This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect summer treat! With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a delicious twist on pizza.
Grilling it adds a nice char that makes you feel like a pro! I love serving it with a fresh salad for a fun meal. You won’t believe how quick it is to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work great too. If you want a vegetarian option, try using grilled veggies, like zucchini or eggplant, instead!
BBQ Sauce: A smoky BBQ sauce enhances the flavors. If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or choose a spicy BBQ brand. You can even make your own sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a homemade twist!
Pizza Dough: While store-bought dough is quick and easy, you can also use pita bread or flatbreads for individual pizzas. For gluten-free options, cauliflower crusts are a fun alternative!
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, but I often mix in some pepper jack for a kick! If dairy isn’t your thing, try vegan cheese or omit it altogether; it’ll still taste delicious.
Vegetables: Corn adds a sweet crunch, but feel free to swap it out for bell peppers or spinach, depending on what you have on hand!
How to Grill Pizza Without Burning It?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right! First, preheat your grill to medium-high; this ensures even cooking. The key is to watch it closely, especially the first few minutes.
- Brush the dough with olive oil; it helps prevent sticking and gives a nice crispy crust.
- After placing dough on the grill, close the lid and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Check frequently to prevent burning.
- Once it has grill marks and is firm, flip it over carefully. Now, add your toppings!
- Close the lid while it cooks again to melt the cheese evenly without burning.
With these tips, your grilled pizza will come out perfect every time!
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza recipe takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the chicken and preparing the toppings, while the actual grilling of the pizza will take an additional 8-10 minutes. Perfect for a quick summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season the boneless skinless chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and juices run clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and then chop it into small, bite-size pieces.
2. Preparing the Pizza Dough:
As the chicken cooks, grab your pizza dough. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil. This will help prevent it from sticking to the grill and give it a nice golden color. Carefully place the dough, oiled-side down, on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Check it frequently to prevent burning. Once the dough is firm and has nice grill marks, remove it from the grill.
3. Assembling the Pizza:
Now, flip the dough over so the grilled side is facing up. Spread an even layer of BBQ sauce over the surface. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top of the BBQ sauce. Then, distribute the chopped grilled chicken, corn kernels, sliced red onions, and green onions over the cheese.
4. Grilling the Pizza:
Close the grill lid again and cook the pizza for another 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is cooked through. This step is crucial for a delicious, gooey pizza!
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully remove the pizza from the grill. If you like, top with pickled red onions for extra flavor, and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top for a creamy finish. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley!
6. Serving:
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious, smoky, cheesy BBQ chicken pizza that’s perfect for summer grilling! It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together!
FAQ about Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just chop it up and toss it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza. This way, you’ll still get that delicious BBQ flavor!
What Type of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! A tangy sauce works well, but choose one that fits your taste preference—sweet, smoky, or spicy options will all work beautifully with this pizza.
Can I Make This Pizza in the Oven Instead of on the Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Assemble your pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone, then bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Just make sure the dough has rest time as indicated in your recipe!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will keep the crust crispy!
