BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas Recipe
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes? This BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas recipe is your go-to for satisfying comfort food with a gourmet twist. Imagine juicy BBQ-glazed chicken layered on soft, chewy naan bread, topped with melty cheese, thin-sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and utterly addictive—all ready in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a solo indulgence, these naan pizzas are fast, fuss-free, and fully customizable. Let’s dive into the delicious details.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas Recipe
This isn’t your average pizza night. Here’s why this BBQ chicken naan pizzas recipe stands out:
- No dough hassle – Naan bread serves as the perfect pizza base—soft, slightly crisp, and ready to use.
- Bold BBQ flavor – The tangy BBQ sauce brings depth, while rotisserie or grilled chicken adds that juicy bite.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 20–25 minutes, including prep and cook time.
- Customizable toppings – Make it spicy, cheesy, or veggie-packed based on your preferences.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For 4 individual naan pizzas:
For the Base:
- 4 pieces of naan bread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the naan)
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup smoked gouda or sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced thin (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Extra BBQ sauce
- Crumbled bacon
- Scallions or green onions
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Let’s walk through how to make these BBQ chicken naan pizzas with professional-level ease:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a grill, heat it to medium-high. A hot oven ensures the naan gets crispy without drying out.
2. Prep the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss your shredded chicken with ½ cup of BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
Chef’s Tip: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also grill chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika.
3. Assemble the Pizzas
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay out the naan breads and brush each with a light coat of olive oil—this helps the base crisp up nicely.
Now layer on the toppings:
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce on each naan.
- Spread the BBQ chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and optional gouda/cheddar for depth.
- Add sliced red onion and jalapeños, if using.
4. Bake or Grill
- Oven Method: Bake the pizzas for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan edges are golden brown.
- Grill Method: Place the pizzas on the grill over indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for about 8–10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning the bottom.
5. Finish with Freshness
Remove from heat, then top with chopped cilantro, an optional drizzle of ranch or extra BBQ sauce, and any desired garnishes.
Slice and serve immediately!
Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas
- Naan choices matter: Garlic naan or whole wheat naan adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Balance the sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, offset it with spicy toppings like jalapeños or a smoky cheese.
- Double bake for extra crisp: If you like a crunchier crust, prebake the naan for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use a pizza stone: Want that artisan pizzeria vibe? Bake your pizzas on a preheated pizza stone for extra crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Creative Twists
The beauty of this BBQ chicken naan pizzas recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some flavor-packed ideas:
1. Buffalo Chicken Naan Pizza
- Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce
- Add blue cheese crumbles
- Top with ranch drizzle and celery shavings
2. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Add pineapple chunks and crumbled bacon
- Use a sweeter BBQ sauce to complement the fruit
3. BBQ Veggie Naan Pizza
- Skip the chicken and load up with grilled veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion
4. Tex-Mex Style
- Use chipotle BBQ sauce
- Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños
- Top with avocado slices after baking
5. Mediterranean Fusion
- Use a smoky tomato harissa BBQ sauce
- Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and red onion
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ chicken naan pizzas are perfect on their own, but you can round out the meal with a few sides:
- Crispy air-fryer potato wedges
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Iced sweet tea or a chilled IPA for pairing
For entertaining, serve the pizzas cut into quarters as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next backyard BBQ or game night.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning ahead? This BBQ chicken naan pizzas recipe adapts beautifully:
- Make ahead: Prep the BBQ chicken mix and store in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance.
- Freezing: While naan doesn’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze assembled (uncooked) pizzas and bake straight from frozen at 425°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store cooked pizzas in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade naan?
Absolutely! Homemade naan adds an authentic touch, especially if you’re already familiar with yeast doughs. Just make sure it’s not too thick—thin naan bakes better for pizza.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
This depends on your taste. For smoky flavor, use a hickory-style sauce. For a classic tangy profile, try Kansas City-style. Feeling adventurous? Mix equal parts BBQ sauce and chipotle hot sauce.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free naan or flatbread as the base. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts: BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas Are a Weeknight Game-Changer
This BBQ chicken naan pizzas recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious shortcut to comfort and creativity. Whether you’re short on time, entertaining friends, or simply craving something indulgent yet easy, these pizzas deliver big flavors with minimal effort.
Best of all, you can make them your own. From spicy to smoky, cheesy to crisp, every bite is customizable, craveable, and downright satisfying.
BBQ Chicken Naan Pizzas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 4 pieces of naan bread store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce plus extra for drizzling
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup smoked gouda or sharp cheddar cheese optional, for extra flavor
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced (optional for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Crumbled bacon
- Sliced scallions or green onions
Instructions
Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat. A hot cooking surface is essential for crisping the naan without overcooking.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with ½ cup of BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Chef’s Note: Using rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut that adds great flavor.
Prep the Naan:
- Lay out the naan breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil to help achieve a crispier texture.
Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of additional BBQ sauce on each naan.
- Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the sauced surface.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella (and optional smoked gouda or cheddar) on top.
- Add a scattering of thinly sliced red onion and jalapeño slices, if desired.
Cook:
- Oven Method: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, and the naan edges have turned golden brown.
- Grill Method: Place the pizzas over indirect heat on the grill, close the lid, and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizzas from the heat. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and, if desired, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tips:For an extra crunchy base, you can prebake the naan for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Using garlic naan can add an extra burst of flavor.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices.
- Storage:Store leftover BBQ chicken topping in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Leftover cooked pizzas can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Variations:Buffalo Style: Replace BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
- Hawaiian Twist: Incorporate pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of bacon.
- Veggie Version: Skip the chicken and load with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion.