BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions and Cheese is a mouthwatering, flavor-packed pizza that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and the sharp bite of red onions. Topped with melty cheese and baked to golden perfection, this pizza delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.

This pizza is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game-day treats. The combination of barbecue sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and cheese creates a pizza that’s far from ordinary—it’s bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms classic flavors into something exciting and easy to make. The smoky BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the chicken, while the red onions add crunch and a slightly sweet tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Every bite is flavorful and comforting, yet vibrant and fresh. It’s also versatile—you can add your favorite veggies, adjust the cheese blend, or make it spicier with jalapeños.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor profile that’s irresistible.
• Quick and easy to prepare using store-bought or homemade dough.
• Family-friendly and perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
• Customizable toppings to suit individual tastes.
• A delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to become a favorite.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: American / Pizza
• Estimated Calories: 350–450 per serving

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, ~12 inches)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
3. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Top with shredded chicken and thinly sliced red onions.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil for a golden finish.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Slice and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven: 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone if available.
2. Prepare dough: Roll out dough to desired thickness on a floured surface.
3. Add sauce: Spread BBQ sauce evenly, leaving the edge for crust.
4. Add toppings: Arrange chicken and red onions over the sauce.
5. Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the top.
6. Prepare crust: Brush edges with olive oil.
7. Bake: 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs, slice, and enjoy.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
• Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Great for casual gatherings, game nights, or pizza parties.

Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
• Thinly slice red onions for mild sweetness and even cooking.
• Preheat the pizza stone for a crispier crust.
• Add extra toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms for variety.
• Brush the crust with garlic butter for added flavor.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Cheese Lovers: Add a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
Sweet and Tangy: Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over finished pizza for more flavor.
Individual Pizzas: Make personal-sized pizzas for customizable toppings.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pizza slices individually in parchment paper for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven to retain crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven or pizza oven
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or pizza peel

FAQ

Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pizza and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly.

Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough or crust.

Q: Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with spicy BBQ sauce, honey BBQ, or even a mix of BBQ and tomato sauce.

Q: Can I make this on a grill?
Absolutely! Preheat the grill and cook pizza directly on a grill-safe pan or pizza stone for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions and Cheese is a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal that combines smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any pizza night, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, game night, or special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.