There’s something magical about a perfectly crisp pizza crust that’s golden brown and slightly charred at the edges. And when it’s loaded with smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese? Absolute perfection! This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza delivers all the flavors of your favorite BBQ chicken pizza with an irresistible crunchy crust—right from your stovetop and oven. No fancy pizza oven required! Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to a baking sheet.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-Quality Crust: Cooking in a cast-iron skillet creates a crispy, golden crust that rivals any pizzeria.
Quick & Easy: No need to wait for a pizza stone to preheat—this method is beginner-friendly and super efficient.
Smoky & Sweet BBQ Flavor: The rich BBQ sauce combined with melted cheese and juicy chicken makes every bite a flavor explosion.
Customizable: Add extra toppings like red onions, jalapeños, or bacon to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough: The foundation of a great pizza—store-bought or homemade both work well.
BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet base that replaces traditional tomato sauce. Choose your favorite brand or make your own!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, lightly seasoned for extra flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture.
Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh, herby garnish to balance out the bold flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the crust when cooking in the skillet.
Instructions
Preheat the Cast-Iron Skillet: Place your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot. This ensures a crisp bottom crust.
Stretch the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough to fit the skillet. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before stretching.
Cook the Dough: Add a little olive oil to the skillet, then place the stretched dough in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom starts to turn golden and crispy.
Flip & Add Toppings: Carefully flip the dough, then spread BBQ sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, shredded chicken, and sliced red onions on top.
Transfer to the Oven: Move the skillet to a preheated oven at 450°F and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Finish with Cilantro: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
Slice & Serve: Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing. Enjoy while it’s hot and crispy!
How to Serve Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping.
Cold Drinks: A cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea makes for a great pairing.
Additional Tips
Preheat the Skillet: This is key to achieving a crispy crust—don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overload with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep it balanced.
Use a Pizza Cutter: A sharp pizza cutter makes slicing clean and easy.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy kick.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a regular baking sheet instead of a cast-iron skillet?
A1: Yes, but the crust won’t be as crispy. A pizza stone is a better alternative if you don’t have a cast-iron skillet.
Q2: What’s the best store-bought pizza dough to use?
A2: Look for fresh or refrigerated pizza dough from your local grocery store. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have great options.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: You can prep the toppings and dough in advance, but it’s best to cook the pizza fresh for the crispiest results.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in a 375°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Q5: Can I freeze the pizza?
A5: Yes! Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked pizza. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Absolutely! Try smoked gouda, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.
Q7: How do I keep the crust from sticking to the pan?
A7: A little olive oil before adding the dough helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Q9: What BBQ sauce works best?
A9: A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best. Choose one you love or make your own!
Q10: Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
A10: Yes, but you’ll need to cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the cheese melts. The oven finish ensures a crispier crust.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza is the ultimate homemade pizza experience—easy, crispy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or just looking for a fun twist on pizza night, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your skillet, crank up the heat, and get ready for a slice of pure pizza bliss!
Print
Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza is inspired by CPK and packed with flavor! The crispy crust, melted cheese, smoky gouda, and tangy BBQ chicken come together to create a pizza you’ll want to make every week. Top it off with fresh scallions and cilantro for the perfect bite!
Ingredients
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For the Pizza:
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2 Tbsp DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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1 DeLallo Italian Pizza Dough Kit
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided
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1 chicken breast, roasted and shredded (instructions below)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
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1/2 cup smoked gouda, shredded
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1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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2 scallions, thinly sliced
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Fresh cilantro, for serving
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To Roast Chicken:
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
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Make the Pizza Dough:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour mix and yeast packet from the DeLallo Italian Pizza Dough Kit with 1 ¼ cups of lukewarm water. Stir with a fork until the dough begins to form. Knead by hand for 3 minutes, or until smooth. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled (can refrigerate for up to 3 days).
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Make the BBQ Chicken:
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Shred the roasted chicken and place it in a small bowl. Pour ¼ cup BBQ sauce over it and mix well. Set aside.
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Preheat the Oven and Roll Out the Dough:
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Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet inside and heat for at least 10 minutes. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness. For this recipe, use about ¼ of the prepared dough.
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Assemble the BBQ Chicken Pizza:
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Drizzle 2 Tbsp of olive oil in the hot skillet, then carefully place the rolled dough on top. Spread the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough. Add the shredded BBQ chicken, then top with mozzarella, smoked gouda, and thinly sliced red onion.
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Cook the Pizza:
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Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
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Cool Slightly and Slice:
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Remove the pizza from the skillet using a thin metal spatula. Place it on a cutting board. Garnish with sliced scallions and fresh cilantro, then slice and serve immediately!
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Notes
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To Roast Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season the chicken breast with 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20 minutes for boneless breast or 30-35 minutes for bone-in.
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To Shred Chicken Easily: After roasting, discard skin and bone. Place the chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, shred at low speed, then increase to medium speed until fully shredded.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 547
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 1290
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg