BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Grill: A Flavor-Packed Homemade Favorite

Introduction

Nothing brings people together quite like a sizzling BBQ chicken pizza cooked right over a hot grill. This recipe delivers smoky flavor, crisp crust, and melty cheese in every bite, creating that perfect balance between backyard barbecue and classic comfort food. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or just treating yourself, this grilled pizza is easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. With its bold barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, and fresh toppings, it’s a go-to choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking to elevate their grill game.

Ingredients

Pizza Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cornmeal or flour for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Dust a pizza peel or board with cornmeal.

Step 2: Shape the dough

1. Stretch the pizza dough into a thin round.
2. Brush one side lightly with olive oil.
3. Ensure the dough is even for consistent grilling.

Step 3: Grill the dough

1. Place the oiled side of the dough directly on the grill.
2. Cook 2–3 minutes until grill marks form.
3. Flip the dough carefully.

Step 4: Add toppings

1. Spread barbecue sauce over the grilled side.
2. Top with shredded chicken, cheese, and red onion.
3. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

Step 5: Finish and serve

1. Grill 3–5 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
2. Remove from grill and sprinkle with cilantro.
3. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips

For the best BBQ chicken pizza, focus on achieving a crisp crust while keeping the toppings tender and flavorful. Preheating the grill thoroughly ensures the dough cooks evenly without burning. Using a moderate amount of sauce prevents sogginess, while strategic placement of cheese helps toppings stay in place. If the dough is sticky or difficult to manage, a little extra flour or cornmeal will make handling much easier. Always watch the grill closely since pizza cooks fast over open heat.

• Use cold dough for easier stretching.
• Rotate the pizza for even cooking.
• Select a smoky barbecue sauce for deeper flavor.

Variations

This BBQ chicken pizza is delicious as written, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer extra heat, more veggies, or a different protein, you can adapt the toppings to suit your taste. These variations add fun twists while keeping the smoky grilled essence intact.

• Buffalo chicken pizza with hot sauce and blue cheese.
• Hawaiian-style with pineapple and ham.
• Veggie version with mushrooms and bell peppers.
• Spicy jalapeño and pepper jack cheese topping.
• White BBQ sauce chicken pizza.

Best pairings

Pairing your BBQ chicken pizza with the right sides and drinks can elevate the entire meal. Crisp salads, refreshing beverages, or smoky grilled vegetables complement the tangy sauce and melted cheese beautifully. These additions balance richness and bring extra freshness to the table.

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Chilled lemonade or iced tea
• Simple mixed greens salad
• Light lager or hoppy IPA
• Grilled zucchini or peppers

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ chicken pizza is one of those dishes that transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Its smoky crust, tangy sauce, and savory toppings deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in your backyard. This recipe is easy to master, endlessly customizable, and ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Once you try making pizza on the grill, you may never go back to the oven.

Gather your ingredients, heat up the grill, and enjoy a meal that brings bold flavor and warm memories to every bite.