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Whole Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions on a rustic wooden board, sliced and ready to serve

Smoky Sweet BBQ Chicken Pizza with Golden Caramelized Onions

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Imagine a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate: the smoky, tangy embrace of BBQ sauce generously spread over a perfectly crisp pizza crust, topped with tender, shredded chicken. Then comes the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth magic of golden caramelized onions, offering a delightful counterpoint to the savory notes. A generous blanket of gooey, melted cheese ties it all together, while a final sprinkle of fresh, vibrant cilantro adds a burst of freshness that elevates every bite. This homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing gourmet pizzeria taste right to your kitchen table with minimal fuss. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies every craving.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pre-made pizza dough (12-14 inch, room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced red onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden brown and very soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven & Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness (12-14 inch circle). Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
  3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Distribute the shredded chicken over the sauce, followed by the caramelized onions. Sprinkle both types of cheese evenly over the toppings.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots. If desired, you can brush the crust with a little olive oil for extra crispness.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before sprinkling generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Slice and serve immediately, perhaps with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Notes

Dough Shortcut: Don’t be afraid to use store-bought fresh pizza dough! It saves time and still delivers fantastic results. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling. Chicken Prep: A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. Just shred and go! If cooking chicken from scratch, poach or bake chicken breasts and then shred. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder to your BBQ sauce before spreading for an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of ranch or a lime wedge can also add a delightful tang post-baking. Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven while it warms up. Slide the pizza onto the hot surface.

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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