Gather ’round the grill and create unforgettable memories with family and friends as you prepare this delectable Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza. Bursting with the fresh flavors of zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, this isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. Imagine the aroma of smoky crust mingling with savory barbecue chicken and vibrant vegetables, all cooked to perfection over an open flame. This recipe promises not only a fantastically flavorful pizza but also cherished moments around the grill, making it a perfect addition to your culinary adventures.
There’s something truly special about a shared meal, especially one that sparks joy and collaboration. Here at our home, we believe in the power of a “recipe bucket list.” It’s more than just a collection of dishes; it’s an ever-evolving conversation, a dynamic catalog of culinary dreams that our family actively wants to explore. There’s no need for formality; it’s simply a fun way to engage everyone in the kitchen and at the dinner table. This informal approach fosters a sense of adventure, encouraging both young and old to step out of their comfort zones and try new ingredients and cooking methods.
Once you introduce the concept of a recipe bucket list, you might be surprised at how quickly your family becomes more adventurous eaters. Children and adults alike will feel a greater sense of ownership and involvement in making good food choices, transforming meal preparation from a chore into an exciting joint project. It’s a fantastic way to bond, share ideas, and even discover new family favorites that might become staples for years to come. Our own list has seen many triumphs and interesting experiments. Memorable dishes like our beloved Zucchini Brownies and delightful Fruit Pizza Cookies have all graced our infamous list at one time, leading to many memorable experiences, even if we didn’t always agree on the order of priority for these delicious adventures!
Table of Contents
- Why Grill Pizza is a Must-Try
- Mastering Grilled Pizza: Essential Tips and Tricks
- The Ingredients Unpacked
- Step-by-Step Grilling Excellence
- Serving Suggestions and Variations
- More Grilling Recipes
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Veggies Recipe
- Nutrition Information
Why Grill Pizza is a Must-Try
When it comes to meals that unite everyone, pizza consistently ranks at the top. And when you combine that universal love with the excitement of grilling, you create an unbeatable culinary event. We absolutely adore bringing out the grill because it’s an open invitation for the entire family to get involved. My husband, our official CGO (Chief Grilling Officer), expertly handles the flame, but everyone contributes to getting dinner on the table. It’s more than just cooking; it’s a genuine family bonding experience, and everyone eagerly anticipates the meal. Why? Because, without a doubt, everything just tastes infinitely better when it’s cooked on the grill!
Grilling pizza isn’t just a method; it’s a revelation. The high heat of the grill creates a beautifully crisp crust with that signature smoky char that a conventional oven simply cannot replicate. It’s a flavor dimension that elevates your pizza from good to extraordinary. Beyond the unparalleled taste, grilling pizza is remarkably quick and efficient. You’ll be amazed at how rapidly the dough cooks, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-quality meal in a fraction of the time. This recipe is designed to be a joyous occasion:
- **Effortless Convenience Meets Freshness:** It perfectly marries the ease of quick preparation with the vibrant taste of fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
- **Unmatched Flavor Intensity & Speed:** Grilling dramatically intensifies the flavors of both the crust and the toppings, delivering a depth of taste that will impress everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly fast, reducing your time spent in the kitchen.
- **A True Family Memory-Making Event:** More than just food, this recipe offers an opportunity to create lasting memories. From prepping the toppings together to watching the pizza sizzle on the grates, it’s an interactive experience that fosters connection and joy.
Mastering Grilled Pizza: Essential Tips and Tricks
Achieving grilled pizza perfection hinges on a few crucial strategies. Think of it as a well-choreographed dance around the grill, where every step is deliberate and contributes to a delicious outcome. The absolute key is organization, or “mise en place.” Before that dough even touches the grill, every single ingredient—from the pre-cooked chicken to the shredded cheese and sliced vegetables—should be completely ready and within arm’s reach. Furthermore, it’s incredibly helpful if everyone involved knows their role in advance. This is family teamwork at its finest, turning meal prep into a fun, collaborative effort!
- **Streamline Your Prep: Veggies First:** To save time and ensure your vegetables are perfectly tender, consider roasting them in the oven up to a day in advance. Alternatively, you can cook them directly on the grill first, allowing them to soften and develop a beautiful char before the pizza crust takes center stage. This crucial step ensures that your veggies are cooked through and bursting with flavor.
- **Efficient Assembly for BBQ Chicken Pizza:** For a seamless topping process, arrange your cooked chicken, prepared vegetables, cheese, and ranch dressing in an assembly line fashion. This rapid staging is essential, especially once the pizza crust is on the grill and the clock starts ticking. My husband, as the Chief Grilling Officer, has the critical mission of carefully placing the rolled-out pizza dough on the hot grates and expertly flipping it over without scorching the bottom. Practice makes perfect when it comes to the flip!
- **The Freezer Dough Trick:** We’ve discovered a simple yet highly effective trick for easier dough handling. After rolling out your pizza crust, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This brief chill firms up the dough, making it much easier to transfer to and from the grill without stretching or tearing.
- **Precision Timing is Everything:** With grilled pizza, every second counts. Designate someone to be the timer manager, as the first side of the dough cooks incredibly fast—often in just 2-3 minutes! Once lightly browned and puffed, the dough is quickly flipped to the other side. This is your cue for rapid topping application. Spread the sauce, add the chicken, layer on the vegetables and cheese, then close the grill lid. In approximately 3 more minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, your magnificent grilled pizza will be done!
- **Grill Maintenance:** A clean grill grate prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Make sure to brush your grill clean before preheating.
- **The Right Tools:** A pizza peel (or a sturdy rimless baking sheet) lightly dusted with flour or cornmeal is invaluable for transferring the raw dough to the grill and removing the finished pizza.
The Ingredients Unpacked
The success of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza lies in the quality and preparation of its components. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient shine:
- **Pizza Dough:** You have options here! While homemade dough offers a superior taste and texture, high-quality store-bought pizza dough (often found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store) is a fantastic time-saver. Ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- **The Dynamic Duo: BBQ Sauce & Ranch Dressing:** These two sauces create the iconic flavor profile of this pizza. A smoky, tangy barbecue sauce provides the base, while creamy ranch dressing adds a cool, zesty counterpoint. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brands or experiment with homemade versions for a personalized touch.
- **Cooked Chicken Breast:** Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or simply chicken breast cooked and shredded/diced specifically for this recipe all work wonderfully. The goal is tender, flavorful chicken that readily absorbs the BBQ sauce.
- **Fresh Vegetables:**
- **Yellow Onion:** When sliced and roasted, onions caramelize beautifully, adding a sweet and savory depth.
- **Zucchini:** This versatile squash brings a mild, earthy flavor and a tender texture once grilled or roasted.
- **Bell Pepper (Red or Yellow):** Sweet bell peppers add a vibrant color, a crisp-tender bite, and a touch of sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce.
- **Mushrooms:** Sliced mushrooms absorb flavors wonderfully and add a meaty, umami richness to the pizza.
The key is to slice them uniformly so they cook evenly and quickly. Don’t be afraid to add other favorites like cherry tomatoes or corn.
- **Olive Oil:** Used for tossing vegetables and brushing the pizza dough, olive oil helps in caramelization and prevents sticking while adding a subtle richness.
- **Salt and Pepper:** Simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- **Mozzarella Cheese:** Shredded mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, offering excellent meltability and a mild, milky flavor that harmonizes with the other ingredients. You can also mix in a touch of smoked gouda for an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Grilling Excellence
Following these detailed steps will guide you to a perfectly grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza:
- **Prepare Your Cooking Environment:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to roast vegetables indoors, or preheat your grill to a steady medium-high heat. A clean grill grate is crucial to prevent sticking, so give it a good brush.
- **Season and Prepare Vegetables:** In a spacious bowl, combine your sliced yellow onion, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring all vegetables are lightly coated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- **Roast or Grill Vegetables:** Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or coated with cooking spray for easy cleanup) or place them in a grill basket. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and their edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. If grilling, place them in a grill basket over medium heat until tender and slightly charred.
- **Prepare the Dough:** On a lightly floured clean work surface, gently roll out your pizza dough into an approximate 15-inch circle. The flour prevents sticking and makes handling easier.
- **Oil the Dough:** Brush one side of the rolled-out dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This oiled side will be the first to hit the grill, creating that desirable crispy crust.
- **First Grill Pass:** Carefully lay the dough onto the preheated grill, making sure the oiled side is down. Close the grill lid to trap the heat. Grill over medium coals for about 3 minutes, or until the dough has puffed up slightly and the underside has achieved a golden-brown color with visible grill marks.
- **The Flip and Sauce Application:** Using a sturdy pair of tongs or a pizza peel, swiftly turn the pizza dough over. Immediately after flipping, quickly and evenly spread the ranch dressing over the grilled side of the crust.
- **Add Toppings and Melt Cheese:** Generously top the sauced crust with your cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Ensure an even distribution for balanced flavors in every bite. Close the grill lid once more.
- **Second Grill Pass to Finish:** Continue grilling for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the underside of the pizza is perfectly browned and crisp. Use tongs or a pizza peel to carefully slide the finished pizza onto a cutting board.
- **Garnish and Enjoy:** Drizzle a final touch of barbecue sauce over the hot pizza for an extra burst of flavor, and optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. Slice, serve immediately, and savor every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a refreshing corn on the cob during summer months. For a truly complete outdoor feast, consider serving it alongside some grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Feeling creative? This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to inspire your next grilling adventure:
- **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your vegetables or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for an extra zing.
- **Different Proteins:** Instead of chicken, try grilled pulled pork, shrimp, or even smoky slices of turkey bacon.
- **Cheese Combinations:** While mozzarella is classic, a blend of mozzarella with smoked gouda, cheddar, or provolone can add complex flavors.
- **Herb Infusion:** Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled after grilling adds a burst of freshness. For a more aromatic profile, mix in some dried oregano or basil with your vegetables before roasting.
- **Vegetarian Delight:** Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or a variety of bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
- **Alternate Sauces:** While BBQ and Ranch are iconic, consider a pesto base with grilled chicken and feta, or a classic marinara with Italian sausage and peppers for a different take on grilled pizza.
More Grilling Recipes to Explore
If you loved this grilled pizza, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic grilling recipes:
- Steak Shish Kabobs
- Pork Chops in Molasses Marinade
- Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
We’d love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to rate this recipe and share your creations. Tag us @DinnerMom or use the hashtag #DinnerMom on social media if you make it. We absolutely love seeing and SHARING what delicious dishes you’re cooking up!
đź“‹ Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Veggies
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Veggies
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Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 cup zucchini sliced
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper seeded, sliced
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 11 ounces pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- ½ cup Ranch Dressing
- ÂĽ cup Barbecue Sauce
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F or grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss onion, zucchini, peppers and mushrooms with 2 Tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on baking sheet coated with cooking spray or in a grill basket and roast for 20 minutes or until the vegetables have softened and edges are browned.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough into a 15-inch circle.
- Brush with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
- Lay dough onto grill, oil side down. Cover and grill over medium coals, about 3 minutes or until dough is puffed and underside is browned.
- Using tongs, turn pizza over and quickly spread the top with ranch dressing.
- Top with chicken, vegetables and cheese and cover with grill lid.
- Grill another 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and underside of pizza is browned. Use tongs to slide onto cutting board.
- Drizzle barbecue sauce on top and sprinkle and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer
This recipe was originally published on July 8, 2015, and has been comprehensively updated to enhance the reader’s experience and provide even more helpful tips for grilling perfection.