How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Like California Pizza Kitchen at Home

Learn how to make delicious BBQ chicken pizza at home like California Pizza Kitchen. Follow our easy steps and enjoy your own tasty creation today.

Creating BBQ chicken pizza at home that rivals the beloved version from California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) can be a rewarding culinary adventure. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, anyone can recreate this delightful dish. This blog will guide you through the process of making a mouth-watering BBQ chicken pizza that captures the essence of CPK’s unique flavor profile.

Understanding BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza is a delicious blend of flavors that combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and a variety of toppings, all baked to perfection on a crispy crust. This pizza is renowned for its sweet, smoky taste, harmonizing with the richness of cheese and the freshness of vegetables.

The crust serves as the foundation, while the BBQ sauce, chicken, onions, and cheese come together to create a delightful medley of textures and tastes.

With these elements in mind, let’s explore how to make your own BBQ chicken pizza from scratch!

Ingredients

To get started on your BBQ chicken pizza, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry or instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

  
  

For the BBQ Chicken Topping

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)

• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

  
  

For the BBQ Sauce (if homemade)

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

BBQ Chicken Pizza Overview Image Placeholder

BBQ chicken pizza ready to serve.

Gathering all the ingredients before you begin will help make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Making the Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Activating the yeast is crucial, as it helps the dough rise, resulting in a light and airy crust.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it sit in a warm spot for roughly 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Prepping the BBQ Chicken

While the dough rises, prepare the BBQ chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook raw chicken breasts in a skillet.

Cooking the Chicken

1. If using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the chicken until it's golden and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness).

3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool, and shred or dice it.

   
   

Mixing with BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. This flavorful chicken will be the highlight of your pizza!

Assembling the Pizza

Now that everything is prepared, it's time to construct your BBQ chicken pizza.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest setting available. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This helps create a crispy crust.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas and transfer it back to the floured surface. Roll out the dough into your desired shape, whether round or rectangular, based on your baking sheet or pizza stone.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving some space at the edges for the crust.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

• Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the sauce.

• Scatter the sliced red onions across the pizza.

• Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover all areas for that gooey melted goodness.

  
  

Step 5: Final Touch

For added flavor, lightly drizzle some more BBQ sauce over the cheese before baking.

Assembled BBQ Chicken Pizza Overview Image Placeholder

BBQ chicken pizza assembled and ready for the oven.

Baking Your Pizza

Step 1: Transfer to the Oven

Carefully transfer your pizza to the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to make it easier.

Step 2: Bake Time

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This short cooling time helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to slice.

Step 4: Garnish

Add chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Finished BBQ Chicken Pizza Image Placeholder

Sliced BBQ chicken pizza ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Premium BBQ sauce and cheese can significantly enhance the final taste.

  
  

• Customize Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to personalize your pizza.

  
  

• Add Some Heat: If you enjoy spicy flavors, consider adding jalapeños before baking or drizzling some hot sauce over the finished pizza.

  
  

• Streamline with Pre-cooked Chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

  
  

• Watch Cooking Times: Each oven can vary. Keep an eye on your pizza as it approaches the end of the cooking time to ensure perfect doneness.

  
  

Making Delicious Pizza at Home

Creating a BBQ chicken pizza that captures the essence of California Pizza Kitchen at home is not only achievable but also a fun project. By following these steps, you can enjoy the delightful blend of flavors right in your kitchen and make it your own.

Whether for a casual family dinner, a fun gathering with friends, or as a special treat for yourself, BBQ chicken pizza is sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your loved ones with a homemade masterpiece. Enjoy every delicious bite!