Copycat Papa John’s BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza Recipe

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Papa John’s BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza Copycat Recipe


Copycat Papa John’s BBQ chicken bacon pizza with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, red onion, melted cheese, and barbecue drizzle
Bring home that sweet-smoky takeout flavor with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese on a golden crust.

If you love the sweet, smoky, cheesy bite of a BBQ chicken bacon pizza, this homemade version is about to earn a regular spot in your kitchen. It has tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a bold barbecue sauce base baked on a golden crust. In other words, it checks every comfort food box.

This recipe is inspired by the popular Papa John’s BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza. It is not the restaurant’s official recipe, but it is a tasty homemade copycat that captures the same rich, savory, tangy flavor people crave.

If you’ve ever wanted to make copycat BBQ chicken pizza at home without a lot of stress, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through it step by step so even a beginner can pull this off with confidence.

Why People Love This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza

There’s a reason this style of pizza stands out. It takes classic pizza night and gives it a backyard barbecue twist. You get the sticky-sweet smell of barbecue sauce, the salty crunch of bacon, juicy bites of chicken, and gooey cheese that stretches with every slice.

It’s the kind of pizza that feels a little different from plain pepperoni, but it’s still familiar and family-friendly. Think of it like your favorite comfort food wearing a smoky, slightly sweet jacket.

Papa John’s became well known in the American pizza space for its hand-tossed style crust, generous toppings, and easy weeknight appeal. Their BBQ chicken bacon pizza became a favorite because it balances big flavor without being fussy. It’s bold, rich, and satisfying.

Since restaurant recipes are proprietary, this homemade version is best described as a copycat recipe inspired by the original menu item.

Why You’ll Want to Make This at Home

  • Easy ingredients: Most items are easy to find at any grocery store.
  • Great for families: Kids and adults both tend to love the sweet and smoky flavor.
  • Budget-friendly: Making pizza at home can cost less than takeout.
  • Customizable: You can swap cheeses, crusts, or toppings to fit your taste.
  • Perfect for pizza night: Serve it for game day, Friday dinner, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 1 large 12-inch to 14-inch pizza, or about 4 servings.

  • 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the pan
  • 2/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal, optional for the pan

Optional for extra flavor:

  • 1 tablespoon ranch drizzle after baking
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Extra barbecue sauce for finishing

Ingredient Notes and Best Tips

Pizza dough: Store-bought dough keeps this recipe easy. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching so it doesn’t fight you.

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great here. That said, any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat will do. Just make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F if you cook it yourself.

Bacon: Cook it until crisp but not burned. It will bake a little more on the pizza.

Barbecue sauce: Use a sauce you already enjoy. A sweet-smoky style works especially well for a Papa John’s BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza copycat recipe.

Cheese: Mozzarella gives you that classic melt. Smoked provolone adds a deeper flavor that feels closer to restaurant-style pizza.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Nutrition

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 to 18 minutes
  • Total time: About 35 to 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Approximate nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 540
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 980mg

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the brands and exact amounts you use.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza

Let’s break it down into easy steps.

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Set your oven to 475°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. A hot oven helps create a crisp bottom crust and bubbly top.
  2. Cook the bacon.
    Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. You can also bake it on a sheet pan at 400°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool. Then chop it into bite-size pieces.
  3. Prepare the chicken.
    In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, the garlic powder, and black pepper. This keeps the chicken flavorful and helps it stay moist during baking.
  4. Stretch the dough.
    Lightly oil a pizza pan or baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle on a little cornmeal first. Stretch or press the dough into a 12-inch to 14-inch round. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
  5. Add the sauce.
    Spread about 1/2 cup barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
  6. Add the cheese.
    Sprinkle the mozzarella and smoked provolone over the sauce. Save a small handful of cheese for the top if you want that extra melty finish.
  7. Add the toppings.
    Scatter the barbecue chicken over the cheese. Add the chopped bacon and sliced red onion. Top with the remaining cheese if using.
  8. Bake the pizza.
    Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza using a peel or the back of a sheet pan dusted with flour or cornmeal.
  9. Check for doneness and safety.
    Since the chicken is already cooked, you mainly want the pizza hot all the way through and the cheese fully melted. If you cooked chicken fresh for this recipe, be sure it reached 165°F before adding it to the pizza.
  10. Finish and serve.
    Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the cheese can settle. Drizzle with a little extra barbecue sauce or ranch if you like, then sprinkle with cilantro. Slice and serve warm.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

If homemade pizza feels intimidating, don’t worry. It gets easier fast. A few simple tricks make a big difference.

  • Let the dough warm up first. Cold dough is stubborn and hard to stretch.
  • Don’t overload the sauce. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
  • Use pre-cooked toppings. Bacon and chicken should already be cooked before they go on the pizza.
  • Give it a quick rest after baking. This keeps the toppings from sliding right off.
  • Use a hot oven. Pizza likes heat. It’s the secret to that better-than-average homemade texture.

Easy Time-Saving Shortcuts

Need to make this easy BBQ chicken bacon pizza recipe even simpler? Here are a few smart shortcuts.

  • Use store-bought crust: Try a pre-baked pizza crust, naan, flatbread, or even French bread.
  • Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and brings extra flavor.
  • Use bacon crumbles: Real bacon pieces from the store work in a pinch.
  • Bake on a sheet pan: No pizza stone is needed.
  • Make mini pizzas: Use English muffins or small flatbreads for quick personal pizzas.

Air fryer option: If you’re making this on flatbread or naan, you can air fry it at 375°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on thickness. Watch closely so the crust doesn’t overbrown.

Casserole-style shortcut: Press refrigerated pizza dough into a 9x13-inch pan, add toppings, and bake at 425°F until cooked through and golden, about 18 to 22 minutes. This version is great for feeding a crowd.

Allergy-Friendly and Diet-Friendly Swaps

One thing I love about homemade pizza is how easy it is to adjust. If someone at your table has food allergies, sensitivities, or a different eating style, you still have options.

Gluten-free:

  • Use a certified gluten-free pizza crust.
  • Double-check your barbecue sauce, bacon, and shredded cheese labels for hidden gluten.
  • Use separate pans and tools if cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Dairy-free:

  • Use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella shreds.
  • Skip the provolone and use all dairy-free cheese.
  • Some barbecue sauces are naturally dairy-free, but check the label just in case.

Egg-free:

  • This recipe is naturally egg-free in many cases, but always check the dough and sauce labels.

Vegetarian:

  • Replace the chicken with meatless chicken strips or roasted cauliflower.
  • Use plant-based bacon or smoky roasted mushrooms.

Vegan:

  • Use vegan pizza dough, vegan cheese, plant-based chicken, and vegan bacon.
  • Add red onion and cilantro for extra freshness to balance the richer vegan toppings.

Low-carb:

  • Use a low-carb tortilla, cauliflower crust, or a keto pizza crust.
  • Go lighter on the barbecue sauce since it often contains sugar.

Paleo-inspired:

  • Use a grain-free crust that fits your needs.
  • Choose sugar-conscious barbecue sauce and nitrate-free bacon if preferred.
  • Skip dairy cheese or use a paleo-friendly alternative if that fits your plan.

Lower sodium:

  • Use reduced-sodium bacon and barbecue sauce.
  • Go lighter on the cheese.
  • Cook plain chicken at home instead of using seasoned pre-cooked products.

Kid-friendly modifications:

  • Leave off the red onion for picky eaters.
  • Cut the pizza into small squares instead of large slices.
  • Let kids help sprinkle the cheese and toppings for a fun pizza night.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza

This pizza is rich and satisfying, so lighter sides work really well.

  • Simple green salad with ranch or vinaigrette
  • Carrot and celery sticks
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Potato wedges
  • Coleslaw for a barbecue-style dinner feel

If you’re hosting friends, this pizza also pairs nicely with wings, iced tea, or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

  • Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

  • Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Skillet: Warm over medium-low heat with a lid for a crisp crust and melty top.

For food safety, reheat leftovers to 165°F before eating.

Common Questions

Can I use shredded chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest options for this recipe.

What barbecue sauce tastes best on pizza?
A sweet and smoky sauce usually works best, but if you like heat, a spicy barbecue sauce is also great.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the bacon, prepare the chicken, and slice the onion ahead. Then just assemble and bake when ready.

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Gouda, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or provolone all work well in a homemade BBQ chicken pizza.

Why is my pizza soggy?
Usually it’s too much sauce, too many toppings, or not enough oven heat. A hot oven helps a lot.

Final Thoughts

This Papa John’s BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza copycat has everything people love about takeout pizza, but you can make it right in your own kitchen. It’s smoky, cheesy, sweet, savory, and packed with big flavor in every bite.

I love making this on busy weekends when everyone wants something fun but filling. It feels special without being difficult. And honestly, pulling a bubbling pizza out of the oven always feels like a small win.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you keep it classic, or did you add your own twist? Leave a comment and share your favorite topping swaps. And if you know another pizza lover, send this recipe their way.

Happy cooking!

Disclaimer

This is a copycat recipe inspired by a popular restaurant menu item. It is not the official recipe, and no affiliation with or endorsement by Papa John’s is claimed or implied. No knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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