If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that combines smoky, tangy, and cheesy all in one slice, this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the crisp char marks on the crust, the melty blend of mozzarella and Gouda, and the juicy BBQ-coated chicken topping every bite with flavorful bliss. It’s an irresistible crowd favorite that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, perfect for sharing with friends or treating your family to a fun and delicious meal. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become your go-to pizza that brings summer vibes to your table all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this pizza is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the stretchy premade dough to the savory chicken, every component adds something special.
- Premade pizza dough: Using store-bought dough saves time and provides a soft, crispy base that grills beautifully.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein with a tender texture that soaks up the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Divided between the base and chicken, it delivers that signature tangy sweetness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a classic, gooey layer that binds everything together.
- Shredded Gouda cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly smoky flavor that complements the BBQ perfectly.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Offers a subtle crunch and a mild sharpness to brighten up the rich toppings.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, bringing a fresh, herbal note to finish the pizza beautifully.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with a lightly floured pizza stone or rimless baking sheet and stretch your premade pizza dough into the shape you desire. Let it rest for about 10 minutes — this resting period relaxes the gluten and makes stretching easier. Give it another gentle stretch before moving forward to ensure your crust will turn out thin, yet sturdy enough to hold all those delicious toppings.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Grill
Turn your grill on to high heat so it’s hot and ready for the dough. Don’t forget to grease the grates well with nonstick spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. A hot, clean grill is key to getting that perfect, smoky char and crispy crust.
Step 3: Grill the Dough
Place your stretched dough directly on the grates, close the lid, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. During this time, the bottom will develop a beautiful sear while the top remains soft enough to add the toppings later. Watch closely to avoid burning—every grill is a little different!
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once the dough has a nice grilled base, carefully flip it so the grilled side is now facing up. Brush that surface with ½ cup of the BBQ sauce—it adds that signature tang and moisture. Then sprinkle half of your mozzarella and Gouda cheeses evenly over the sauce, creating a melty, cheesy canvas for your chicken.
Step 5: Top with BBQ Chicken
In a bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to coat each piece perfectly. Spread this flavorful chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer. This step infuses smoky, sweet BBQ flavors throughout and ensures every bite has juicy chicken.
Step 6: Finish with Onions and Cheese
Scatter thin slices of red onion on top of the chicken for a bit of fresh crunch and sharpness. Then top everything with the rest of the shredded mozzarella and Gouda cheese. Pop the pizza back on the grill and close the lid, grilling for another 4 to 5 minutes. This lets the crust cook fully while the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
Remove your pizza from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This rest helps the cheese set slightly so slicing is easier and the toppings don’t slide around. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves—this vibrant green adds a fresh herbal brightness to contrast the rich BBQ and cheese. Now, slice it up and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic finish, but don’t be shy to experiment. A light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a handful of chopped green onions can elevate the flavors. For a touch of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of smoked paprika. These simple additions make your grilled BBQ chicken pizza look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs fantastically with light and refreshing sides. A crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese and BBQ. Roasted corn on the cob or grilled vegetables bring out those summer grill flavors. And for a classic combo, serve with some crispy sweet potato fries or even a tangy coleslaw on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into smaller squares for a fun party platter, perfect for sharing. Try serving individual personal pizzas if you have hungry guests who want customization options. Or arrange slices on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, sliced jalapeños, and extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Presentation that looks inviting and casual makes every bite taste even better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover grilled BBQ chicken pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld nicely as it rests. Just be sure to keep it sealed to avoid drying out the crust or cheese.
Freezing
Freezing leftover pizza is totally doable and a lifesaver for quick meals. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen pizza slices can last up to 2 months—great for a future quick snack or lunch.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your grilled BBQ chicken pizza is in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crisp, or in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating is the fastest but can make the crust soggy. Heating it gently preserves that satisfying grilled texture and keeps melted cheese gooey.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize thickness and flavor. Just make sure it’s rested and stretched well before grilling for best results.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. A thicker sauce works better for spreading and clinging to the chicken, enhancing every bite of this grilled BBQ chicken pizza recipe.
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella and Gouda?
Yes! Cheeses like Monterey Jack, fontina, or even cheddar can mix things up while still melting beautifully. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and complement BBQ flavors.
How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the grill?
Grease your grill grates thoroughly with oil or a nonstick spray and make sure your dough is floured well before placing it on the grill. Preheating the grill to high heat helps the dough cook quickly and form a crust that lifts easily.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms brushed with BBQ sauce. It’s a tasty way to enjoy the same smoky, cheesy goodness in a vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved meal in our house. The joy of perfectly grilled dough paired with melty cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender chicken creates a flavor combination that’s just irresistible. Don’t hesitate—fire up your grill and make this pizza your next show-stopping dinner. Trust me, it’s love at first slice!
Print
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (serves 8)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza combines smoky grilled dough with tangy BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, melted mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, and fresh red onion, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a delightful flavor and texture harmony. Perfect for summer cookouts or a unique twist on pizza night.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 premade pizza dough (from the grocery store), room temperature
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare dough: On a floured pizza stone or rimless baking sheet, stretch the pizza dough into your desired shape. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again to achieve the final shape and size.
- Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, grease the grill grates with nonstick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill dough first side: Place the stretched dough directly on the hot grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes to set and char the bottom crust.
- Flip and add first toppings: Remove the dough from the grill and flip it so the grilled side faces up. Brush this side evenly with ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Gouda cheeses over the sauce.
- Add chicken mixture: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Spread this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with onions and remaining cheese: Add thinly sliced red onion on top of the chicken and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Gouda cheese.
- Grill second side and melt cheese: Return the pizza to the grill and cook for another 4-5 minutes with the lid closed, until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a premade dough at room temperature helps with easier stretching and better grilling results.
- Make sure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent the dough from sticking.
- If you don’t have Gouda cheese, smoked mozzarella or a mild cheddar can be a good substitute.
- For spicier flavor, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before grilling the second side.
- Letting the pizza rest after grilling helps the cheese set and prevents burning your mouth.
