Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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Pan-seared chicken pieces marinated in smoky BBQ sauce, layered on a hand-pressed crust with red onion and mozzarella for a bold flavor combination. This American-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 72 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, instant yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 2, 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: 60 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 280 g all-purpose flour, 7 g instant yeast, and 1 tsp salt. Add 170 ml warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes until doubled.
  2. Step 2: While dough rises, toss 200 g diced chicken breast with 80 g barbecue sauce, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 460°F (240°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat.
  4. Step 4: Roll out dough on floured surface into an 11-inch circle about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer to parchment paper.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 150 g shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough. Distribute the seared BBQ chicken and 1 thinly sliced red onion evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza with the parchment onto the heated baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust edges turn golden and cheese melts.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven, let cool for 3 minutes, slice, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 72 minutes (60 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion?

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 Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion?

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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