Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredibly simple and flavorful BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe! Imagine a perfectly thin and crispy pizza crust generously topped with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce, succulent grilled chicken, a luscious blend of two cheeses, and a unique, tangy twist: savory BBQ kraut. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s an epic way to bring a delightful dinner to your table and into your tummy in record time. It’s truly a game-changer for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.
As summer unfolds, grilling season bursts into full swing, transforming our backyards into vibrant culinary spaces. There’s an undeniable charm and distinct flavor that comes from cooking outdoors, isn’t there? While classics like a juicy burger or a perfectly smoked hot dog are always welcome, I constantly seek out innovative recipes to create on our Traeger and gas grills. This quest led me to develop a grilled pizza recipe that captures the magic of restaurant-style outdoor cooking, right in my own backyard.
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Forget about needing a specialized pizza oven, an expensive pizza stone, or even a dedicated pizza pan. This incredible pizza is cooked directly on your grill grates, infusing every bite with an irresistible smoky aroma that elevates it far beyond a conventional oven-baked pizza. The direct heat ensures a wonderfully crispy crust, while the grill’s ambient warmth perfectly melts the cheese and warms the toppings, creating a truly exceptional flavor profile.
Effortless Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza for Busy Lives
I’ve deliberately integrated several clever shortcuts into this recipe, making it an ideal choice for everyone from novice cooks taking their first plunge into grilling to experienced home chefs looking for a quick yet impressive meal. By opting for a high-quality store-bought pizza crust, using your favorite bottled BBQ sauce as the base, and incorporating pre-cooked chicken, the preparation time is dramatically reduced. The only real “prep work” involves a quick slice of red onion and thoughtfully layering your ingredients before the pizza hits the grill. No need to pre-cook the crust; simply assemble and grill!
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. Rest assured, my enduring affection and genuine endorsement of their exceptional sauerkraut are entirely my own.
Discover Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut
Last summer, Frank’s Kraut delighted us all by introducing a fantastic new flavor to their already impressive lineup: Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut. My friends, this addition is precisely what your summer grilling season has been longing for! You might recall its debut in last year’s irresistible BBQ Smoked Sausages with Kraut recipe. Frank’s has masterfully transformed their classic, delicious sauerkraut by infusing it with brown sugar, rich molasses, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating an astonishing barbecue flavor that’s both sweet and savory. This unique kraut isn’t just a side dish; it’s the absolute perfect topping, adding an unexpected and utterly delightful tangy depth to this classic BBQ Chicken Pizza, making every bite a complex and satisfying experience.
If you’re an adventurous food lover who appreciates innovative pizza recipes and distinctive toppings, you must explore some of my other culinary creations. Be sure to check out my highly popular Reuben Pizza (pictured above), a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, and my vibrant Spinach Artichoke Pizza, which brings a creamy, savory flavor profile to your pizza night. Each offers a unique experience, proving that pizza possibilities are truly endless!
Crafting the Perfect Barbecue Chicken Pizza: From Scratch or Shortcut
While this recipe emphasizes convenience, those who prefer a truly homemade touch can certainly elevate their BBQ Chicken Pizza by making certain components from scratch. For an authentic crust, consider using a Homemade Pizza Dough recipe. The effort yields a remarkable texture and flavor that’s hard to beat. Similarly, preparing your own Homemade BBQ Sauce allows for complete control over the sweetness, smokiness, and spice levels, tailoring it perfectly to your palate. Grilling fresh chicken breasts offers an unparalleled juicy tenderness. And as a golden rule for any pizza enthusiast, always remember to shred your own cheese from a block; it melts more smoothly and tastes significantly fresher than pre-shredded varieties. If you opt for homemade pizza dough over a premade crust, I highly recommend consulting these excellent tips for grilling pizza to ensure a successful and delicious outcome.
Essential BBQ Chicken Pizza Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
To create this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully. For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
- Premade Pizza Crust: For ultimate convenience, I suggest using a shelf-stable pizza crust, such as a Boboli or a similar brand. These provide a consistent base that crisps up beautifully on the grill.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your absolute favorite barbecue sauce. Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy, this forms the flavorful foundation of your pizza. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, try my homemade BBQ sauce for a truly custom taste!
- Grilled Chicken Breast Meat: This is a fantastic way to utilize leftover grilled chicken from a previous meal. If you don’t have leftovers, grilling fresh chicken breasts adds a wonderful smoky depth. Prepping chicken on the weekend makes this a superb weekday meal.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a pleasant crunch and a mild, sweet-yet-sharp flavor that beautifully complements the BBQ sauce and chicken.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: I highly recommend grating fresh mozzarella from a block. It melts into a wonderfully gooey, stringy texture that pre-shredded versions simply can’t match. However, if time is of the essence, pre-shredded mozzarella is an acceptable alternative.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: This cheese is the secret weapon! Its rich, smoky flavor profile pairs exquisitely with the BBQ chicken. As with mozzarella, grating it fresh will yield the best melting consistency and flavor.
- Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut: This distinctive kraut is served as a topping *after* the pizza is cooked, providing an incredible tangy and savory kick that truly transforms the flavor experience. It’s the ultimate twist!
Effortless Steps: How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza with Kraut on the Grill
This recipe is designed for speed and flavor, coming together in mere minutes and disappearing even faster! Here’s how to craft your grilled masterpiece:
Begin by ensuring your grill grates are meticulously clean. Any residue from previous grilling sessions can transfer unwanted flavors or black marks to your pizza crust. Once clean, preheat your grill to a steady 400 degrees F.
Evenly spread your chosen barbecue sauce across the entire surface of the pizza crust, ensuring it extends all the way to the edges to create a flavorful base.
Next, distribute the succulent grilled chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by the thinly sliced red onion for a pop of color and flavor.
Generously sprinkle both the fresh mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses over the chicken and onion, ensuring full coverage for maximum meltiness.
Carefully place the assembled pizza directly onto your preheated, clean grill grates. Keep a close eye on it, as grilled pizzas cook rapidly. You’re aiming for a beautifully golden brown and crispy bottom crust, with all the toppings warmed through and the cheese perfectly melted and bubbly on top. Be vigilant and prevent any potential grill flare-ups, which can quickly char the crust.
Once perfection is achieved, carefully remove the pizza from the grill. Before slicing, generously top it with mounds of Frank’s BBQ Kraut. This final touch adds an unparalleled tangy brightness that cuts through the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately to enjoy this culinary delight.
Should you have any delectable leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This pizza also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For the best experience, I recommend adding the BBQ Kraut topping only after the pizza has been reheated, ensuring its fresh crunch and vibrant flavor are preserved.
Oven Preparation: Enjoy BBQ Chicken Pizza Year-Round
Don’t let cooler weather stop you from enjoying this fantastic BBQ Chicken Pizza! It can be effortlessly made year-round right in your conventional oven. Simply follow the same assembly instructions outlined above. Instead of grilling, bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 10-12 minutes. Bake until the crust achieves a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese topping is thoroughly melted and bubbling with deliciousness. For optimal results, you can bake the pizza directly on the oven rack, or use a pizza stone or baking sheet if that’s your preferred method.
Adore This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
The next time you’re craving a truly exceptional pizza that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor, give this recipe a try! It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or simply when you want to treat yourself. Don’t forget to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes.
Creative Substitutions & Expert Tips for Your BBQ Chicken Pizza
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions and adaptations to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire you and tips for ensuring success:
- Fresh Herb Finish: For an added layer of freshness and aroma, sprinkle your pizza with fresh herbs just before serving. Fresh cilantro complements BBQ flavors beautifully, while parsley or chives can add a subtle, herbaceous note.
- Turn Up the Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the cheese before grilling will infuse a delightful warmth into every bite.
- Cheese Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just mozzarella and gouda! Experiment with different cheese combinations. Monterrey Jack offers a creamy, mild flavor and excellent melt, while a sharp cheddar can introduce a bold, tangy dimension. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses are also great options.
- Chicken Choices: This recipe is incredibly adaptable for chicken. Any leftover cooked chicken, whether it’s grilled, roasted, or baked, will work perfectly. Shred up a rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience. If you prefer dark meat, consider using flavorful chicken thighs. You can even purchase frozen grilled chicken strips – just ensure they are warmed through before adding them to the pizza to guarantee even cooking.
- The Golden Rule of Grilling: Always, without exception, make sure your grill grates are thoroughly clean before placing your pizza on them. This prevents sticking, ensures a beautiful crust, and avoids transferring any burnt residue or flavors from previous meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pizza
Grilling pizza might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results. Here are some common questions and answers to help you master the art of grilled pizza:
- What type of grill is best for grilling pizza? While a dedicated wood-fired pizza oven will certainly achieve the highest heat and most authentic smoky flavor, a gas grill is incredibly versatile and gets the job done exceptionally well. Charcoal grills are also a fantastic option, providing their own unique smoky essence. The key is consistent, high heat.
- Do I need a pizza stone or steel to grill pizza? It’s certainly not mandatory to use a pizza stone or pizza steel, especially with a sturdy premade crust. However, many find that a pizza stone or steel can be beneficial, particularly if you’re concerned about the bottom of the crust burning. These accessories help absorb and distribute heat evenly, mimicking the intense heat transfer of a professional pizza oven, which can result in an even crispier crust. Remember, if you choose to use one, ensure your pizza stone is explicitly labeled as “grill-safe,” as not all are designed to withstand direct grill heat. It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and desired crust texture.
- What temperature should I grill pizza at? For optimum results, aim for a grill temperature between 375°F and 450°F (190°C – 230°C). This temperature range is crucial for properly cooking the crust to a crisp perfection while ensuring the toppings are heated through and the cheese melts beautifully, all without scorching the delicate ingredients.
- How long does it take to grill a pizza? Grilled pizzas cook remarkably fast! Due to the direct high heat, most pizzas will be ready in just 4-7 minutes total. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your grill’s temperature, the thickness of your crust, and the moisture content of your chosen toppings. Always keep a close eye on it, as things can change quickly on the grill.
Explore More of Our Family’s Favorite Pizza Recipes
Pizza night is a universally loved tradition in my household – it’s the one meal everyone can always agree on! I’m thrilled to share that my website is a treasure trove of diverse pizza recipes, catering to every craving. If you’re seeking a truly phenomenal pepperoni pizza experience, you absolutely must try my Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, crispy crust and caramelized cheese edges. For fellow fans of chicken on pizza, I guarantee you’ll adore my spicy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Beyond these, I offer everything from a timeless Classic Supreme Pizza to fun and shareable Pizza Dip, a vibrant Mexican Pizza, and even a delightful sweet treat like Dessert Pizza. There’s truly a pizza for every occasion and palate here!
The Surprising Health Benefits of Kraut
Beyond its incredible tangy flavor, sauerkraut, or “kraut,” is a powerhouse of nutrition. It comes brimming with essential vitamins, notably Vitamin C and K. It’s naturally low in sugar and impressively high in fiber, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. For centuries, kraut has been revered as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, a testament to its long-recognized health-promoting properties. It’s always gratifying when modern science catches up and confirms what traditional wisdom has known for ages, isn’t it?
More Delightful Sauerkraut Recipes to Explore
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Frank’s Kraut for nearly a decade, and together, we’ve crafted an array of truly wonderful recipes. I’m excited to share a few more of my absolute favorite grilling recipes that brilliantly feature their amazing sauerkraut. My Pastrami Burger (pictured above) is, in a word, phenomenal—a juicy burger elevated by the tangy kraut. Equally delicious is my newer recipe for Rachel Burgers, a lighter yet equally flavorful option.
If hot dogs or sausages are more to your liking, I highly recommend trying my zesty BBQ Hot Dogs and Kraut, as well as my hearty Grilled Polish & Sauerkraut recipes. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the incredible versatility of Frank’s Kraut on the grill.
For those who truly love sauerkraut and wish to delve deeper, everything you’ve ever wanted to know about kraut—from its origins and how it’s made, to a plethora of sauerkraut recipes—can be found in my comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut.
My Lifelong Devotion to Frank’s Kraut
My connection with Frank’s Kraut isn’t just a matter of years; it spans decades. It’s the only sauerkraut my family has ever bought or eaten, a tradition deeply rooted in our Polish and German heritage. Coming from such a background, that endorsement truly speaks volumes about the quality and taste of Frank’s Kraut.
You’ll discover a wealth of fantastic sauerkraut recipes right here on my blog, offering endless inspiration. For even more culinary ideas, be sure to visit the official Frank’s Kraut Website. I even maintain a dedicated Pinterest Board solely for sauerkraut recipes, packed with creative uses for this versatile ingredient. By following Frank’s Kraut on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, you’ll stay updated with new and exciting recipes throughout the year, ensuring your kraut cravings are always satisfied.
So, the very next time you fire up your grill, remember this crucial advice: make it a point to Grill Out with Frank’s Kraut! You won’t regret the burst of flavor it adds.
I genuinely hope that you and your loved ones thoroughly enjoy preparing and savoring this recipe for The Best BBQ Chicken Pizza. I am eager to hear your thoughts and feedback!
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Print Recipe
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Kraut
Equipment
- KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel
- 14” Pizza Cutter by KitchenStar | Rocker Style
- OUII Aluminum Pizza Peel Metal – 12 x 14 Inch
- Cuisinart CPS-445, 3-Piece Pizza Grilling Set, Pizza Stone
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 one pound premade pizza crust (shelf stable crust – like Boboli or similar)
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 8 ounces about 1 1/2 cups grilled chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut
Instructions
- Start with a clean grill. Preheat your grill to 300 degrees F.
- Spread the barbecue sauce over the top of the crust to the edges.
- Top with the grilled chicken and then the red onion.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Place the pizza directly onto your clean grill grates and watch it closely as it will cook quickly! The pizza should be golden brown on the bottom and the toppings should be warmed through and melty on the top. (Be careful not to let the grill flame up!)
- Remove from the grill. Top with mounds of Frank’s BBQ Kraut before cutting into 8 pieces and serving.
Notes
Oven Preparation: Make this delicious pizza year-round right in your oven. Follow the same instructions and bake the pizza at 400 degrees F. for 10-12 minutes, or until you have a golden brown crust and a melty cheese topping. Bake directly on the oven rack, or use a pizza stone or baking sheet if you prefer.