Chicken Pizza Recipe

This Chicken Pizza Recipe is inspired by the smoky, tangy flavors of a classic California-style BBQ kitchen. It is a savory and cheesy recipe, which calls for smoked gouda, zesty red onions, and tender chicken tossed in BBQ sauce. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Chicken Pizza Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough and Prep:

• 1/2 batch homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb store-bought dough)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for the pan)

For the Toppings:

• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (choose your favorite smoky or sweet variety)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

How To Make Chicken Pizza

1. Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to get it screaming hot. Lightly grease your pizza pan or baking sheet and dust it with the cornmeal. The cornmeal is the secret to a professional, crunchy bottom crust that doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. Shape the crust: If your dough is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it’s easier to stretch. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to your prepared pan and pinch the edges up slightly to create a rim for the crust.
3. Layer the sauce and chicken: Use your fingers to poke small indentations across the surface of the dough; this “docking” prevents the crust from bubbling up unevenly. Brush the edges with a little olive oil for a golden finish. Spread the 1/3 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the base. In a small bowl, toss your cooked chicken with the extra 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce before spreading it over the pizza. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful during the high-heat bake.
4. Add the cheeses and onion: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda evenly over the chicken. The smoked gouda is the professional secret here—it adds a deep, wood-fired flavor that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce. Finish by scattering the thinly sliced red onions over the top.
5. Bake to a bubble: Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden-brown crust and cheese that is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown in spots.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you enjoy that herbal pop. Let the pizza rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set so it doesn’t slide off, though standing over the counter to eat the first slice is highly encouraged.

Recipe Tips

• How to handle the dough: If the dough keeps snapping back when you try to stretch it, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, then try again.
• Why smoked gouda is vital: While mozzarella provides the stretch, smoked gouda provides the “BBQ” soul of this pizza. If you can’t find it, a smoked provolone or even a smoked cheddar is a great substitute.
• Chicken prep: Using leftover rotisserie chicken is the best way to save time. Just make sure to remove any skin or bones before chopping.
• The cornmeal trick: Cornmeal acts like tiny ball bearings under the dough, allowing air to circulate for a crispier crust and making it much easier to slide the pizza off the pan.

What To Serve With Chicken Pizza?

This Chicken Pizza Recipe is a smoky, savory main dish that needs a fresh or tangy pairing! A bowl of Creamy Coleslaw or a crisp Caesar Salad is the quintessential choice for balancing the rich BBQ flavors. For a balanced meal, a side of Garlic Parmesan Wings or a few Celery Sticks with Ranch adds a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the melted gouda! A glass of Iced Sweet Tea or a cold Root Beer pairs wonderfully with the sweet and smoky notes of the sauce.

How To Store Chicken Pizza

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispness of the crust, reheat slices in an air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat until the bottom is crunchy and the cheese is remelted.
• Avoid the microwave: Microwaving pizza often leads to a soggy, rubbery crust.

Chicken Pizza Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 (per slice, based on 8 slices)
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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