Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
There’s something magical about homemade pizza, and when you cook it in a cast-iron skillet, it takes things to a whole new level. This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza is smoky, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavors that will have you hooked from the first bite. The crust crisps up beautifully in the skillet, while the tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese create a perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to order takeout again!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or weekend cravings.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients, and you can make it with leftover chicken!
Quick and Easy: No fancy pizza oven needed—your cast-iron skillet does all the work.
Customizable: Swap the toppings to make it your own! Add bacon, red onions, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy pizza?
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
Pizza Dough: The base of our crispy, golden crust. Store-bought or homemade works perfectly!
BBQ Sauce: Smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet—this sauce brings everything together.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, it soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection.
Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Fresh Cilantro: A pop of freshness to complement the smoky flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the crust and gives it a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your cast-iron skillet inside while the oven heats up—this ensures an ultra-crispy crust.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s slightly smaller than your skillet. This makes it easier to transfer.
Cook the Crust
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and drizzle it with olive oil. Place the rolled-out dough in the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the bottom starts to crisp.
Add the Toppings
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly, followed by the cooked chicken and red onion slices.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Finishing Touches
Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice up your crispy BBQ chicken pizza and enjoy! The combination of smoky, cheesy, and crispy goodness is absolutely irresistible.
Notes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
Garlic Bread: A classic side that makes any pizza night better.
Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances out the richness of the pizza.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Chili Flakes: Sprinkle some for an extra kick!
Additional Tips
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
For an even crispier crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
Want extra flavor? Add crumbled bacon or smoked gouda cheese!
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a baking sheet or pizza stone instead.
To reheat, place slices in a hot skillet for a few minutes instead of microwaving—this keeps the crust crispy!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this pizza?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best. Try hickory or honey BBQ for extra flavor.
3. Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Try smoked gouda, cheddar, or provolone for a delicious twist.
4. How do I keep my crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to preheat the skillet and drain any excess liquid from the chicken before adding it to the pizza.
5. Can I make this pizza on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes! Cook on medium-low heat with a lid on until the cheese melts, then finish under the broiler for a golden crust.
6. What toppings go well with BBQ chicken pizza?
Bacon, jalapeños, bell peppers, and pineapple are great additions!
7. How do I store leftover pizza?
Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8. How do I make this pizza spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
9. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Try pulled pork, grilled shrimp, or even shredded beef.
10. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough, and check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza is everything you love about pizza—crispy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit. So grab your skillet, fire up the oven, and get ready for a pizza night that’s next-level good!
PrintCrispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
This Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza combines a perfectly golden crust with smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, red onions, and melted cheese. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet for extra crispiness, this pizza delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Cast-Iron Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a cast-iron skillet on medium heat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to fit the skillet. Lightly grease the skillet with olive oil.
3. Carefully press the dough into the hot skillet, letting it cook for 2 minutes until the bottom starts to crisp.
4. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, smoked gouda, and red onion slices.
6. Sprinkle with garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
9. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
– For extra crunch, brush the crust with olive oil before baking.
– Swap smoked gouda for cheddar or provolone if preferred.
– Use a store-bought or homemade pizza dough based on preference.
– Serve with a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pizza)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
