Mouthwatering Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Mouthwatering Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Barbecue chicken pizza takes on a whole new level of flavor when cooked in a cast-iron skillet.

Fans of homemade pizza love using this method to create tasty dishes with smoky, charred notes.

The mix of barbecue chicken and a crispy crust offers an unforgettable taste that goes beyond regular pizza recipes.

With rich ingredients and careful cooking steps, this pizza achieves an incredible texture and deep flavors.

Both seasoned cooks and beginners enjoy how cast-iron pans can turn simple recipes into something special.

This dish is a wonderful blend of comfort food and gourmet touches that pleases the palate and fills you up.

Keep Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Fresh

  • Refrigerate: 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.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy again. Avoid microwave to keep crust texture.
  • Reheat Skillet: Restore crispiness by reheating pizza slices in a preheated cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Cover with a lid to help cheese melt evenly.
  • Freeze Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What To Serve With Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Select Sparkling Wine: Crisp prosecco or champagne cuts through the rich BBQ chicken and complements the smoky cheese flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Craft Beer Match: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with robust malt notes that stand up to the bold BBQ and smoked gouda, enhancing the pizza's complex taste profile.
  • Fresh Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's richness, adding a zesty green element that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Cooling Side Dip: Whip up a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing with fresh herbs to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the hot, spicy BBQ chicken pizza.

Fun Ways To Remix Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Gluten-Free Pizza Edition: Replace regular flour with gluten-free pizza flour mix, ensuring the same crispy texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan BBQ Chicken Alternative: Swap chicken with shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegan BBQ sauce and dairy-free cheese for a completely plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust Option: Create a cauliflower-based pizza crust instead of traditional dough, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious BBQ chicken flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add jalapeños, swap regular onions with poblano peppers, and incorporate a chipotle-infused BBQ sauce for a more intense, fiery pizza experience.

Questions On Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Why use a cast-iron skillet for pizza?

Cast-iron skillets create an incredibly crispy crust by retaining and distributing high heat evenly. The preheated skillet mimics a professional pizza oven, giving your homemade pizza a restaurant-quality crisp bottom and golden edges.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the pizza dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

  • What if I don't have smoked gouda?

No problem! You can substitute with regular gouda, provolone, or extra mozzarella. The key is using a combination of cheeses that melt well and complement the BBQ chicken’s smoky flavor.

  • Is there a trick to rolling out pizza dough?

Work with a small portion of dough at a time, and use a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. Gently stretch the dough with your hands or a rolling pin, being careful not to tear it or overwork the dough.

Why Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Tastes So Good

  • Quick Weekend Warrior: Master this delicious BBQ chicken pizza in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
  • Cast-Iron Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-grade crispy crust using a simple cast-iron skillet technique that guarantees golden, crunchy edges every single time.
  • Flexible Flavor Customization: Easily swap ingredients like chicken type, cheese varieties, or BBQ sauce to match personal preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
  • No-Stress Dough Preparation: Use convenient DeLallo pizza dough kit that eliminates complex mixing processes, allowing even novice cooks to create professional-looking pizzas with minimal effort.

What You Need For Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

Pizza Base:
  • Flour Mix, Yeast: Essential for creating a soft and stretchy pizza dough. Use a high-quality pizza dough kit for consistent results.
  • Water: Activates yeast and helps bind the dough ingredients together. Lukewarm temperature is key for proper yeast activation.
Pizza Toppings:
  • Roasted Chicken, BBQ Sauce: Core protein and flavor for the pizza. Choose a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce for maximum taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Smoked Gouda: Provides creamy and melty texture. Mix of cheeses adds depth and richness to the pizza.
  • Red Onion: Adds sharp, fresh crunch and slight sweetness to the pizza. Thinly slice for even distribution.
Garnish and Finishing:
  • Scallions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that brighten the pizza and add color and fresh flavor. Chop finely just before serving.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy crust and prevents sticking. Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

How To Make Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza At Home

How To Make Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza At Home

Step 1: Prepare Pizza Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in flour mix and yeast packet from DeLallo Italian Pizza Dough Kit. Pour lukewarm water and stir with a fork until dough starts forming. Knead by hand for three minutes until smooth. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size. You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days if needed.

Step 2: Create BBQ Chicken Topping

Shred roasted chicken into small pieces and drop into a bowl. Pour BBQ sauce over chicken and mix thoroughly until chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Heat Oven and Prepare Skillet

Crank oven temperature to 500°F. Place 12-inch cast iron skillet inside and heat for at least ten minutes. Roll out dough to desired thickness, using approximately one-quarter of prepared dough.

Step 4: Build Pizza Layers

Drizzle olive oil into hot skillet, then carefully place rolled dough on top. Spread remaining BBQ sauce across dough. Layer toppings:
  • Shredded BBQ chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Smoked gouda
  • Thinly sliced red onion

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide skillet into oven and cook for 10-12 minutes until crust turns crispy and cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove pizza from skillet using a thin metal spatula. Transfer to cutting board. Sprinkle with:
  • Sliced scallions
  • Fresh cilantro

Slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Simple Tips For Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Optimize Dough Rise: Use a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven to help the pizza dough rise faster and develop better texture.
  • Perfect Cast-Iron Technique: Preheat the skillet thoroughly to ensure a crispy, restaurant-style crust that's golden and crunchy on the bottom.
  • Customize BBQ Chicken: Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties or make your own for a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese freshly and mix different types like mozzarella and smoked gouda for enhanced melting and complex flavor depth.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chop scallions and cilantro just before serving to add bright, fresh notes that complement the rich BBQ chicken and cheese.
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Mouthwatering Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Mouthwatering Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza delivers a flavor-packed culinary adventure straight from your kitchen. Melted cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and golden-brown crust combine for an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken breast, roasted and shredded
  • 1 DeLallo Italian Pizza Dough Kit
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup smoked gouda, shredded

Sauce and Oil:

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (29 ml) DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pizza dough by mixing flour and yeast with lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl. Knead the mixture thoroughly until a smooth, elastic texture develops. Allow the dough to rest and rise in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, for approximately 45 minutes in a warm environment.
  2. Shred the roasted chicken and coat it generously with barbecue sauce, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Set the seasoned chicken mixture aside for later use.
  3. Heat the oven to an intense 500°F. Position a 12-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven to create an extremely hot cooking surface. While the skillet preheats, carefully roll out a portion of the prepared dough to achieve the desired thickness.
  4. Remove the scorching hot skillet and quickly drizzle olive oil across its surface. Gently transfer the rolled dough into the skillet, creating an immediate sizzling effect. Spread additional barbecue sauce evenly across the dough’s surface.
  5. Distribute the sauce-coated chicken pieces strategically across the pizza base. Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses generously, creating a rich and melty topping. Scatter thinly sliced red onions for added flavor complexity.
  6. Transfer the skillet back into the heated oven, allowing the pizza to cook for 10-12 minutes. Monitor the crust’s transformation into a crispy golden texture and ensure the cheese melts completely.
  7. Carefully extract the skillet from the oven using protective mitts. Slide the pizza onto a cutting board using a thin metal spatula. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
  8. Slice the pizza immediately and serve while piping hot, enjoying the perfect blend of crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory barbecue chicken.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by making pizza dough in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days, saving precious cooking time.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quicker BBQ chicken preparation, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
  • Cast-iron skillet technique ensures an incredibly crispy, restaurant-style pizza crust with beautiful golden-brown edges
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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