Tangy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

This tangy BBQ chicken pizza is loaded with savory, sweet and spicy flavors! The pizza crust is topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, shredded BBQ chicken, sweet caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and fresh cilantro. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and quick pickled red onions makes this pizza simply irresistible. Read on for pro tips on maximizing flavors.

Benefits of BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza has a lot going for it:

Endlessly Customizable

Add any toppings you crave - the options are limitless!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavors

Savory, sweet, smoky, spicy - something for everyone!

Satisfying

Chicken, cheese, bacon, and veggies provide filling fiber and protein.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Assemble hours ahead or use leftover chicken.

Kid-Approved Dinner

Kids of all ages devour pizza loaded with their favorite toppings.

Building Flavor for BBQ Chicken Pizza

Maximize flavors in each component:

Spice Up the Chicken

Toss shredded chicken in spicy cayenne BBQ sauce.

Sweet and Smoky

Caramelized onions and crispy bacon.

Herby Freshness

Chopped cilantro cuts through the rich toppings.

Savory and Tangy

Smoked mozzarella and provolone cheese.

Well-Seasoned Crust

Olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

This easy homemade BBQ sauce takes the pizza up a notch:

Ingredients:

Ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar.

Directions:

Whisk together all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Uses:

- Toss with shredded chicken, pork, or beef

- Brush over chicken, ribs, or chops before grilling

- Dipping sauce for grilled meats or chicken nuggets

How to Build the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

Follow these steps for pizza success:

1. Toss chicken in BBQ sauce.

2. Sauté onions until caramelized and crispy.

3. Layer crust with sauce, cheese, chicken, bacon, onions.

4. Sprinkle fresh cilantro.

5. Bake pizza at 450°F until crust is crisp and cheese melted.

Creative BBQ Chicken Pizza Alternatives

Get creative with combinations like:

- BBQ chicken salad pizza with ranch dressing

- Buffalo chicken pizza with blue cheese crumbles

- BBQ chicken bacon ranch pizza

- Hawaiian BBQ chicken pizza with pineapple

Even More Delicious Homemade Pizza Recipes

BBQ chicken is just one of endless tasty pizza possibilities:

- Supreme pizza with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions

- Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil

- Breakfast pizza with bacon, eggs, potatoes

- Taco pizza with seasoned beef, peppers, onions, cheddar

- Mediterranean pizza with artichokes, olives, spinach

BBQ Chicken Pizza Night!

Loaded with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, sweet onions, and melty cheese, this BBQ chicken pizza is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Feel free to substitute store-bought sauce to simplify prep. Customize with all your favorite toppings for an effortless dinner that satisfies any time.

5 FAQs about BBQ Chicken Pizza

1. What is the best cheese for BBQ chicken pizza?

Mozzarella, cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack, and provolone work well.

2. What's the easiest BBQ sauce for pizza?

Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce if you don't have time for homemade.

3. How do you keep BBQ chicken pizza from getting soggy?

Use cooked chicken, drain toppings, and bake pizza at a high temp to crisp the crust.

4. Can you prepare BBQ chicken pizza in advance?

Yes, prepare the pizza then refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What proteins go well on BBQ chicken pizza?

Pulled pork, crispy bacon, spicy sausage, ground beef, and ham work deliciously.