Get ready to elevate your pizza game with this mouthwatering Summer Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza! This recipe combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken and corn with the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce, all atop a perfectly crispy crust. It’s the ultimate summer comfort food that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of BBQ chicken, grilled corn, and a medley of cheeses creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Perfect for Summer: Grilling the pizza adds a smoky flavor that’s ideal for outdoor gatherings and warm evenings.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust toppings to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- Impressive Yet Simple: While it looks gourmet, this pizza is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: A simple homemade dough that rises to perfection, creating a crispy yet chewy base.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts grilled to juicy perfection and coated in BBQ sauce.
- Corn: Fresh corn on the cob, grilled for that extra smoky flavor.
- Cheese Blend: A mix of sharp white cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the ultimate cheese pull.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand adds tangy sweetness to the pizza.
- Ranch Dressing: A drizzle adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Chives, basil, and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Pickled Onions: For a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce for heat lovers.
- Different Protein: Try using pulled pork or grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough recipe or pre-made crust.
How to Make Summer Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix warm water, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Let it foam, then add flour and salt. Knead into a smooth dough and let rise for about an hour.
Step 2: Grill the Toppings
Season and grill the chicken breasts, corn, and green onions. Chop the chicken and slice the corn off the cob once cooled.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Roll out the dough, spread BBQ sauce, and layer with cheeses, grilled chicken, corn, and green onions.
Step 4: Grill the Pizza
Slide the pizza onto the preheated grill. Cook with the lid closed until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
Step 5: Add Final Toppings
Top with fresh herbs, a drizzle of ranch, and pickled onions before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Have all toppings ready before you start grilling the pizza.
- Hot Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to get that perfect crispy crust.
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Watch Closely: Grilled pizzas cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
How to Serve
Serve this pizza hot off the grill, sliced into wedges. It’s perfect for a casual dinner party or a fun family meal. Pair it with a crisp summer salad or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled pizza for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake this pizza in an oven preheated to 450°F for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
What if I don’t have a pizza peel?
You can use the back of a baking sheet or a flat cutting board to slide the pizza onto the grill.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great if you’re short on time.
How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to oil your grill grates well and use plenty of flour and cornmeal on your pizza peel.
This Summer Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a game-changer for your outdoor cooking repertoire. The combination of smoky grilled flavors, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh summer toppings creates a pizza that’s truly unforgettable. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for summer gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with pizza all over again!
PrintSummer Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate summer grilling experience with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza. Featuring a homemade dough, grilled chicken, sweet corn, and a medley of cheeses, this pizza is perfect for outdoor gatherings and lazy summer evenings.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Flour and coarse cornmeal for dusting
For the topping:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 2 ears corn on the cob
- 2 green onions
- 4 ounces freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup your favorite ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Quick pickled onions, for topping
- Fresh basil and cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, honey and olive oil. Mix and let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add flour and salt, stir until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface, form into a ball, and let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to high. Season chicken with salt and pepper, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for about 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 10 minutes, then chop.
- Grill corn and scallions: Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally. Grill scallions for 2-3 minutes. Slice corn off the cob and chop scallions.
- Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough and shape into desired form on a floured surface. Let rest under a towel.
- Prepare toppings: Have all ingredients ready – chopped chicken, grated cheeses, corn, scallions, and sauces.
- Assemble the pizza: Transfer dough to a floured and cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. Spread BBQ sauce, layer cheeses, chicken, corn, scallions, and drizzle with more BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
- Grill the pizza: Slide pizza onto grill grates, reduce heat under pizza to low. Close lid and cook for 5-8 minutes until crust is golden and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Transfer pizza to a cutting board. Top with parmesan, ranch dressing, chives, basil, cilantro, and pickled onions. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone on the grill before cooking.
- You can substitute store-bought pizza dough to save time.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75