Homemade Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza

This mouthwatering chipotle BBQ chicken pizza is a longtime family favorite that brings the perfect mix of smoky heat and cheesy comfort. With homemade pizza dough as the base and a vibrant blend of toppings like chipotle-spiced chicken, crispy bacon, and burst cherry tomatoes, this crowd-pleaser truly shines at any gathering. If you have never made pizza from scratch before, this recipe walks you through every step for amazing results in your own kitchen.

I first made this pizza one rainy Saturday when stores were closed — now my family asks for it more than restaurant pizza. Rolling out the dough together has become our little weekend tradition.

Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour: sifted for an airy classic pizza base use high quality unbleached flour if you can
• Active Dry Yeast: crucial for a bubbly crust make sure it has not expired for best rise
• Olive Oil: provides richness and a tender crumb cold pressed extra virgin yields big flavor
• Chicken Breasts: base for the topping choose fresh chicken and pound for even cooking
• Chipotle Seasoning: gives signature smoky heat check labels for pure chipotle powder over blends with fillers
• BBQ Sauce: the sweet tang that ties everything together use a thick sauce for best spread
• Mozzarella Cheese: shredded for melt factor freshly shredded is less greasy than pre-bagged
• Bacon: adds smoky crunch crisp it well before adding to prevent sogginess
• Red Onion: brings color and bright flavor look for firm onions with shiny skins
• Cherry Tomatoes: bursts of juiciness halve for balanced bites
• Fresh Parsley or cilantro: fresh herbs add flavor and color rinsed and finely chopped
• Mayonnaise: the creamy base for the chipotle drizzle go for real mayo not salad dressing
• Fresh Lime Juice: brings sharp zip to the drizzle use freshly squeezed for best taste
• Garlic: both in chicken seasoning and drizzle fresh garlic makes a difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Combine sifted flour salt and active yeast in a stand mixer bowl Use the whisk attachment to blend well Make sure your yeast is alive by proofing if you have any doubts

Add Sugar Water and Oil:

Whisk warm water and granulated sugar until dissolved slowly pour into flour mix Add two tablespoons olive oil Use the dough hook on medium-low speed until a tacky dough ball forms

Knead and Proof:

Transfer dough to a floured surface Knead until smooth and elastic about five minutes Place in a greased bowl with a drizzle of olive oil on top cover with a towel and let it proof in a warm place until doubled in size about one hour

Prep the Chicken:

While dough proofs season chicken generously with chipotle seasoning garlic powder italian herbs salt and pepper Melt butter in a skillet and sear chicken on medium-high until golden on both sides and cooked through Shred using two forks set aside

Mix the Chipotle Drizzle:

Combine mayonnaise fresh garlic lime juice chipotle seasoning salt and black pepper in a bowl Mix until smooth and set aside

Shape the Pizza:

After proofing gently stretch or roll out your dough to your desired thickness and shape Place on a pizza stone or baking tray lined with parchment

Assemble the Toppings:

Spread a hearty layer of BBQ sauce over the dough top with mozzarella shredded chicken crumbled bacon red onion cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley

Bake the Pizza:

Preheat oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Bake pizza for twelve to fifteen minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges turn golden brown

Finish with Drizzle:

Remove from oven and finish with chipotle drizzle Slice and serve immediately

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Making this recipe always reminds me of summer nights when my kids raced back inside just for that piping hot first slice The fresh parsley sprinkled on top gives the pizza a pop of color and garden freshness I never skip it

Storage Tips

Let the pizza cool to room temperature before storing Store slices in an airtight container with parchment between layers to keep the crust from going soggy Pizza keeps well in the fridge for three days and can be reheated in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about ten minutes for best texture

Ingredient Swaps

If you want a spicier kick try adding fresh jalapenos with the toppings Smoked gouda or cheddar can stand in for mozzarella for a deeper cheesy flavor For a gluten free version swap in your favorite allergy friendly pizza dough recipe and use certified gluten free ingredients all around

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pizza hot with a simple green salad or crunchy slaw to balance the bold BBQ flavors This pizza is also great sliced smaller as party finger food A squeeze of extra lime or a dollop of the chipotle drizzle makes each bite pop

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A Slice of History

BBQ chicken pizza brings together Italian pizza tradition with American barbecue influences Chipotle adds a distinct southwestern flair that is especially loved in Tex Mex cuisine Customizing toppings at home lets you capture that creative takeout spirit yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the pizza dough airy and light?

Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. Knead well and avoid overworking to keep the texture soft.

→ What gives the chicken its smoky, spicy flavor?

Chipotle seasoning combined with a bit of garlic powder, Italian herbs, and pan-searing the chicken, creates a rich, smoky taste.

→ Can I substitute another protein for chicken?

Absolutely! Pulled pork, shredded beef, or roasted vegetables all make great alternatives in this style of pizza.

→ What pizza sauce works best with chipotle toppings?

Using a thick, tangy BBQ sauce as a base complements the smoky chicken and savory bacon perfectly.

→ How do I achieve a crisp yet tender pizza crust?

Bake in a preheated, hot oven (425°F) and use a pizza stone or hot baking tray for the best texture.

→ Can this pizza be made ahead?

Prepare toppings and dough ahead; assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.