The smoky aroma of grilled BBQ chicken, the sweetness of summer corn, and the tang of ranch dressing come together in this incredible BBQ Chicken Pizza. Each slice bursts with flavor and texture — charred dough, melty cheese, fresh herbs, and pickled onions. It’s everything you crave in a homemade pizza and more.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ or just want to keep the oven off during a heat wave, this grilled pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its bold layers and garden-fresh toppings, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer — one slice at a time.
Full Recipe:
For the Dough:
1 cup warm water
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Flour and coarse cornmeal for dusting
For the Toppings:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and pepper
½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
2 ears corn on the cob
2 green onions (scallions)
4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
2 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for topping
¼ cup ranch dressing
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Quick pickled onions
Fresh basil and cilantro for topping
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in flour and salt, forming a sticky dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, 3-5 minutes.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Preheat grill to high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest for 10 minutes and chop.
Grill corn and scallions—scallions need 2-3 minutes, corn about 10-12 minutes, turning frequently. Cut kernels off cob and chop scallions.
Preheat grill to 450–500°F.
Punch down dough, roll into desired shape on floured surface. Let rest under towel.
Prepare pizza peel with flour and cornmeal. Roll dough onto peel and quickly top with BBQ sauce, cheeses, grilled chicken, corn, scallions, ranch drizzle, and more cheese.
Transfer pizza to grill. Lower heat under pizza to low. Close lid and cook 5–8 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Remove pizza, top with parmesan, remaining ranch, pickled onions, chives, basil, and cilantro. Slice and serve.
Prep Time: 2 hours | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: ~520 kcal (per slice, based on 4 servings) | Servings: 4 servings
Why Grilled Pizza is the Perfect Summer Dish
There’s something uniquely satisfying about grilling your pizza instead of baking it. Not only does it keep your kitchen cool during warm months, but the grill imparts a deep, smoky flavor that’s almost impossible to replicate in a traditional oven. It adds that authentic, slightly charred crispiness to the crust — a must-have for any pizza lover. Grilled pizza feels rustic, laid-back, and somehow even more indulgent.
Summer is also the time when fresh produce shines. With farmers’ markets overflowing with juicy corn, fragrant herbs, and vibrant greens, this pizza recipe brings the best of seasonal bounty together in one epic bite. Grilling helps to highlight the natural sweetness of corn, the smokiness of the BBQ chicken, and the freshness of toppings like scallions, chives, and herbs.
The BBQ Chicken Factor
BBQ chicken pizza has evolved from being a novelty to a cult favorite in many households and restaurants. This version embraces the traditional elements — tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce and smoky grilled chicken — while upgrading the experience with summer-ready ingredients and thoughtful layering. The grilled chicken breast is seasoned and glazed with BBQ sauce before hitting the flames, resulting in a smoky, tender protein that pairs beautifully with the pizza’s other toppings.
BBQ sauce is more than just a condiment in this recipe; it’s a primary flavor driver. Whether you go with a store-bought favorite or make your own homemade version, the sauce adds depth and character. It contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheeses and cool ranch drizzle while tying everything together with its rich, sticky sweetness.
Why Corn Belongs on Pizza
Corn may not be a traditional pizza topping, but it earns its place in this recipe and then some. Its natural sweetness balances the tang of BBQ sauce and the sharpness of cheddar. Grilling the corn before adding it to the pizza enhances its flavor even more, giving it a subtle smokiness and slight char that complement the other ingredients.
The crisp, juicy kernels add texture to every bite — a refreshing contrast to the melted cheese and tender chicken. It’s a reminder that seasonal produce can transform any dish, especially when it’s grilled to perfection.
The Triple Cheese Blend
Cheese lovers, rejoice. This recipe doesn’t hold back when it comes to dairy. It combines the richness of sharp white cheddar, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the nutty saltiness of finely grated parmesan. Each cheese serves a purpose — cheddar adds punch, mozzarella melts into gooey goodness, and parmesan finishes it off with umami depth.
The result is a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-forward pizza that hits all the right notes. The cheese stretches, bubbles, and browns on the grill, creating that irresistible texture and taste that makes homemade pizza so special.
Ranch Dressing: The Surprise Star
If you’re skeptical about ranch on pizza, this recipe might just change your mind. Unlike dipping sauces served on the side, this ranch is drizzled directly over the pizza before and after grilling. It melts slightly into the cheese, adding a layer of creamy tang that complements the BBQ sauce in unexpected ways.
Think of it as a cooling, herbaceous accent that balances the heat and richness of the dish. It’s a flavor fusion that works particularly well in the summer, when creamy and zesty elements shine.
Fresh Toppings that Make a Difference
This pizza isn’t complete without its finishing touches. Quick pickled onions add a punch of acidity that lifts every bite. Their bright pink hue also makes the dish visually pop, which is always a bonus when you’re serving guests or snapping a photo for social media.
Chopped chives, fresh basil, and cilantro bring a garden-fresh finish, layering the pizza with herbal notes and a hint of green brightness. These herbs aren’t just garnish — they contribute to the flavor profile and complete the pizza’s balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh.
Making the Dough From Scratch
While store-bought dough is a convenient option, making it from scratch offers a superior flavor and texture. This recipe features a homemade dough that’s easy to prepare and perfect for grilling. The olive oil and honey in the dough provide a subtle richness and tenderness, while the yeast brings rise and lightness.
Grilling dough might sound tricky, but with proper preparation, it becomes second nature. A light dusting of flour and cornmeal ensures the dough won’t stick to the peel or the grill grates. The high heat creates a bubbly, golden crust in minutes, giving you that perfect crisp edge and chewy center.
How to Grill Pizza Like a Pro
Grilling pizza is more than just throwing it on a flame — it’s about timing, temperature, and preparation. The grill must be preheated to a high heat to mimic the intense environment of a wood-fired oven. Once the pizza is placed on the grates, reducing the heat under it helps to prevent burning while allowing the toppings to melt and meld.
Use a pizza peel or flat baking sheet to transfer your pizza smoothly. Keeping everything prepped ahead of time — chopped chicken, shredded cheese, sliced corn, and ready sauces — makes this a seamless process.
It’s also crucial to keep the lid closed while grilling, trapping the heat and creating a convection-like effect that evenly cooks the dough and melts the cheese.
Versatility & Customization
One of the best things about this pizza is its flexibility. You can easily tailor it to your taste:
Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and load up with grilled mushrooms, zucchini, or even smoked tofu.
Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce.
Different cheeses: Try gouda, blue cheese, or smoked provolone for a different flavor angle.
Crust options: Use cauliflower crust, gluten-free dough, or flatbread for dietary needs or convenience.
This recipe is a canvas for creativity, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza stands strong on its own but also pairs well with refreshing sides:
A crisp arugula or romaine salad with citrus vinaigrette
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
A pitcher of homemade lemonade or a citrusy IPA
Because it’s hearty yet not heavy, it works beautifully as a lunch, dinner, or even a unique brunch centerpiece.
Conclusion
Grilled Summer BBQ Chicken Pizza is more than a fun seasonal twist — it’s a celebration of summer’s bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. With its smoky grilled dough, sweet corn, juicy BBQ chicken, tangy pickled onions, and creamy ranch drizzle, this pizza is a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s everything you want from a summer meal: easy, fresh, indulgent, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast, a pizza connoisseur, or just someone who loves firing up the grill on a warm evening, this recipe delivers a memorable dish that’s sure to impress. It invites experimentation, encourages seasonal cooking, and most importantly, brings people together around delicious, homemade food.