Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions

Bring smoky flavors to your pizza night with this BBQ Chicken Pizza. Featuring a crispy crust, tender chicken, rich barbecue sauce, and sweet caramelized onions, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite smoky flavor)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
   • Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border for the crust.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked Gouda cheeses over the sauce.
   • Top with shredded chicken, red onion slices, and caramelized onions.
4. Bake:
   • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve warm.

Tips

• Use a pre-made pizza dough for convenience.
• Add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken before shredding.

You can visit our Pizza Recipes section for even more delicious recipes.

FAQ

1. Can I make this pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try substituting smoked Gouda with cheddar, provolone, or your favorite cheese.

3. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.