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Crispy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Tangy Sauce and Cilantro

crispy BBQ chicken pizza - featured image

A quick and easy crispy BBQ chicken pizza featuring a homemade tangy BBQ sauce and fresh cilantro for a bright, flavorful twist. Perfect for busy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 store-bought pizza dough (about 12 inches) or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups cooked BBQ chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded red onion
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up while you prep (about 20 minutes).
  2. Make the tangy BBQ sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Prepare the pizza dough: Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough into a 12-inch round. Let rest 5 minutes if it resists. Brush edges lightly with olive oil.
  4. Assemble the pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch bare around edges. Scatter shredded BBQ chicken evenly, then mozzarella cheese and red onion slices. Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Bake the pizza: Transfer to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden and crisp.
  6. Add fresh cilantro: Remove pizza from oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
  7. Slice and serve: Let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispy crust. Use a thin layer of sauce to avoid sogginess. Add fresh cilantro after baking to keep its bright flavor. For extra crispy chicken, toast pieces in a skillet before adding. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, crispy pizza, homemade BBQ sauce, cilantro pizza, easy pizza recipe, quick dinner, leftover chicken recipe