There’s pizza… and then there’s crispy, smoky, BBQ-loaded pizza baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet. Meet your new pizza obsession: Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza. This is the kind of meal that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria, bringing together the tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce, the smoky richness of grilled chicken, and the satisfying crunch of a cast-iron-seared crust.
If you’re craving something that feels familiar yet exciting, indulgent yet easy, this is your golden ticket. It’s fast enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and fun enough to make for pizza night with the family.
Why Cast-Iron Pizza?
There’s a reason cast-iron pizza has a cult following. Unlike traditional baking sheets or pizza stones, a cast-iron skillet delivers an unmatched crust—crispy on the bottom, soft and chewy inside, with that beautiful golden edge. It holds heat evenly and intensely, acting almost like a mini brick oven right on your stovetop or in your oven.
And when you combine that perfect crust with the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken and melty cheese? You’re hitting pizza perfection.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
BBQ Chicken Pizza first rose to fame in California pizzerias, most notably thanks to Wolfgang Puck and later California Pizza Kitchen. This version gives it a rustic, Southern-inspired upgrade—built in a sizzling hot skillet, with a crust that shatters under your bite and flavors that pop.
It’s part comfort food, part crowd-pleaser, and 100% delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 1 ball of homemade or store-bought pizza dough (about 12–16 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the skillet)
For the toppings:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy—your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or chopped (grilled or rotisserie works great)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
- Optional: pickled jalapeños, bacon bits, or crushed red pepper
How to Make Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 475°F (or as high as it goes—500°F is even better). Place your cast-iron skillet (10–12 inches) in the oven while it preheats. This step is key to that crispy crust.
2. Stretch the Dough
On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out your dough to roughly match the size of your skillet. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s rustic pizza, not a geometry test.
3. Build the Base
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Swirl to coat, then immediately lay the dough into the pan. It will start to sizzle—that’s a good thing!
4. Add the Sauce & Toppings
Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer on the shredded chicken, then the mozzarella and cheddar. Add the red onion slices and any extras like jalapeños or bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet back into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deeply golden and crisp around the edges.
6. Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing (if you can wait!)
Tips for Pizza Night Success
- Don’t skip preheating the skillet. It’s the secret to that ultra-crispy bottom.
- Use a BBQ sauce you love—smoky, spicy, honey-sweet… your call.
- Get creative: Add pineapple, smoked gouda, or roasted corn for fun twists.
- Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick assembly.
- No cast iron? A heavy ovenproof pan will work, but the crust may be less crispy.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Pizza
Pair this bold-flavored pie with:
- A crisp apple slaw or ranch-dressed side salad
- Cold beer or a light red wine like Zinfandel or Grenache
- Roasted corn on the cob or sweet potato fries for a Southern flair
- Dipping sauces like garlic ranch, chipotle aioli, or extra BBQ sauce
Leftovers? Yes, Please.
This pizza keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat to bring back that crispy crust—no soggy microwave pizza here.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Cast-Iron BBQ Chicken Pizza is more than just a dinner—it’s an experience. It brings bold BBQ flavor, melty cheese, and irresistible texture together in one skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies cravings and sparks conversation. Whether you’re making it for a Friday-night movie marathon or a backyard gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit.
So grab your cast iron, fire up the oven, and get ready for a pizza that delivers everything you love—crispy, cheesy, saucy, and unforgettable.