce for extra depth.
5. Make It Vegetarian:
   Substitute the chicken with roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a meat-free version.

Variations

1. Buffalo BBQ Twist:
   Mix a little buffalo sauce into the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Hawaiian BBQ Pizza:
   Add pineapple chunks and cooked bacon for a sweet and savory combination.
3. Gluten-Free Option:
   Use a gluten-free pizza crust or dough.
4. Cheesy Crust:
   Sprinkle cheese along the edges of the dough before folding it over for a stuffed crust effect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make:
   The sheet pan method simplifies the process, making it beginner-friendly.
2. Versatile:
   Easily customize the toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
3. Crowd-Pleaser:
   Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners with friends and family.
4. Delicious Flavor:
   The smoky BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese create a flavor explosion.

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Pizza is a guaranteed hit, offering all the indulgence of classic pizza with a tangy barbecue twist. The combination of crispy crust, savory toppings, and a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an easy family dinner, this recipe delivers on taste, ease, and satisfaction.

Yield: 6

Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Print

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food, and when you combine it with the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue, it becomes irresistible. This Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is the perfect way to bring together the savory richness of BBQ chicken with the cheesy, golden crust of a homemade pizza—all in a convenient, easy-to-make sheet pan format. Ideal for feeding a crowd or treating your family to a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade):
• 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Toppings:
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   
2. Prepare the Dough:
   On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle to fit your sheet pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan and stretch it to the edges. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil.
   
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
   Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, red onion, and jalapeños (if using).
   
4. Bake:
   Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
   Slice into squares and serve immediately.

Notes

Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella and cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Make It Spicy: Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.