Shortcut BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Taste of California, Made Simple

There’s something universally comforting about pizza—it gathers people, sparks joy, and satisfies cravings in every bite.  This recipe is inspired by my time at California Pizza Kitchen, where creativity met convenience in the most delicious ways.  While some may debate what makes a “real” pizza, I’ve always believed that flavor and heart matter more than tradition.

This Shortcut BBQ Chicken Pizza brings that spirit home.  It’s a nod to the beloved California-style BBQ Chicken Pizza, but with a twist that makes it accessible to anyone, anytime.  No need to knead dough for hours or simmer sauces from scratch—grab a few high-quality, ready-made ingredients and let the magic happen.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 (8-inch) ready-made pizza doughs
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet and spicy recommended)
• ¼ cup Gouda cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Mexican blend or mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

 

Directions:

1.    Preheating the oven:

2.    If using a pizza stone, place it in the center of the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for 1 hour before baking.

3.    Preparing the chicken:

4.    Toss the chopped chicken with two tablespoons of BBQ sauce to coat.

5.    Assembling the pizzas:

·         Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over both pizza doughs, leaving a small border around the edges.

·         Sprinkle half of the Gouda and half of the Mexican (or mozzarella) cheese evenly over the sauce.

·         Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly across both pizzas, then top with sliced red onions.

·         Finish with the remaining cheese on top of the chicken.

6.    Baking:

7.    Transfer the pizzas to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly in the center.

8.    Finishing and Serving:

9.    Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, slice, and serve hot.

 

Why Ready-Made Ingredients Work (and Work Well)

Using store-bought dough, rotisserie chicken, and your favorite BBQ sauce isn’t cutting corners—it’s choosing ease without sacrificing flavor. Here is why:

• ⏱ Time-Saving Without Compromise: Life is busy. Ready-made dough and pre-cooked chicken let you skip the prep and jump straight to the fun part—assembling and baking.
• 🧡 Consistency & Quality: Brands like Trader Joe’s and Costco offer reliable, delicious ingredients that rival homemade versions.  You get restaurant-level results with half the effort.
• 🎉 More Time for Connection: Less time in the kitchen means more time enjoying the meal with loved ones.  That’s what pizza night is all about.

 

Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this Shortcut BBQ Pizza delivers bold flavor and warm memories—without the fuss..