Barbecue Chicken Pizza Braid

This Barbecue Chicken Pizza Braid brings the bold flavors of classic barbecue chicken pizza into a fun and portable form. It combines tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, sautéed red onions, and melty Mozzarella cheese all wrapped in a beautifully braided pizza crust. Perfect for dinner, casual get togethers, or game day snacks, this recipe proves impressive without needing hours in the kitchen.

My family fell in love with this after I made it for a weekend football watch. It’s a hit every time and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: for sautéing the onions to soften and bring out sweetness
• Thinly sliced red onion: adds sharpness and a little crunch choose firm and vibrant red onions for best flavor
• Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast shredded: for tender protein slow cooker chicken works wonderfully or use a good quality rotisserie chicken
• Salt and black pepper: enhance all the savory ingredients and balance the barbecue sauce
• Barbecue sauce: brings the signature tangy and smoky flavor I like Stubbs Original for its bold taste and lower sugar content
• Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust dough: is easy to handle and bakes up soft and golden make sure it is fresh and chilled so it rolls out nicely
• Shredded 2% milk Mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly without overpowering the other flavors
• Egg and water: beaten together create the egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden brown sheen

Instructions

Sauté the onions and chicken:

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat to medium. Add sliced red onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Prepare the dough for braiding:

Unroll the pizza dough onto parchment paper on a cutting board. Roll it gently to a size about ten by fourteen inches. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make diagonal cuts approximately one inch apart and about three inches long on both of the longer sides of the dough, stopping in the center.

Assemble the filling in the center:

Spread the barbecue chicken mixture in a strip down the center of the dough between the cut sections. Sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken mixture to help bind everything together as it bakes.

Braid the dough over the filling:

Starting at one end, fold one strip of dough over the filling diagonally from one side, then fold a strip from the opposite side over that. Continue alternating sides and folding strips in a criss cross pattern until the entire filling is covered in a braided design.

Apply the egg wash:

Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire top of the braid with the egg wash to create a glossy and golden crust as it bakes.

Bake until golden and serve:

Transfer the parchment paper with the braid onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 24 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Slice into twelve equal pieces and enjoy two slices per serving.

Barbecue sauce is the star of the dish giving it that classic tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese. I remember making this braid for a summer picnic and how everyone kept reaching for one more slice around the picnic blanket. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crisp instead of microwaving which can make it soggy. This recipe can also be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil then bake from frozen adding 5 to 7 extra minutes to the bake time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pre cooked rotisserie chicken for speed or leftover roasted chicken from the fridge. Swap Mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile that melts well. For the barbecue sauce any mango or smoky variety works just keep in mind sweetness levels if tracking calories or points.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this braid alongside a crisp green salad or coleslaw to add freshness to the meal. Pickles or pickled jalapenos also work well to cut through the richness. Pair with a cold beverage like iced tea or a light beer for game day fun.

This barbecue chicken pizza braid is ideal for feeding a crowd or for make ahead meals. Serve warm with a simple salad and enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken is best for the braid?

Shredded cooked chicken breast works best, providing a tender texture that pairs well with the barbecue sauce and cheese.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, shredded cheddar or other cheese varieties can be used to add different flavors and richness to the braid.

→ How do I prepare the dough for braiding?

Unroll the pizza dough, make angled cuts along both sides, and fold the strips alternately over the filling to form a braid.

→ What is the best way to cook the red onions for the filling?

Sauté thinly sliced red onions in olive oil until softened to enhance their natural sweetness before mixing with chicken.

→ How long should the braid bake in the oven?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-24 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.