If you’re craving a delightful twist on your usual pizza night, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with tender shredded chicken and the perfect blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on a crispy flatbread base, it’s a flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for two or just want a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe adds a gourmet touch without any fuss. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe that will quickly become your go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right mix of ingredients is what makes this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe shine. Each component is simple, yet essential for balancing texture, flavor, and color, delivering a pizza that’s crispy, saucy, cheesy, and fresh all at once.
- Flatbreads: Choose naan or your favorite store-bought flatbread to create the perfect crispy but chewy crust.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Already cooked chicken makes prep quick and adds a hearty, protein-packed element.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for that smoky sweetness that ties everything together, plus a little extra for drizzling.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Its meltiness creates that irresistible gooey texture on top.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and some color contrast.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild crunch and a peppery bite that complements the sweet barbecue sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Brightens the pizza with fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
- Olive oil: A light brush on the flatbread helps crisp the crust and adds subtle richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Flatbreads
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for a perfectly crispy crust. Place your flatbreads on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. This step ensures your base will be golden and crunchy without getting soggy once the toppings go on.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in BBQ Sauce
While the oven heats up, mix your shredded cooked chicken with about half a cup of your chosen BBQ sauce in a small bowl. This coats every bite of chicken with that wonderful smoky, tangy flavor that makes this flatbread pizza so special.
Step 3: Build the Pizza Layers
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce directly onto each flatbread, serving as your pizza sauce. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the surface. Next, distribute the BBQ-coated chicken on top of the cheese, followed by the thin red onion slices which add that fantastic bite and texture contrast.
Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Pop your loaded flatbreads into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cheese should be bubbling and lightly golden, and the edges of the flatbread should crisp up beautifully. It’s the sign your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe has reached peak deliciousness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of brightness. If you’re feeling extra saucy, drizzle a little more BBQ sauce over everything. Slice it up and get ready to dig into that perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, fresh, and crispy goodness!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Add just the right finishing touches with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or even a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions. A few extra drizzles of BBQ sauce can amplify the flavor for those who like a little more zing, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat.
Side Dishes
The vibrant flavors of the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, some roasted corn on the cob, or even a tangy coleslaw. These help balance the richness of the pizza without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this flatbread pizza on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings, or cut it into small squares for party finger foods. You can also add colorful bowls of extra BBQ sauce and sour cream for dipping, turning your meal into an interactive, fun experience for everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover flatbread pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining most of its flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze fully cooked BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe portions wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months and make convenient quick meals down the line.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crisp crust and melts the cheese beautifully, much better than the microwave, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe, saving time and adding juicy, flavorful meat to the pizza.
What type of BBQ sauce is best to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy. Classic hickory or mesquite flavors complement the pizza well, but feel free to customize it to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version that still highlights the BBQ sauce and cheese.
Is naan the best flatbread to use for this pizza?
Naan is fantastic for its soft, chewy texture and flavor, but any sturdy flatbread that crisps up nicely in the oven works well. Just avoid very thin or flimsy types.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding things like pineapple, jalapeños, or bacon to customize your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe exactly how you like it.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is a delicious, simple way to bring big, bold flavors to your dinner table without hours of cooking. Its balance of sweet, smoky, cheesy, and fresh notes wrapped in a crispy flatbread makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Go on, give it a whirl and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch. Featuring a crispy flatbread base topped with shredded BBQ chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, fresh red onions, and a garnish of cilantro, this recipe offers a perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy your pizza cravings with a delightful BBQ twist.
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 2 flatbreads (naan or store-bought flatbread)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the flatbread pizza crisp and bubbly.
- Prepare Flatbread: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and lightly brush each with olive oil to promote crispiness and add flavor during baking.
- Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the tangy sauce.
- Assemble Base Sauce: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the top of each flatbread to serve as the flavorful base for the pizza.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauced flatbreads, then top with the BBQ-coated shredded chicken.
- Add Onion Slices: Distribute thin slices of red onion on top of the chicken and cheese for a fresh, sharp bite.
- Bake: Place the assembled flatbreads into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired for an added punch of flavor.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the flatbread pizzas and serve hot, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought flatbread with naan or pita bread as preferred.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra spiciness, add sliced jalapeños before baking.
- If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the flatbreads for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
