Forget everything you know about deep dish pizza because this one takes it to another level! Thick dough layered with mountains of cheese and delicious toppings, it’s bound to be one of the tastiest pizzas of your life. The best part? It’s so easy to make!

Try our delicious Homemade Pizza Dough and Homemade Barbecue Sauce with this recipe!

Why Our Recipe

  • Barbecue sauce adds a bold and smoky flavor.
  • Chicken and bacon add texture and a savory, meaty bite.
  • Cilantro offers a burst of freshness and a vibrant pop of color.
A side view of a hand using a pizza cutter to cut a slice of deep dish bbq chicken pizza

Deep dish pizza is superior, and that’s an argument I won’t back down from. Why? Because it lets you layer on delicious toppings so thickly that every bite transports you to another realm. Try that with regular or thin crust, and you’ll end up with a soggy mess. This deep dish pizza is piled high with all the meat, cheese, and vegetables you could want, atop a golden crust and smoky barbecue sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze too!

Ingredient Notes

  • Unbaked Pizza Crust: We love making our Homemade Pizza Dough but premade pizza dough from the grocery store works great in a pinch.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Our Homemade Barbecue Sauce is our personal favorite for its rich, smoky flavor, but feel free to use your favorite store-bought version.
  • Chicken: Precooked shredded or cubed chicken works best. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience and flavor.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese is ideal as it melts smoother and more evenly than prepackaged cheese, which contains additives to prevent clumping.
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded to ensure the best melt and bold flavor.
  • Bacon: Ensure your bacon is precooked and crumbled for that perfect crisp texture.
  • Red Onion: Feel free to substitute with white or yellow onions based on your preference.
  • Cilantro: Optional but recommended for adding a refreshing taste and a vibrant pop of color to the pizza.

Pan Options

We like to use a cast iron skillet, but there are several other pan options you can use to make a deep dish pizza at home. Some good alternatives include a deep dish pizza pan, typically made of aluminum or anodized steel for even cooking; a round, non-stick cake pan (especially one that is 2 inches deep); a pie plate; or even a small roasting pan. Whatever pan you choose, make sure it allows the dough to be thick enough to hold all the fillings.

Overhead view of a bbq chicken pizza with a slice cut out.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments until warmed or in the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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