This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on a classic! It features tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and melty cheese, all on a crispy crust. Perfect for summer grilling!
Let’s be real, nothing beats the combo of juicy chicken and gooey cheese! I love serving this pizza with a side of cold drinks and good company—it’s always a hit at summer gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own. If you’re gluten-free, there are great gluten-free pizza doughs available that work well.
Chicken: I like using grilled chicken breast for its flavor and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver too. Just shred some and mix it with BBQ sauce for extra flavor!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce; smoky is my favorite for this recipe! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also make a homemade BBQ sauce using tomato sauce and spices.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar blend nicely, but you can also use pepper jack for some extra heat. Vegan cheese can be a substitute if you’re dairy-free.
Corn: Fresh corn is best, but canned or frozen works in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and heat it if using canned!
Pickled Red Onions: They add a great tang! If you can’t find them, thinly sliced regular onions can do the trick but are not as tangy.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grilled Dough?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s simple. The key to great grilled pizza is making sure your dough is cooked perfectly without burning.
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps achieve those nice grill marks.
- Brush oil on the dough to prevent sticking. Olive oil gives a nice flavor while keeping the pizza moist.
- Keep an eye on it! The first side cooks quickly, so watch for firming up and grill marks before flipping.
- After flipping, work fast to add your toppings. Close the lid while cooking to keep the heat in—this helps melt the cheese.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a deliciously crispy crust ready to enjoy!
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pizza Dough: 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, enough for 12-inch pizza)
- Chicken: 1 cup cooked chicken breast, grilled and chopped
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzle
- Cheeses: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Corn: 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels (grilled or boiled)
- Onions: 1/4 cup thinly sliced pickled red onions
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Ranch dressing or creamy drizzle for topping (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can have this crowd-pleasing pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is super important to get that nice, crispy crust!
2. Preparing the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; rustic is all the rage!
3. Oiling the Dough:
Lightly brush one side of the dough with olive oil. This will help it crisp up nicely on the grill.
4. Grilling the Dough:
Place the dough olive oil-side down on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until you see grill marks and the bottom starts to firm up.
5. Flipping and Topping:
Gently flip the dough over and quickly brush the freshly grilled side with olive oil. Now, spread the BBQ sauce evenly over this side, followed by the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
6. Adding Toppings:
Evenly distribute the chopped grilled chicken and corn kernels on top of the cheese. This is where all the yummy flavors come together!
7. Completing the Grill:
Close the grill lid and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom is golden brown.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once done, remove the pizza from the grill. Top with sliced pickled red onions, green onions, and cilantro if you’re using it. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing adds a delightful touch!
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pizza into pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy those smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors that scream summer!
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful grilled BBQ chicken pizza—a perfect easy and delicious meal for summer grilling!
FAQ for Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work wonderfully. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back on the grill or in a toaster oven for a few minutes, which will help keep the crust crispy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) or a pizza stone to bake the pizza. Just follow the same topping instructions and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
