St. Louis Style BBQ Chicken Pizza

St. Louis Style BBQ Chicken Pizza

Experience the unique charm of St. Louis pizza with this flavorful BBQ chicken creation. This pie features the signature ultra-thin, cracker-like crust, characteristic of the city's beloved style, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite. It's topped with a tangy BBQ sauce as the base, generously scattered with seasoned shredded chicken, sweet red onions, and a blend of smoky cheeses. Unlike its mozzarella-heavy counterparts, St. Louis pizza traditionally uses Provel cheese, a processed blend known for its meltability and mild, smoky flavor, offering a distinct profile that complements the other toppings perfectly. This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, bringing a taste of the Midwest right to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, truly embodying the St. Louis pizza tradition.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
12 min
Total time
37 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Pizza Assembly

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. 2In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  3. 3Place the St. Louis style pizza crust on a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or directly onto a baking sheet.
  4. 4Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
  5. 5Generously sprinkle half of the Provel cheese over the sauce, then distribute the seasoned shredded chicken and red onion slices.
  6. 6Top with the remaining Provel cheese.

Baking and Serving

  1. 1Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, either onto the hot pizza stone/steel or continuing on the baking sheet.
  2. 2Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown and crispy, characteristic of St. Louis style pizza.
  3. 3Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro.
  4. 4Slice the pizza into small squares, as is traditional for St. Louis-style pizza, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories
551 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
26 g
Carbs
40 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories551 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat26 g
Carbs40 g

Tips

  • For an even crisper crust, par-bake your St. Louis style crust for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings, then proceed with the recipe.
  • Keep a close eye on the pizza as thin crusts cook quickly; ovens vary, so adjust baking time needed for a perfectly golden crust.
  • Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, amplifying the tangy flavor profile.

By Chef Michael Ilin