This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is perfect for summer! With tender grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust, it’s a real treat for your taste buds!
You can get everyone involved by letting them add their favorite toppings. Plus, it’s fun to grill your pizza outside. Who doesn’t want pizza and sunshine at the same time? 🍕☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you want to make it from scratch, any easy pizza dough recipe will work! Don’t forget to let it rest for at least 30 minutes if you’re making it yourself.
Chicken: Grilled chicken breast adds great flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option; just shred it! For a vegetarian twist, consider swapping the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce, or feel free to make homemade if you prefer! Honey BBQ or spicy BBQ can add different flavor profiles. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for low-sugar options.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is delicious, but frozen corn works great too! In a pinch, canned corn can be used; just drain and rinse it well first. This adds nice sweetness to the pizza!
Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, feel free to mix in your favorites! Goat cheese or pepper jack could add fun flavors. Just ensure they melt well for that gooey texture.
How Do I Grill Pizza Successfully?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have a fantastic result! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Rolling out your dough shouldn’t be too thick; aim for about 1/4 inch. That way, it can crisp up nicely without burning.
- Brush both sides of the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking. This helps create a perfect crust.
- Don’t worry if your dough isn’t perfectly shaped—it adds a rustic charm!
- Make sure to grill one side until lightly charred before flipping to add your toppings.
- Close the grill lid after adding cheese and toppings. This helps trap heat, melting the cheese evenly.
Don’t rush it; keep an eye on your pizza. With practice, grilling pizza will become a fun summer tradition!
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, grilled and chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing or crema for drizzling
- Olive oil for brushing dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill. So, you can enjoy a delicious BBQ chicken pizza in roughly 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick and fun summer meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the grill is hot enough to give your pizza a nice char and crisp crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to get it to your preferred thickness. Just remember, the thinner it is, the crispier it will be. No worries if it’s not perfectly round—rustic is good!
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush both sides of the dough with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking to the grill and gives it a lovely golden color.
4. Grill the Dough:
Place the dough directly onto the grill grates. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly charred and firm. You’ll know it’s time to flip when it’s easy to lift!
5. Add Toppings:
Flip the dough carefully and quickly brush the grilled side with your barbecue sauce. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, layer the grilled chicken and corn on top.
6. Grill to Melt Cheese:
Close the grill lid and let the pizza cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is fully cooked. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Finish Off Your Pizza:
Once the pizza is done, carefully remove it from the grill. Top it with chopped green onions, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro if you like. Drizzle some ranch dressing or crema over the top, and you’re set!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice up the pizza and serve it warm. Enjoy your delicious grilled BBQ chicken pizza on a beautiful summer day!
FAQ for Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results. It will save you prep time and still taste delicious!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No problem! You can bake the pizza in the oven at 475°F (245°C) on a pizza stone or a baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes. Just follow the same topping instructions, and you’ll get a fantastic pizza without the grill!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or tin foil and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to maintain the crispy crust!
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this a vegetarian pizza by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can also use a veggie BBQ sauce for added flavor!
