Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions is a mouthwatering fusion of smoky barbecue flavors and cheesy, crispy pizza perfection. This recipe combines the best of two worlds—American-style barbecue and classic Italian pizza—resulting in a dish that’s smoky, tangy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply want to jazz up pizza night, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, smoky grilled chicken, and creamy cheese create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The red onions add a bit of sharpness that balances the sweetness, and the cilantro gives a fresh, herby touch that makes the whole dish pop.

What really makes this recipe special is the grill — it infuses the crust with a slightly smoky flavor that you just can’t get from the oven. It’s one of those meals that feels casual yet gourmet, perfect for warm evenings with friends or family.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a must-try because it brings a creative twist to traditional pizza. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, and full of bold, comforting flavors. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it — yet it tastes like something you’d order at a high-end pizzeria.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can use store-bought dough, leftover grilled chicken, or even a pre-made crust if you’re in a hurry. Once you try this smoky, saucy masterpiece, it’ll become a permanent part of your recipe rotation.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American Fusion

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced or shredded
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

For the Chicken (if grilling fresh):

• 2 small chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
   • Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken (if cooking fresh):
   • Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Grill for 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
   • Brush with barbecue sauce during the last minute of grilling.
   • Remove and slice thinly.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
   • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle or rectangle.
   • Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
4. Grill the Pizza Base:
   • Place the dough directly on the grill grates.
   • Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom has grill marks.
   • Flip the dough using tongs or a spatula.
5. Add the Toppings:
   • Spread a layer of barbecue sauce on the cooked side of the dough.
   • Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
   • Arrange sliced grilled chicken and red onions evenly on top.
6. Finish Grilling:
   • Close the grill lid and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is golden and crisp.
   • If using an oven grill or grill pan, cover with a lid or foil to trap heat.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the grill and drizzle a bit of extra barbecue sauce on top.
   • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
   • Slice and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve the pizza hot, straight off the grill, sliced into wedges. Pair it with:

• A fresh green salad
• Coleslaw for a BBQ-style meal
• A chilled glass of lemonade, beer, or iced tea

It’s perfect for outdoor dinners, parties, or casual weekend meals.

Recipe Tips

• Use a pizza stone or grill pan: This helps achieve even heat distribution and prevents burning.
• Don’t overload toppings: Too many ingredients can make the crust soggy.
• Pre-cook your chicken: Using cooked chicken prevents uneven cooking and ensures juicy results.
• Brush the dough well with oil: It prevents sticking and adds crispness.
• For extra smoky flavor: Close the grill lid while cooking to trap in the smoke.

Variations

1. Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
2. Spicy BBQ Pizza: Mix hot sauce or chipotle sauce into the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, and corn.
4. Cheese Lovers’ Version: Add smoked gouda, cheddar, or provolone for extra flavor.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use a whole-wheat or gluten-free crust for a healthier option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pizza slices for up to 2 months. Separate slices with parchment paper before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until the crust is crisp again.

Special Equipment Needed

• Outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) or indoor grill pan
• Tongs or pizza peel
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter
• Basting brush

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I bake this pizza instead of grilling it?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 12–14 minutes.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

Q3: What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Smoky or hickory-style barbecue sauce complements the grilled flavor beautifully, but you can use sweet or spicy versions based on preference.

Q4: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can grill the chicken and prepare the toppings ahead, but grill the pizza fresh for the best texture.

Q5: What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions is the ultimate summertime comfort food — smoky, cheesy, tangy, and full of bold flavors. The combination of juicy barbecue chicken, sweet red onions, and gooey cheese atop a crisp, grilled crust is simply unbeatable.

It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy nights in. Once you try this smoky, savory delight, you’ll never go back to plain old pizza again.