Okay, so Father’s Day is coming up, right? And if the dad in your life is anything like mine, he loves two things: grilling and, well, pretty much anything that involves cheese and deliciousness. That’s exactly why this **Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza** is an absolute slam dunk! Seriously, it’s so easy, so fast, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. We started making grilled pizzas a few years ago, and honestly, I don’t think I can ever go back to oven-baked for a casual summer meal. There’s just something about that smoky char and crispy crust you get from the grill. And topping it with tangy BBQ sauce and tender chicken? Pure magic. It’s become our go-to for laid-back weekends and especially for celebrating the dads in our family. Trust me, fire up that grill and get ready for some serious smiles!
Why Make Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Okay, so why *this* pizza for Father’s Day? Because it’s seriously the best! It hits all the right notes for a relaxed celebration. Think about it:
- It’s FAST! Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 25 minutes. No slaving away in a hot kitchen for hours.
- The FLAVOR is incredible. Grilling gives the crust this amazing smoky depth you just can’t get in the oven. Plus, BBQ sauce and chicken? Classic combo for a reason.
- It’s low stress. Grilling feels festive but is actually super simple. And using pre-cooked chicken is a total game-changer.
- Everyone loves pizza! It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family get-together. Dads especially seem to appreciate a good grilled pizza, maybe it’s the fire element?
It just feels right for a laid-back, delicious Father’s Day meal where you actually get to hang out instead of being stuck inside.
Simple Steps to a Delicious Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Honestly, you don’t need to be a grill master or a pizza pro for this. The steps are really straightforward. You grill the dough for a bit, flip it, add your toppings, and grill again until everything is melty and gorgeous. That’s pretty much it! Super simple, super delicious.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is that it doesn’t need anything fancy. You probably have most of this stuff already, or it’s super easy to grab at the store. Here’s what you’ll need to get that deliciousness going:
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough: Grab your favorite kind! Store-bought is totally fine and makes this a breeze.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Use the dad’s favorite! Sweet, smoky, tangy – whatever floats his boat.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Leftover chicken is perfect for this, or just grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it up. Easy peasy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Can you even have pizza without mozzarella? Get the pre-shredded stuff or shred it yourself.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Those thin slices get a little sweet and charred on the grill. So good!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: A little burst of freshness at the end really brightens everything up.
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting: This is key to making sure your dough slides onto the grill and doesn’t stick.
See? Simple, right? Now let’s get cooking!
Essential Equipment for Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, you’ve got your ingredients ready, awesome! Now, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need. Nothing super specialized here, don’t worry! You’ll definitely need a **grill**, obviously. A **pizza peel** is a HUGE help for getting your dough on and off the hot grill safely – seriously, if you don’t have one, grab a cheap one, it’s worth it. You’ll also need a **mixing bowl** for your toppings and maybe some tongs for handling the hot dough. That’s pretty much it! Simple tools for simple, delicious pizza.
How to Grill Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Alright, this is where the magic happens! Grilling pizza might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think and the results are SO worth it. The key is getting your grill nice and hot and moving quickly. Here’s how we get that perfect, slightly smoky crust and gooey topping:
First things first, you gotta get that grill ready. Heat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice char but not so hot that it burns instantly. While that’s heating up, let’s get your dough prepped.
Preparing the Dough for Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
This step is all about getting that dough ready to hit the heat. Grab your pizza peel or a sturdy baking sheet and give it a good dusting of cornmeal or flour. This is your non-stick insurance policy! Now, gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough. Aim for a circle about 12-14 inches across. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle – rustic is good! Just make sure it’s not too thick or too thin in spots.
Grilling the Crust for Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, grill’s hot, dough’s ready. Time for the first grill! Carefully, like you’re handling precious cargo, slide that dough onto the hot grill grates. This is the part where having that well-dusted peel really pays off. Close the lid if you can, and let it grill for just 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for the bottom to get lightly browned and some nice bubbles to start forming on top. Don’t walk away! It happens fast.
Once you see those signs, carefully slide the peel back under the crust and take it off the grill. Flip it over onto your peel – the grilled side should now be facing up. This partially cooked side is where all the toppings are going to go.
Assembling and Finishing Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now for the fun part – toppings! Working on the grilled side of the crust (which is now facing up on your peel), spread that delicious barbecue sauce all over, leaving a little border for the crust edge. Next, pile on your shredded chicken and then sprinkle that glorious mozzarella cheese generously over everything. Finally, scatter those thinly sliced red onions on top. Doesn’t that look amazing already?
Okay, back to the grill! Carefully slide the assembled pizza back onto the hot grill grates. Close the lid again and let it grill for another 5 to 8 minutes. The time will vary depending on your grill’s heat, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all melty and bubbly and the crust is cooked through and golden brown on the bottom. Once it’s ready, slide that beautiful pizza off the grill, sprinkle it with fresh cilantro, let it cool just a minute or two (it’ll be HOT!), and then slice and enjoy your incredible Father’s Day creation!
Tips for a Perfect Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, these make a difference!
- Use that pre-cooked chicken! Seriously, don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It saves so much time and effort.
- Don’t go crazy with the sauce. A little barbecue sauce goes a long way! Too much and your pizza can get soggy. Just a nice, even layer is perfect.
- Watch your grill heat. Grills can have hot spots! Pay attention and rotate your pizza if you need to for even cooking. If it’s getting too dark too fast, you can move it to a slightly cooler spot on the grill.
- Have everything ready to go! Once that crust is grilled on one side, things move fast. Have your sauce, chicken, cheese, and onions all prepped and right next to the grill so you can assemble quickly.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be serving up a pizza that looks and tastes like you’re a pro!
Variations for Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
While the classic BBQ chicken and red onion combo is amazing, don’t be afraid to switch things up! This Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is super flexible. Want a little spice? Add some sliced jalapeños! Bell peppers or mushrooms would be delicious too. Feeling adventurous? Pineapple actually works really well with BBQ sauce – sweet and tangy! You could also swap out the mozzarella for a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even add a sprinkle of smoked gouda for extra depth. Make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, I know sometimes when you try a new recipe, especially one on the grill, you might have a few questions pop up. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask about making this Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza:
Q1. Can I use different types of pizza dough?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with store-bought dough, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it! Just make sure it’s a dough you’re comfortable working with and stretching out. The grilling time might vary slightly depending on how thick or thin you roll it.
Q2. Do I need a pizza stone to grill pizza?
Nope! You don’t *need* a pizza stone for this method. We’re grilling directly on the grates, which gives you that fantastic char. A pizza stone can help with even cooking, but it’s totally optional. The key is just getting your grill to the right temperature and using that cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
Q3. What can I substitute for the chicken?
If chicken isn’t your thing, or you want to try something different, you totally can! Pulled pork is amazing on BBQ pizza. Grilled sausage or even just extra grilled veggies would be delicious too. Feel free to get creative with your protein or make it vegetarian!
Q4. My dough is sticking to the grill! Help!
Oh no! This usually happens if your grill grates weren’t clean enough, not quite hot enough, or you didn’t use enough cornmeal/flour on your peel. Make sure your grates are clean before you start, let the grill preheat properly, and be generous with that dusting powder on your peel. Don’t try to move the dough too soon – let it set for those 2-3 minutes on the first side before attempting to slide the peel under.
Serving and Enjoying Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza is hot off the grill, smelling absolutely incredible. Let it cool for just a minute or two – resist the urge to dive in immediately, that cheese is molten lava! Slice it up with a pizza cutter and serve it right away. It’s fantastic on its own, but a simple green salad or some grilled corn on the cob makes a perfect side. Watch everyone’s faces light up when you bring this beauty to the table!
Storing Leftover Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Okay, sometimes (and I mean *sometimes*, this stuff goes fast!) you might actually have a slice or two leftover. Lucky you! To store any leftover Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza, just let it cool completely first. Then, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I love popping a slice back on the grill for a few minutes, or you can use a toaster oven or even a skillet on the stovetop to get that crust crispy again!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so for those who like to keep track, here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of this Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza. Remember, these are definitely *estimates*! It’s going to vary a bit depending on the specific dough you use, your choice of BBQ sauce (some are much higher in sugar than others!), and how much cheese you pile on (guilty!). But this gives you a ballpark idea.
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the pizza
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: Roughly 18g (with about 7g Saturated Fat)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Sugar: About 10g (this is where your BBQ sauce choice really matters!)
- Protein: Around 25g
- Sodium: Roughly 800mg
- Fiber: About 3g
Again, please take this with a grain of salt (ha!). It’s just a general guide. The most important thing is enjoying that delicious pizza!
Share Your Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza Experience
Okay, so you’ve made the Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza, and hopefully, it was a huge hit! I absolutely LOVE hearing from you guys and seeing your kitchen (or grill!) adventures. Did you make any cool variations? Did the dad in your life give it a big thumbs up? Please, please, please let me know! Leave a comment down below and tell me how it went. Rate the recipe too – it really helps others find it! And if you snap a picture of your amazing creation, share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag me. I seriously get so happy seeing your culinary triumphs! Happy grilling!
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Father’s Day Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza in 25 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Make a delicious grilled BBQ chicken pizza for Father’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned and bubbles form.
- Remove the crust from the grill and flip it over onto the pizza peel.
- Spread barbecue sauce over the grilled side of the crust, leaving a small border for the edge.
- Top with shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese. Scatter red onion slices over the cheese.
- Carefully slide the pizza back onto the grill. Grill for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your preference.
- Other toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or pineapple can be added.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: grilled pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, Father's Day recipe, chicken pizza, barbecue pizza, grilled chicken