BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza is a deliciously unique dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of barbecue chicken with the creamy texture of grits, all served on a crispy pizza crust. The pizza is topped with tender, smoky BBQ chicken, creamy grits, and a generous amount of cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent meal. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy kick, while the grits bring a soft, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust.
The first time I made BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza, I was blown away by how well the flavors worked together. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken with the creamy grits and melted cheese was a fun twist on traditional pizza that felt both hearty and satisfying. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can add your favorite pizza toppings, like onions or jalapeños for some extra flavor, or even switch the BBQ sauce for a different kind of sauce. It’s a unique and delicious fusion meal that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Casual get-togethers
- Pizza nights
- BBQ lovers
- Comfort food enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza will become your new favorite meal:
- Unique Flavor Combination: The smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy grits, creating an unexpected but delicious combination.
- Crispy and Chewy Crust: The pizza crust is the perfect base, crispy on the edges but soft and chewy in the middle.
- Comforting and Hearty: Grits add a rich, comforting texture that makes this pizza feel like a hearty meal.
- BBQ Chicken Perfection: The tender BBQ chicken is flavorful and pairs beautifully with the tangy BBQ sauce.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add or swap toppings based on your preferences—beef bacon, red onions, or cilantro work great!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Great for Leftovers: The pizza is just as tasty the next day, making it a perfect meal for lunch or a snack.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors of BBQ chicken and grits make this pizza a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for BBQ Parties: It’s a fun and delicious dish to serve at BBQ parties, offering something unique that guests will love.
- Perfect Balance of Texture: From the crispy crust to the creamy grits and tender chicken, this pizza offers a perfect mix of textures in every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 22g
Ingredients
For the Pizza Crust:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for brushing
For the Grits Layer:
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
The BBQ Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For the Toppings:
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Ingredient Highlights
- Quick-Cooking Grits: Adds a creamy, comforting base to the pizza.
- BBQ Sauce: Provides a smoky, tangy flavor that elevates the chicken and the whole pizza.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness to the grits and a sharp flavor that pairs well with the BBQ chicken.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving the pizza its signature gooey texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Grits Layer:
- Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add grits, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Stir in Butter and Cheese: Once the grits are cooked, stir in butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- Shred the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken. Toss it with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add the Grits Layer: Spread the cheesy grits evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the BBQ Chicken: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on top of the grits layer.
- Top with Mozzarella and Onion: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and add red onion slices on top of the chicken.
Bake the Pizza:
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve:
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce: After the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza:
- As a Family Dinner: Serve alongside a green salad for a complete meal.
- With a Side of Fries: Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for extra comfort.
- As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller slices for a fun appetizer at parties or BBQs.
- With a Side of Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
- For Casual Gatherings: Serve this pizza as the main dish at casual get-togethers or game nights.
- With Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
- As a Quick Dinner: Perfect for a busy weeknight, especially when you need something filling and satisfying.
- With Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For Game Day: Serve as the ultimate pizza for watching the big game with friends.
- As a Leftover Treat: Enjoy it the next day for a delicious lunch or snack.
Additional Tips
- Pre-Cook the Chicken: For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Thin or Thick Crust: Adjust the thickness of the dough to your liking, or even use a gluten-free pizza crust.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like bacon, bell peppers, or corn for variety.
- Perfectly Crispy Crust: Brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cheesy Grits Pizza: Add more cheese to the grits layer for a super cheesy version.
- Buffalo Chicken Grits Pizza: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
- Cornmeal Crust: Use a cornmeal crust for a more authentic southern feel.
- Beef Bacon-Infused Grits: Add crispy beef bacon to the grits for extra flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Grits Pizza: Grill the chicken for a smoky, charred flavor before adding it to the pizza.
Special Equipment
- Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: To bake the pizza evenly and achieve a crispy crust.
- Pizza Cutter: For easy slicing.
- Saucepan: For cooking the grits.
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing the BBQ chicken with sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought grits?
Yes, you can use store-bought quick-cooking grits for convenience. - Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Just wrap it tightly and bake it from frozen. - Can I use a different sauce instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! You can try ranch, buffalo, or even a garlic parmesan sauce. - Can I use gluten-free dough?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version. - Can I add more cheese?
Definitely! You can layer on more cheddar, mozzarella, or even parmesan. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness. - Can I use cooked chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, cooked chicken can be sliced or diced and added to the pizza instead of shredded. - Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza and store it in the fridge before baking. - Can I use a different type of cheese for the grits?
Yes, try using gouda, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor. - What other toppings can I add?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or even grilled pineapple for a twist.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza is a creative and delicious fusion dish that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesy grits with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken on a crispy pizza crust. This savory pizza features a base of creamy grits, topped with tender, shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce. It’s a unique and satisfying twist on both pizza and comfort food, offering a bold combination of textures and flavors.
This pizza is perfect for a casual dinner or a fun twist on pizza night. You can customize it by adding extra veggies, like red onions or bell peppers, or by using a different type of cheese for variety. The grits provide a creamy, slightly sweet base that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and smoky BBQ sauce. For a spicy kick, try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce.
I can’t wait to see how your BBQ Chicken Grits Pizza turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your creative creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!