Name: Hawaiian Chicken Caramelized Onion Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced; 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sweet and savory flavors come together in perfect harmony with this Hawaiian Chicken Caramelized Onion Pizza. I love how the juicy pineapple balances the rich BBQ chicken, while golden caramelized onions add a mellow depth. Melty mozzarella and a crispy crust tie it all together for a pizza that’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

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

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch)

1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and cook the sliced onions, stirring frequently, until they’re caramelized and golden brown—about 15 to 20 minutes.

In a small bowl, I toss the cooked chicken with barbecue sauce until it’s fully coated.

I place the pre-baked crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

Then I sprinkle half the mozzarella over the crust, then layer on the BBQ chicken, caramelized onions, and pineapple chunks.

I add the remaining cheese on top.

I bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.

Out of the oven, I like to finish it off with chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes before slicing and serving hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish—20 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for baking. Each serving is approximately 370 kcal, making it satisfying without being too heavy.

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand:

Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki for an Asian twist.

Add crispy bacon or prosciutto for extra richness.

Use provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Make it vegetarian by using plant-based chicken or extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Microwaving works too but softens the crust a bit.

FAQs

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

I prefer a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, but any variety will work. Spicy, honey-based, or classic—it’s all about what I’m craving.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prep the caramelized onions and BBQ chicken a day ahead and store them in the fridge. That way, assembly takes just minutes.

Is it okay to use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely. I’ve used both fresh and canned, and while canned is more convenient, fresh adds a nice tangy brightness.

What kind of crust should I use?

I go for a 12-inch pre-baked crust for convenience, but homemade, thin, or thick crusts all work well depending on preference.

Can I freeze the pizza?

I can freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) pizza by wrapping it tightly. When ready, I bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chicken Caramelized Onion Pizza is a sweet and savory twist on traditional pizza that always delivers. I love how easy it is to make and how customizable it can be. Whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, it’s a slice of comfort I keep coming back to.

📖 Recipe:

Hawaiian Chicken Caramelized Onion Pizza

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Hawaiian Chicken Caramelized Onion Pizza combines sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ chicken, and golden caramelized onions on a crispy crust with melty mozzarella for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.