Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza, where smoky chicken meets a trio of melted cheeses on a crispy crust. It’s a fusion of savory and tangy with every bite.
The tangy Apple Jalapeño BBQ sauce adds an irresistible kick, complementing the rich mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Together, they create the perfect harmony of flavors.
Topped with optional red onions and quick-pickled jalapeños, this pizza is customizable to suit every taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza Ingredients
Neapolitan pizza dough forms the perfect foundation, offering a crispy yet chewy texture that holds all the vibrant toppings in place.
Apple Jalapeño BBQ sauce delivers a bold, tangy kick with just the right amount of heat, complementing the smoky chicken.
A trio of cheeses—mozzarella for melt, sharp cheddar for depth, and Parmesan for a finishing touch—unite to create a rich, gooey delight that ties the pizza together.
Recipe Tips
- Stretching the Dough
For a perfectly crispy crust, it’s important to stretch your dough evenly. Ensure the dough is at room temperature to make it more pliable. Gently press the dough outwards with your fingertips and work your way from the center, rather than using a rolling pin, to maintain the air bubbles for a lighter texture. - Grill the Chicken
If possible, grill the chicken instead of using rotisserie chicken. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce and adds an extra depth to the pizza. Once grilled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution across the pizza. - Monitor Your Oven Temperature
Cooking pizza at a high temperature (600-650°F) ensures a crisp crust and perfectly melted cheese. However, ovens can vary, so rotate the pizza every 1-2 minutes to avoid uneven baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially with the BBQ sauce, which can caramelize quickly.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Crispy Green Salad
Pair your Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza with a fresh, crisp green salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors. A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, making for the perfect contrast to the pizza’s hearty, cheesy bite. - Garlic Bread
For a more indulgent side, serve with buttery garlic bread. The garlic’s savory richness complements the tangy BBQ sauce and melts beautifully with the cheese. Toasted with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this side will elevate your meal and keep everyone coming back for more. - Chilled Iced Tea or Lemonade
Pair this pizza with a chilled glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade. The refreshing citrus notes of the lemonade or the lightness of iced tea cut through the richness of the pizza, offering a balanced, thirst-quenching complement to the bold flavors.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. Look for high-quality dough from your local bakery or supermarket for the best results. However, fresh, homemade dough will give the pizza an extra layer of flavor. - Can I substitute the Apple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Apple Jalapeño BBQ sauce, try using regular BBQ sauce and adding a little bit of fresh jalapeño or hot sauce for a similar spicy kick. You can also use a tangy apple cider vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a slightly different flavor profile. - How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to bake the pizza at a high temperature (600°F or higher). Also, ensure your pizza dough is well-stretched and not too thick, as this can prevent the crust from crisping properly. Pre-baking the dough for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings can also help. - Can I make this pizza in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza ahead of time by assembling it without baking. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for up to a few hours. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the pizza is fully cooked.
Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza
A delightful combination of smoky chicken, three kinds of melty cheeses, and a tangy BBQ sauce, all atop a crisp pizza crust—this Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Its rich, flavorful profile makes it a perfect choice for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 balls of Neapolitan pizza dough 8 ounces each
- 1 cup Apple Jalapeño BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded smoked or rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Toppings:
- Sliced red onions
- Quick pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough and Sauce
- Begin by stretching the pizza dough onto a lightly floured pizza peel. Using a spoon, spread the Apple Jalapeño BBQ sauce evenly, starting from the center and working outward in a circular motion to ensure a uniform coating.
- Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle both the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses generously across the pizza, ensuring even coverage. This will provide a delightful melt as the pizza bakes.
- Layer the Chicken
- Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese, making sure every bite will have a taste of the smoky chicken. For the best flavor, be generous with the chicken.
- Add Toppings
- If desired, enhance the pizza with sliced red onions and quick pickled jalapeños. These optional toppings add a tangy crunch and a bit of heat, perfectly complementing the BBQ flavors.
- Bake the Pizza
- Carefully slide the pizza into a preheated oven, set to 600-650°F. Bake, rotating the pizza every 1-2 minutes to ensure an even cook. The pizza should achieve a crisp crust and fully melted cheese.
- Rest and Serve
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Slice the pizza, sprinkle with fresh Parmesan, and enjoy.
