Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty deep-dish pizza layered with smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and melted smoked gouda cheese. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 120 minutes pairs bread flour, warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 7 g active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 200 ml warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 300 g bread flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, kneading for 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: While dough rises, caramelize 1 large thinly sliced red onion by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onions slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the bottom and sides of the pan to form a crust about 1/2-inch thick.
  6. Step 6: Spread 100 ml BBQ sauce over the dough base. Top with 200 g shredded cooked chicken, then scatter the caramelized onions evenly on top.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 150 g shredded smoked gouda cheese over the toppings.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (90 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bread flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Dish BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda?

American pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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