Who Has the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza? The Ultimate Showdown

Ever found yourself in a heated debate with friends about who makes the absolute best BBQ chicken pizza? I sure have. As someone who’s spent way too much money on takeout pizzas (my wallet is crying), I’ve made it my personal mission to crown the undisputed BBQ chicken pizza champion.

After extensive “research” (aka eating my weight in pizza), countless delivery orders, and some serious food coma naps, I’m ready to share my findings. So grab a napkin—things might get saucy!

The Undisputed BBQ Chicken Pizza Champion

After exhaustive tasting, research, and maybe a few extra pounds gained for the cause, the crown for the best BBQ chicken pizza unequivocally goes to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK).

What makes their BBQ chicken pizza so special? It’s all about balance. CPK has mastered the perfect harmony of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, tender grilled chicken, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and their signature crisp crust that somehow manages to stay sturdy even under all those toppings.

But don’t just take my word for it. The internet seems to agree—CPK consistently ranks highest across all categories that matter in the BBQ chicken pizza universe

What Makes a Great BBQ Chicken Pizza?

Before we dive deeper into the contenders let’s break down what separates an average BBQ chicken pizza from one that makes you close your eyes and say “mmmmm” embarrassingly loud in public

1. The BBQ Sauce: Should be balanced—not too sweet, not too spicy, with complex smoky notes
2. The Chicken: Properly grilled, tender and moist (nobody wants dry chicken!)
3. The Cheese: Traditionally a blend of mozzarella and Gouda for that perfect melt and flavor
4. The Crust: Crispy enough to provide structure but not cracker-like
5. The Toppings: Fresh cilantro, red onion, and other complementary ingredients distributed evenly

When all these elements come together in perfect harmony, magic happens on your taste buds.

The Top Contenders for BBQ Chicken Pizza Glory

While CPK takes the crown, several other pizza joints deserve honorable mentions for their BBQ chicken pizza offerings:

Domino’s

Domino’s BBQ chicken pizza is widely available and affordable, making it a convenient choice for many. However, many critics find their BBQ sauce overly sweet and the chicken somewhat bland compared to more gourmet options.

Pros

• Widely available nationwide
• Consistent product
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• BBQ sauce tends to be on the sweeter side
• Chicken quality varies by location

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut takes a different approach with their BBQ chicken pizza, often featuring a thicker, pan-style crust. While this creates a different texture experience, it sometimes lacks the complexity of flavor found in CPK’s version.

Pros:

• Hearty, filling option
• Good value for money
• Available in various crust styles

Cons:

• Sauce lacks complexity
• Toppings sometimes unevenly distributed

Local Pizzerias

Don’t sleep on your local pizza joints! Many independent pizzerias create exceptional BBQ chicken pizzas using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For example, in Piscataway, NJ, Otto’s Pizza & Pasta offers a delicious BBQ chicken specialty that rivals the big chains.

Pros:

• Often use fresher ingredients
• More creative with toppings and combinations
• Support local businesses

Cons:

• Inconsistency between locations
• May be pricier than chain options
• Limited availability

The Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza Bite

A truly outstanding BBQ chicken pizza is more than just the sum of its parts—it’s about the experience of that perfect bite. When you take a bite of a really good BBQ chicken pizza, here’s what should happen:

1. First, your teeth should meet a slight resistance from the crust before breaking through
2. Then, the warm, gooey cheese should stretch just enough (Instagram-worthy cheese pull!)
3. The sweet-smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce hits next
4. Finally, the savory grilled chicken and fresh, bright notes from cilantro or red onion round out the experience

When all these elements come together in one bite, it’s pizza nirvana.

BBQ Chicken Pizza FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know

What cheese is typically used on BBQ chicken pizza?

The traditional cheese blend for BBQ chicken pizza is mozzarella and Gouda. The mozzarella provides that classic stretchy cheese pull we all love, while the Gouda adds a subtle smoky and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce. Some places also add a bit of cheddar, though this can sometimes overpower the other flavors.

What are common variations of BBQ chicken pizza?

Common variations include:

• Adding red onion for sharpness and texture
• Including jalapeños for heat
• Adding pineapple (controversial, I know!)
• Including bacon for extra smokiness
• Using different cheese combinations

Can I make BBQ chicken pizza at home?

Absolutely! Making BBQ chicken pizza at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s a quick recipe outline:

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is a solid choice)
• Grilled chicken breast, diced or shredded
• Mozzarella and Gouda cheese, shredded
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro
• Optional: bacon, jalapeños, pineapple

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F
2. Roll out dough and pre-bake for 3-4 minutes
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over crust
4. Add chicken and other toppings
5. Sprinkle cheese blend on top
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro after baking

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust when making BBQ chicken pizza:

• Pre-bake your crust for a few minutes before adding toppings
• Don’t overload with sauce
• Make sure your chicken isn’t too wet
• Consider using a pizza stone or steel for better heat distribution

Regional BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations

One of the fun things about BBQ chicken pizza is how it varies across regions:

West Coast Style

California-style BBQ chicken pizza (pioneered by CPK) typically features a thin crust, sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, and fresh ingredients like cilantro and red onion.

Midwest Style

In the Midwest, you’ll often find BBQ chicken pizzas with thicker crusts and heartier toppings, sometimes including corn or additional meats like bacon.

Southern Style

In the South, BBQ chicken pizzas might feature regional BBQ sauce variations like Carolina vinegar-based sauce or Memphis-style sweet sauce.

The Origin Story: Who Invented BBQ Chicken Pizza?

The BBQ chicken pizza we know and love today is generally credited to Chef Ed LaDou at California Pizza Kitchen in the 1980s. LaDou was a pioneering pizza chef who previously worked with Wolfgang Puck and helped develop the original CPK menu.

This culinary innovation combined familiar BBQ flavors with the pizza format, creating an instant hit that has since become a staple on pizza menus nationwide. It’s a perfect example of successful fusion cuisine that appeals to American palates.

What to Pair with BBQ Chicken Pizza

A great BBQ chicken pizza deserves the perfect accompaniments:

Beverages

These drinks pair particularly well with BBQ chicken pizza:

• Amber ales or lagers
• Sweet iced tea
• Lemonade
• Dr. Pepper
• A robust red wine like Zinfandel

Side Dishes

Try these sides with your BBQ chicken pizza:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Coleslaw
• Garlic knots
• Sweet potato fries
• Corn on the cob

Is BBQ Chicken Pizza Healthy?

Let’s be honest—BBQ chicken pizza isn’t winning any health food awards. The combination of crust, cheese, and BBQ sauce (which often contains sugar) makes it a higher-calorie option. However, compared to meat-lover style pizzas, it’s often a bit lighter.

If you’re looking to make a healthier BBQ chicken pizza, try:

• Using a whole wheat crust
• Opting for less cheese
• Loading up on veggies like bell peppers and onions
• Using leaner chicken breast
• Choosing a lower-sugar BBQ sauce

The Final Verdict

While California Pizza Kitchen takes the crown for best BBQ chicken pizza among national chains, the “best” ultimately depends on your personal preferences:

• For convenience and consistency: Domino’s or Pizza Hut
• For gourmet experience: California Pizza Kitchen
• For unique local flavor: Check out independent pizzerias in your area

In Piscataway, NJ, for example, Otto’s Pizza & Pasta offers a delicious BBQ chicken pizza that locals swear by. Many towns have their own hidden gems serving up remarkable BBQ chicken pizzas with their own special twist.

Conclusion: The Pizza That Unites Us

BBQ chicken pizza represents the beautiful fusion of American BBQ tradition with Italian pizza craftsmanship. Whether you’re Team CPK or loyal to your local pizzeria, one thing’s for sure—BBQ chicken pizza has earned its place in the American culinary landscape.

So the next time you’re debating what to order for dinner, maybe give that BBQ chicken pizza another chance. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own at home with your favorite toppings. After all, the best BBQ chicken pizza might just be the one you create yourself!