Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions and Cilantro is a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic pizza. Combining tender grilled chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, thinly sliced red onions, melted mozzarella, and fresh cilantro, this pizza offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

Unlike traditional pizza with tomato sauce, the barbecue base adds a rich depth and smoky undertone, while the red onions give a subtle bite, and cilantro adds freshness that brightens every slice. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works well for casual family dinners, game nights, or weekend pizza parties.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bold, flavorful, and easy to make at home. The smoky-sweet BBQ sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken, while the red onions and cilantro add layers of texture and brightness. It’s a pizza that satisfies cravings for something indulgent yet fresh. Making it at home allows me to customize toppings and control the quality of ingredients, making each slice both comforting and gourmet.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Bold flavors: Tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and fresh cilantro create a perfect harmony.
• Easy and quick: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Family-friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Add extra veggies or cheeses as desired.
• Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for pizza nights or casual entertaining.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 (1 medium pizza)
• Calories: ~320 per slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, ~12–14 inch)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Optional: ¼ cup smoked gouda or cheddar for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Toss cooked chicken with ½ cup barbecue sauce until fully coated.

Step 3: Prepare Dough

1. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness (~12 inches).
2. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to oven.
3. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil for a golden, crisp crust.

Step 4: Assemble Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving ½ inch around edges.
2. Evenly distribute BBQ-coated chicken over the sauce.
3. Add thinly sliced red onions and shredded mozzarella (and optional smoked cheese).

Step 5: Bake

• Slide pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Add Fresh Cilantro

• Remove pizza from oven and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top.
• Optional: drizzle extra barbecue sauce for more flavor.

How to Serve

• Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.
• Pair with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
• Perfect for casual dinners, parties, or game nights.

Recipe Tips

• Pre-cook or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Thinly slice red onions to avoid overpowering flavor.
• Fresh cilantro should be added after baking to preserve flavor and color.
• For extra crisp crust, bake on a pizza stone.
• Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness to preference.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• BBQ Veggie Pizza: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
• Cheesy BBQ Pizza: Use a blend of mozzarella, smoked gouda, and cheddar.
• Buffalo BBQ Pizza: Mix BBQ sauce with hot sauce for a tangy-spicy twist.
• Mini Pizzas: Make individual-sized pizzas for portion control or appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Unbaked Pizza: Assemble pizza without cilantro, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen at 475°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Leftovers: Store baked pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in oven or toaster oven to preserve crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Knife for slicing onions and chicken
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough or crust.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms pair well with BBQ chicken.

Q4: Should I cook the onions before baking?
Thinly sliced raw onions are fine; they soften during baking while keeping slight crunch.

Q5: Can I make this pizza in a skillet?
Yes, preheat a cast-iron skillet and bake on stovetop or finish in oven for crispy crust.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions and Cilantro is a delicious, crowd-pleasing pizza that combines sweet, smoky, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare at home and fully customizable, it’s perfect for family dinners, weekend pizza nights, or entertaining guests.

With tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, tangy red onions, and fresh cilantro, this pizza is bursting with flavor, texture, and color, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.