Name: Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza : Kid Friendly, Under 30 Minutes!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1lb store-bought pizza dough; 1 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tbsp cornmeal; 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp barbecue sauce; 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 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or basil

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Looking for dinner ideas that check all the boxes quick, healthy, satisfying, and family-approved? This Simple BBQ Chicken Pizza does it all, combining a golden, crunchy crust with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, melting cheese, and juicy chicken. Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner, a fun weeknight meal, or kid-friendly suppers, this recipe delivers bold flavors and endless satisfaction.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount/Notes
Pizza dough	1/2 recipe homemade or 1lb store-bought
Olive oil	1 tbsp, divided
Cornmeal	1 tbsp
Barbecue sauce	1/3 cup + 2 tbsp (your favorite brand)
Chicken, cooked & shredded/chopped	1 cup (about one 8oz breast)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	2/3 cup (70g)
Smoked gouda cheese, shredded	2/3 cup (70g)
Red onion	1/2 small, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro or basil	1 tbsp, chopped

Need to prep? Use a handy kitchen utensils set, a quality cutting board, and sharp chef’s knives for quick slicing!

Equipment Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Dough
Follow your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe through shaping or thaw a store-bought dough as directed. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15 minutes. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven.
Shape & Prep Dough
Grease your baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal for crunch. Flatten dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. If dough resists, let rest for 5-10 minutes. Pinch edges for a crust rim.
Top the Pizza
Make shallow dents in the dough to prevent bubbles. Brush remaining olive oil over crust. Spread 1/3 cup BBQ sauce on the dough. Toss cooked chicken in the extra 2 tbsp sauce; scatter over pizza. Top with cheeses, then onions.
Bake & Finish
Move the pizza to the oven or hot stone. Bake 14–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or basil when hot out of the oven.
Serve
Slice and enjoy immediately. For leftovers, store in the fridge up to 5 days.

Need deliciously crisp results? Use an oven or pizza stone!

Tips for Best Results

Let your dough rest if it shrinks when stretching.
Preheat your oven thoroughly hotter is better for crispier crust.
Use mixing bowls for tossing chicken evenly in BBQ sauce.
Shred your own cheese for the best melt (try a food processor).

Ingredient Swaps

Substitute smoked gouda with cheddar for a milder flavor.
Add sliced jalapeño for heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pizza with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete family meal.

Storing & Reheating

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a crispy base.

FAQ

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?

Yes! After baking, cool pizzas, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat at 375°F until warmed through.

What’s the best BBQ sauce?

Any quality brand works use your favorite! Try a smoky variety for extra depth.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, for mini pizzas, use an air fryer at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.

Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza : Kid Friendly, Under 30 Minutes!

Print Recipe

A quick and easy BBQ chicken pizza recipe topped with smoky gouda, mozzarella, red onion, fresh herbs, and tangy barbecue sauce on a crisp homemade or store-bought crust.

Author: Alice
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (3-4 servings)
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough or 1lb store-bought pizza dough

1 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 tbsp cornmeal

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp barbecue sauce

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 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pizza dough through shaping, or thaw store-bought dough per package.

2. Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15–20 min. Place pizza stone in the oven if using.

3. Grease large baking sheet/pan with 1/2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.

4. Flatten dough into 12-inch circle, pinch edge for rim.

5. Poke dough with fingertips to prevent bubbling, brush with rest of oil.

6. Spread 1/3 cup BBQ sauce evenly. Toss chicken with remaining sauce, scatter over dough.

7. Top evenly with mozzarella, gouda, and red onion.

8. Bake for 14–15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

9. Top with cilantro. Slice and serve hot. Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 5 days.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen dough for flexibility.

Try basil instead of cilantro for a twist.

Reheat leftover slices in oven or air fryer for a crisp base.

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