This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is perfect for summer! Imagine crispy pizza crust topped with tangy BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and melty cheese. It’s a fun twist on pizza!
I love making this pizza on warm evenings. It’s super easy—just grill the chicken, add your favorite toppings, and let the grill do the magic. Great for sharing with friends! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs because they stay juicy during grilling. If you’re looking for something lighter, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great too. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that matches your taste—sweet, tangy, or smoky. If you’re looking to make this healthier, you can use a reduced-sugar version or even a homemade recipe using tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for pizzas, but mixing in some cheddar adds an extra kick. If you want to switch it up, feta crumbles or gouda would also be delicious. Vegan cheese is an excellent alternative for dairy sensitivities.
Fresh Corn: This adds sweetness and crunch. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn (thawed) or even canned corn (rinsed and drained). Both work well!
How Do I Grill the Perfect Pizza Dough?
Grilling pizza dough can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps create a crisp crust!
- Using lightly oiled hands, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. The size will depend on your grill, but aim for about a 12-inch round.
- Place the rolled dough directly onto the hot grill. Close the lid for 2-3 minutes to let it cook. You will see grill marks forming.
- Carefully flip it with tongs or a spatula and add your toppings quickly. Remember, the grilled side should face up when you add sauce and toppings!
- Close the lid again to help the cheese melt evenly. Keep an eye on it, as cooking time can vary!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries!
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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Optional: ranch dressing or garlic aioli drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pizza takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes grilling the chicken and then just 10 minutes grilling the pizza itself—perfect for a summer evening with friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Chicken:
First things first—preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked and has those nice char marks. Once done, take it off the grill, let it rest for about 5 minutes, and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Making the Pizza Dough:
Next up, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it reaches your preferred thickness. Keep in mind, thinner dough will get crispier!
3. Grilling the Pizza:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Carefully place the rolled-out dough directly onto the hot grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops lovely grill marks and starts to become crisp. Then, flip the dough over using tongs or a spatula.
4. Topping the Pizza:
Brush the grilled side of the dough generously with BBQ sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the sauce, then evenly distribute the chopped grilled chicken, fresh corn, and diced green onions over the cheese. Top it off with the remaining cheese for that melty goodness!
5. Finishing Touches:
Close the grill lid and let the pizza cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Once it’s done, carefully remove the pizza from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
6. Serving the Pizza:
Garnish your pizza with pickled red onions, chopped chives, and if you like, some fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle with ranch dressing or garlic aioli for added flavor. Now slice it into pieces, serve warm, and enjoy!
Bon appétit! This smoky, tangy BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress everyone at your summer gatherings! 🍕
FAQ for Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply mix it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza. It keeps the flavor and makes prep even quicker!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can bake the pizza in the oven. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake it on a pizza stone or baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with more fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Feel free to add extra cheese or some grills veggie bacon for added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
