California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza (Copycat)

The California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza copycat starts with a simple twist: barbecue sauce replaces tomato sauce, and the result is a pizza that's sweet, smoky, and tangy all at once. This version recreates the 1980s original with a thin, crispy crust, a light layer of BBQ sauce, mozzarella for stretch, and smoked Gouda for depth. The combination of sweet sauce, sharp red onion, and fresh cilantro makes every bite balanced.

Reasons to Love This Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

• You get the restaurant flavor without the delivery fee.
• The smoked Gouda adds a smoky depth that mozzarella alone can't match.
• It's ready in about 40 minutes, and most of that time is hands-off while the pizza stone heats.

Key Ingredients for an Authentic California Pizza Kitchen Copycat

• BBQ sauce - Use a tomato-based sauce like Kraft Original for that classic sweet-tangy flavor. If you want more heat, choose a spicy variety. A thicker sauce works better because it won't make the crust soggy.
• Smoked Gouda - This cheese gives the pizza its signature smoky note. If you can't find it, use smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of smoked paprika to regular mozzarella.
• Red onion - Slice it paper-thin so it cooks through without burning. A mandoline helps get even slices.

Kitchen Tools for This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

• Pizza stone - for a crisp, restaurant-style crust.
• Pizza peel or rimless baking sheet - to slide the pizza onto the hot stone.
• Rolling pin - to roll out the dough evenly.
• Large skillet - for cooking the chicken.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Chill the cooked chicken completely before coating it with BBQ sauce. This keeps it from overcooking when the pizza bakes.
• Preheat your pizza stone for a full hour at 500°F. A hot stone gives the crust that crisp bottom.
• Keep the BBQ sauce layer thin. Too much will make the crust soggy.
• Use a light hand with the cheese, too. The pizza should be topped, not buried.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations to Try

• Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the base.
• Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra smokiness.
• Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian.
• Use a gluten-free pizza crust if you need it.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Pizza

Toppings to Try

• Extra fresh cilantro leaves for a bright finish.
• A drizzle of BBQ sauce over the top after baking.
• Red pepper flakes for heat.

Side Dishes to Serve

• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and keep the crust from getting soggy. Let the pizza cool completely before storing.

Can You Freeze This BBQ Chicken Pizza?

You can freeze the baked pizza. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 400°F oven until hot and crisp.

Best Ways to Reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza

The best way to reheat this BBQ chicken pizza is in a 400°F oven. Place the slices directly on the oven rack or on a preheated baking sheet and heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp. Avoid the microwave, which will make the crust chewy and soggy.

Source recipe: California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 6c72d073-bc83-4427-b824-d14e42fb8f31). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

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California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza (Copycat)

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

25 min

Servings

16 servings

Calories

169 kcal

Scale: 1x2x3x · − 16 servings +

US Metric

Cook Mode

Ingredients

Copy list

• 8 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 16 ounces pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons semolina or cornmeal
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons Gouda cheese shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• ¼ cup red onion sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. 1
   In a large frying pan, cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until just cooked, 5 to 6 minutes. Do not overcook.
2. 2
   Set cooked chicken aside in the refrigerator until chilled through.
3. 3
   Once chilled, coat the chicken with two tablespoons BBQ sauce. Place it back in the refrigerator.
4. 4
   Place a pizza stone in the center of the oven and preheat to 500 degrees for one hour before cooking pizzas.
5. 5
   Sprinkle semolina on a work surface.
6. 6
   Place half of the pizza dough on the semolina and roll out the dough.
7. 7
   Use a large spoon to spread ¼ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the surface of the prepared dough within the rim.
8. 8
   Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Gouda cheese over the sauce.
9. 9
   Cover with ¾ cup shredded mozzarella.
10. 10
    Distribute half the chicken pieces evenly over the cheese (approximately 18 pieces).
11. 11
    Place approximately 18 to 20 pieces of red onion over the surface.
12. 12
    Sprinkle an additional ¼ cup mozzarella over the top of the pizza.
13. 13
    Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese in the center is bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
14. 14
    When the pizza is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and sprinkle 1 tablespoon cilantro over the hot pizza. Slice and serve.
15. 15
    Repeat with the remaining ingredients for a second pizza. The two pizzas may be prepared simultaneously if you are careful in placing the pizzas at opposite corners of your pizza stone.

Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.

Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated

Amount per serving

Calories 169 kcal 8% DV

Protein 9 g 18% DV

Total Fat 5 g 6% DV

Total Carb. 19 g 7% DV

Sugars 5 g

Sodium 438 mg 19% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).