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Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

crispy grilled bbq chicken pizza - featured image

A smoky, crispy grilled BBQ chicken pizza with a charred crust that delivers a perfect balance of tangy barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and melty cheeses. Ideal for summer BBQs and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ball (about 12 oz / 340 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 cup (5.3 oz / 150 g) grilled chicken, diced or shredded
  • ¼ cup (1.4 oz / 40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (3.5 oz / 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (1.75 oz / 50 g) shredded smoked gouda cheese (optional but recommended)
  • A handful of cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz / 15 ml) olive oil, for brushing dough
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F / 230°C). Set up a two-zone fire if using charcoal—one side hot for searing, one cooler for finishing the pizza.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Brush one side lightly with olive oil.
  3. Place the dough oil-side down directly on the grill grates over the hot zone. Grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the dough firms up but is not fully cooked. Brush the top side with olive oil while the bottom cooks.
  4. Carefully flip the dough using a pizza peel or large spatula. Quickly spread BBQ sauce over the cooked side, then evenly distribute grilled chicken, red onion, mozzarella, and smoked gouda cheeses on top.
  5. Move the pizza to the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy with some charred edges. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Remove the pizza from the grill, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use two-zone grilling to control heat for searing and melting. Brush both dough and grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid overloading toppings to keep crust crispy. Practice flipping dough before adding toppings. Leftovers reheat best under broiler or in a hot skillet to maintain crispness. Substitute dairy-free cheese and gluten-free dough as needed.

Nutrition

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