California-Style BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza

 California-Style BBQ Chicken Pizza is a modern American classic known for its sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. Created in the 1980s by California Pizza Kitchen, it swaps traditional tomato sauce for barbecue sauce, combining it with grilled chicken, red onions, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The result is a bold, colorful, and slightly smoky pizza that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and herbal notes — a delicious symbol of California’s creative and unconventional food culture.

Ingredients

For the Dough (optional but recommended)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet + smoky, like hickory or honey BBQ)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded (grilled or rotisserie works best)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup smoked gouda (optional, adds depth)
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Olive oil for brushing the crust
  
  

Instructions

1. Make the Dough (if not using store-bought)

• In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms.
• Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Toppings

• Toss the shredded chicken in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to coat evenly.
• Slice red onions thinly for quick caramelization.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) — if you have a pizza stone, heat it for at least 20 minutes.

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
• Transfer it to parchment paper or a pizza peel.
• Spread BBQ sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Add half the cheese, then the chicken and red onion, followed by the rest of the cheese.

4. Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes (on a stone or preheated pan) until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• If using a regular baking sheet, bake closer to 13–15 minutes.

5. Finish & Serve

• Remove from oven and brush the crust with a little olive oil for shine.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
• Slice and serve hot!

🌟 Pro Tips

• Add crunch: Sprinkle cornmeal under the dough before baking.
• Smokier flavor: Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
• Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha before serving.