Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Grill with Red Onion and Cilantro

Transform your pizza night by taking it to the grill! This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe delivers a smoky, irresistible flavor that’s hard to beat. Imagine a perfectly charred crust, a generous slather of tangy barbecue sauce, succulent shredded chicken, sharp red onion, and a blanket of melty cheese, all finished with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s a culinary adventure that brings the best of backyard grilling to a beloved classic, offering a unique texture and depth of flavor you won’t get from an oven.

Grilling pizza isn’t just a novelty; it’s a technique that elevates the entire experience. The high, direct heat of the grill mimics a professional pizza oven, creating a beautifully blistered, chewy, and slightly smoky crust that’s crisp on the outside and tender within. This method solves the common problem of a soggy crust often encountered with heavily topped pizzas, ensuring every bite is a delightful combination of textures. The smoky char from the grill adds an incredible dimension to the sweet and savory BBQ sauce, complementing the richness of the chicken and cheese, while the fresh red onion and cilantro cut through with a bright, zesty finish. This recipe is designed to guide you through achieving that perfect balance, making it a truly special meal that’s both fun to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

• 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, or homemade
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal or semolina, for dusting

For the Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded (optional, but recommended)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. This makes it easier to work with. Lightly oil a baking sheet or large cutting board with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal or semolina.
2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C). If using charcoal, arrange coals for direct and indirect heat. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush.
3. Stretch the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle or oval. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round. Brush one side of the dough generously with olive oil.
4. Grill the First Side: Carefully transfer the oiled side of the dough onto the hot grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown, puffed up, and has visible grill marks. Use tongs to check for doneness.
5. Flip and Top: Once the first side is grilled, carefully flip the dough over to the uncooked side. Immediately brush the grilled side with a thin layer of BBQ sauce, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese over the BBQ sauce. Distribute the shredded chicken and thinly sliced red onion over the cheese.
7. Finish Grilling: Close the grill lid and continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is cooked through and lightly charred on the bottom. If your grill has hot spots, rotate the pizza as needed. If the crust is browning too quickly, move the pizza to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
8. Remove and Garnish: Carefully slide the pizza off the grill onto a cutting board. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce if desired, then generously sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
9. Slice and Serve: Let the pizza rest for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Dough is Key: Always let your pizza dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. Cold dough is stiff and difficult to stretch, leading to tears and uneven thickness.
• Don’t Over-Oil the Grill: While you want to prevent sticking, too much oil on the grates can cause flare-ups. Instead, ensure your grill grates are impeccably clean and brush the dough itself with olive oil before placing it on the grill.
• Work Quickly with Toppings: Once you flip the dough, you’re on the clock! Have all your toppings prepped and ready to go so you can assemble the pizza efficiently before the crust overcooks.
• Master Heat Management: Grilled pizza cooks fast. Keep a close eye on it. If the crust is browning too quickly, move it to a cooler zone of the grill or lower the heat. A pizza peel or a sturdy, flat spatula is invaluable for rotating and removing the pizza.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out traditional pizza dough for your favorite store-bought gluten-free pizza crust. Follow the same grilling instructions, adjusting cook times as needed for the specific crust.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Use a high-quality vegan mozzarella or cheddar alternative. For the chicken, substitute with grilled plant-based chicken strips or crumbled, seasoned tempeh or seitan. Ensure your BBQ sauce is also vegan.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce, or sprinkle thinly sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) over the pizza before grilling. A drizzle of hot honey after cooking also adds a fantastic sweet heat.
• Ingredient Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, white cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp, pulled pork, or even sliced bell peppers and corn for a vegetarian twist.
• Lighter Option: Use a whole wheat pizza dough and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach in addition to the red onion. Opt for a lower-sugar BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a meal in itself, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering. It pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the pizza. A simple coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob would also make excellent companions. For beverages, consider a cold craft beer, a dry rosé, or a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge Storage: Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Storage: To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat pizza in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp. You can also reheat slices in a dry skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for a few minutes per side to crisp up the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut and works wonderfully on the grill. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before you start stretching it.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from burning on the grill?
A: The key is heat management. Make sure your grill isn’t excessively hot. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Keeping a close eye and rotating the pizza as needed will help prevent burning.

Q: Can I make this pizza in the oven instead of on the grill?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 450-500°F / 230-260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside. Carefully transfer the stretched dough to the hot stone/steel, bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, then add toppings and bake for another 8-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the smoky char and crisp texture that grilling imparts to a pizza. This BBQ Chicken Pizza with its vibrant red onion and fresh cilantro is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into an extraordinary meal. It’s a recipe that promises not just a delicious dinner, but an engaging cooking experience that will have you eager to fire up the grill again and again. Give it a try and savor the irresistible flavors of summer, any time of year.