Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe: Smoky Homemade Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering crispy cast-iron BBQ chicken pizza promises an adventure for passionate home cooks.

Flames dance beneath a heavy skillet, promising golden-brown perfection with every sizzle.

Homemade dough stretches across dark metal, waiting to embrace smoky chicken and tangy sauce.

Melted cheese bubbles with anticipation, ready to connect crisp crust and savory toppings.

Bold flavors merge in a culinary symphony that challenges traditional pizzeria expectations.

Unexpected techniques transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece you can confidently create.

Prepare to amaze your taste buds with this irresistible pizza that breaks all the rules.

What Makes Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Great

• Skillet Simplicity: Perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality pizza without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines smoky barbecue sauce, two rich cheeses, and spices for a mouthwatering taste experience that elevates traditional pizza.
• Quick Meal Magic: Transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet meal in minimal preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can swap chicken with other proteins or adjust spices to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that creates the foundation for this delicious pizza.

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful topping that adds protein to the pizza.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Smoked Gouda: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and provide a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and smoky sauce that adds depth and character to the pizza.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste and create a complex flavor.

• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, crisp texture and a mild pungent flavor to the pizza.

• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbaceous topping that provides a fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to grease the skillet and help create a crispy pizza crust.

Cooking Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a scorching 475F (245C). Position a cast-iron skillet on medium heat to create the perfect crispy foundation.

Step 2: Prepare Pizza Dough

Roll out the pizza dough to perfectly match the skillet’s size. Lightly coat the skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking and add delicious flavor.

Step 3: Create Crispy Base

Gently place the dough into the hot skillet. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes until the bottom develops a golden, crispy texture.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Spread barbecue sauce across the dough, leaving a small border for a beautiful crunchy crust. Use smooth, sweeping motions to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Load With Toppings

• Shredded chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Smoked gouda
• Red onion slices

Step 6: Boost The Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

These seasonings will elevate the taste profile dramatically.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Rest And Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven.

Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes. Optional: Scatter fresh cilantro on top for a bright, herbal touch.

Step 9: Slice And Serve

Cut the pizza into wedges and serve while wonderfully warm. Enjoy your homemade skillet masterpiece!

Tips for Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Allow pizza dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure easier stretching and better texture.
• Preheat the skillet thoroughly to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust that's restaurant-quality and evenly cooked.
• Spread barbecue sauce sparingly to prevent soggy crust, creating a delicious base that complements the chicken and cheese.
• Mix mozzarella and smoked gouda for a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the entire pizza experience.
• Add cilantro just before serving to bring a bright, fresh element that cuts through the rich, smoky flavors of the pizza.

Variations for Cast-Iron Chicken Pizza

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, add roasted bell peppers, and swap BBQ sauce for pesto for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Tex-Mex Remix: Use pulled pork instead of chicken, add jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with chipotle sauce.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular pizza dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free premade dough, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-safe option.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Top with lamb instead of chicken, replace BBQ sauce with tzatziki, add feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.

Pairings for BBQ Chicken Pizza

Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the smoky barbecue flavors and rich cheese profile, cutting through the pizza’s richness with its tannic structure.

Select an amber ale or smoky porter that echoes the barbecue and smoked gouda notes, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the pizza’s hearty textures.

Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the pizza’s intense flavors, adding brightness and cutting through the cheese’s richness.

Sprinkle extra cilantro or add a small herb garnish like basil to enhance the pizza’s aromatic profile and provide a fresh, clean finish to each bite.

Storing BBQ Chicken Pizza Correctly

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each slice individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Place cooled pizza slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen pizza will keep for 1-2 months.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy again.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of skillet?

Yes, you can use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet like a stainless steel or carbon steel pan. The key is to have a skillet that can withstand high temperatures and transfer from stovetop to oven.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly grease the skillet with olive oil before adding the dough. Ensure the skillet is well-seasoned and the oil is evenly distributed to create a non-stick surface.

• What if I don't have smoked gouda?

You can substitute with regular gouda, provolone, or additional mozzarella. The goal is to have a combination of melty cheeses that complement the barbecue flavor.

• Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance.

Crispy Cast-Iron Bbq Chicken Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “crispy cast-iron bbq chicken pizza” brings backyard grill flavors into your kitchen with bold southwestern flair. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and smoky barbecue sauce create a perfect slice you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded smoked gouda cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 475F (245C) and position a cast-iron skillet on medium heat to create a crispy pizza foundation.
2. Stretch the pizza dough to match the skillet’s dimensions, coating the pan lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Carefully place the dough into the sizzling skillet, allowing it to crisp for 2 minutes and develop a golden base.
4. Generously brush barbecue sauce across the dough, maintaining a small perimeter for a traditional crust edge.
5. Layer the pizza with tender shredded chicken, creating an even distribution for consistent flavor in each bite.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses to create a rich, melty texture and complex cheese profile.
7. Scatter thinly sliced red onions and dust with garlic powder and smoked paprika for depth and aromatic enhancement.
8. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake 12-15 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
9. Remove from oven and allow pizza to rest 5 minutes for optimal cheese setting and easier slicing.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish before cutting into wedges and serving immediately.

Notes

• Swap store-bought dough with homemade or gluten-free options for personalized dietary needs.
• Ensure cast-iron skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Pre-cook chicken with smoky spices like chipotle or cumin to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Drain excess moisture from chicken and onions to prevent soggy pizza crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg