BBQ Chicken Pizza Simple and Quick Recipe

Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “I don’t like that”? I hear you. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge at 5 PM, hoping for a dinner miracle. Sometimes you just need a simple set-and-forget meal to save the day.

That’s why I’m so excited to share our family’s secret weapon: this BBQ Chicken Pizza Simple and Quick. It’s the perfect Friday night dinner that feels like a treat, but comes together without the stress. I promise, it’s a game-changer for tired parents and picky palates alike.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dinner
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

Let’s be real. Kids can be tough critics. But this pizza is a winner for a few smart reasons. First, the barbecue sauce is familiar and sweet, which is a huge win over traditional tomato sauce for many little ones.

Second, it’s all about the customization. Kids love having control. We can build their slice with just cheese and chicken, while the grown-ups get all the fun toppings. It turns dinner into a fun activity, not a battle.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I keep things super simple. No fancy grocery store trips needed. You probably have half of this already!

• 1 lb pre-made pizza dough (store-bought is a lifesaver!)
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken is your best friend here)
• 3/4 cup of your family’s favorite barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for the brave ones)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (also optional)
• A little flour or cornmeal for your hands and pan

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting kids in the kitchen is a great way to get them excited about eating. For this recipe, I have two go-to jobs that are perfect for little helpers. It’s a different kind of hands-on fun compared to an easy slow cooker dinner, but just as rewarding.

My youngest loves to be in charge of sauce spreading. Give them a spoon and let them paint the dough with the BBQ sauce. My older one is the official cheese sprinkler. Measuring and sprinkling the mozzarella is a task they take great pride in!

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let making a homemade pizza intimidate you. This process is broken down into easy, bite-sized steps. You’ve got this!

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven now to heat up.
2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a large circle or rectangle to fit your baking sheet or pizza pan. If the dough is sticky, a little oil on your hands works wonders.
3. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined or lightly cornmealed baking sheet. This prevents a sticky mess.
4. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
5. Sprinkle on about 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the cheese. Add the red onion now if you’re using it.
7. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. More cheese means a gooey, happy pizza!
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly spotted.
9. Carefully remove from the oven. Let it cool for just 3-5 minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese set so it doesn’t slide everywhere.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, slice, and serve!

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

The beauty of this dish is how easily you can change it up. Here are our family’s favorite ways to mix it up.

For super sensitive kids, serve the barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. It gives them the flavor without the “red stuff” touching their cheese. For the adults, try adding crispy cooked bacon bits or thin slices of fresh jalapeño. A little drizzle of extra BBQ sauce after baking is always a good idea, too!

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

Leftover pizza is a gift for future-you! Let it cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, skip the microwave (it makes the crust soggy). Instead, warm slices in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid until the cheese melts again. It tastes just-made!

Nutrition Notes

• This recipe is a good source of protein from the chicken and cheese.
• Using a whole-wheat pizza dough can add fiber.
• You can control the sodium and sugar by choosing your barbecue sauce carefully.
• Adding a side of carrot sticks or apple slices helps round out the meal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, a Monterey Jack or cheddar blend is also delicious. A little smoked gouda mixed in is amazing for grown-up taste buds.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

To keep it simple and quick, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect. You can also quickly poach or bake 1-2 chicken breasts and shred them with forks. Leftover grilled chicken works great too!

My dough is always hard to shape. Any tips?

Let your store-bought dough sit out on the counter for 20-30 minutes before you try to stretch it. Room temperature dough is much more cooperative. Don’t worry about a perfect shape—rustic is totally fine!

So there you have it—our family’s favorite fix for a happy, hassle-free Friday night. It’s the meal that gets everyone to the table without the fuss, and that’s a win in my book. If you’re looking for another crowd-pleasing, low-effort option, you must try this simple slow cooker chicken jambalaya.

I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and peace to your dinner table as it has to ours. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!