This honey barbecue chicken pizza is a sweet, savory, and cheesy dish inspired by a popular specialty enjoyed in Brunei. With a rich honey–barbecue sauce, roasted garlic butter base, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella, this homemade pizza delivers bold flavor in every bite while still being approachable and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines sweet honey, tangy barbecue sauce, and fragrant roasted garlic for a flavor profile that is both indulgent and balanced. It is easy to prepare at home using simple ingredients, yet it feels special enough for a weekend meal or casual gathering. The pizza is customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet-and-savory twist on classic pizza night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Honey Barbecue Sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
⅔ cup water
1 cup barbecue sauce
6 tablespoons honey, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Pizza Assembly
1 boneless skinless chicken breast, pounded to about 1 inch thickness
1 whole head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 ball frozen pizza dough, thawed
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
1 tablespoon honey
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap loosely in foil, and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until fully dissolved.

In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch mixture, barbecue sauce, 5 tablespoons of honey, soy sauce, and chopped garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat.

Divide the sauce evenly into two portions. Place one portion in a bowl for the pizza sauce. Pour the other portion into a zip-top bag, add the chicken breast, seal, and marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Cook the marinated chicken using your preferred method until fully cooked through. Grilling or pan-searing works well. Allow it to rest briefly, then slice into thin strips.

Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).

Squeeze 3 to 4 roasted garlic cloves from the bulb and mash them with the softened butter to create garlic butter.

Roll out the thawed pizza dough on a baking tray, shaping the edges slightly thicker for the crust. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough, including the crust.

Spread the reserved honey barbecue sauce over the base. Add the mozzarella cheese evenly, followed by the sliced chicken.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey over the pizza. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one medium pizza, serving 3 to 4 people.
Preparation time: about 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: about 45 minutes total
Total time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp. A skillet over medium heat also works well for reheating individual slices.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Simply slice it and coat lightly with the honey barbecue sauce before adding it to the pizza.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A slightly sweet barbecue sauce pairs best with the honey, but any balanced, smoky variety will work.

Can I make this pizza without roasted garlic?

You can substitute minced fresh garlic mixed into the butter, though roasted garlic gives a milder and richer flavor.

Is this pizza very sweet?

The pizza is sweet-savory rather than overly sweet. You can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a more savory profile.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh?

Yes, shredded mozzarella works well and melts evenly, though fresh mozzarella gives a creamier texture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The honey barbecue sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of green onions?

Thinly sliced red onions or chives make good substitutes.

Can this be made on a pizza stone?

Yes, a pizza stone works well. Preheat it in the oven and bake the pizza directly on the hot surface for a crisp crust.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the flavors are mild and sweet, making it kid-friendly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It is best enjoyed fresh, but slices can be frozen for up to 1 month and reheated in the oven.

Conclusion

Honey barbecue chicken pizza is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together sweet, smoky, and cheesy elements in one satisfying meal. Inspired by a beloved specialty enjoyed in Brunei, this homemade version is easy to recreate and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether for pizza night or a casual dinner, it is a recipe worth adding to your rotation.

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