If you are craving a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is just what you need to bring some excitement to your dinner table. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken layered atop crispy flatbread, all smothered in gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and finished with the zing of fresh red onions and cilantro. It’s a satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with crisp textures that make every bite truly unforgettable. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, working together to create a balance of taste, texture, and beautiful color that brings the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe to life.
- Flatbreads (2 naan or store-bought flatbreads): The perfect crispy yet chewy base that holds all your toppings without getting soggy.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (1 cup): Tender shredded chicken takes on the BBQ sauce beautifully, adding hearty protein and flavor.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): The star ingredient that infuses sweet and tangy smokiness throughout the pizza.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides creamy meltiness with a mild taste that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, rich depth that complements the mozzarella and chicken.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4): Offers a crisp bite and a pop of color to brighten the pizza visually and flavor-wise.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): A fresh herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness and adds vibrancy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed onto the flatbread to promote golden, crisp edges and add subtle richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Flatbreads
Begin by warming your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your flatbread will crisp up nicely. While waiting, place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and lightly brush each with olive oil, which helps create that irresistible golden crust we all love in a great pizza.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken with BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, mix your shredded cooked chicken with half a cup of BBQ sauce until every morsel is well-coated. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with smoky and tangy flavors that elevate the whole pizza experience.
Step 3: Add the Base Sauce and Cheese Layers
Spread a generous layer of additional BBQ sauce over each oiled flatbread, establishing a flavorful foundation. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top, setting the stage for those melty, golden cheese pockets you’ll soon enjoy.
Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the cheesy base, making sure each slice of your pizza will have a perfect balance of protein and sauce. Scatter the thin red onion slices on top to add that delightful crunch and subtle sharpness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your flatbread masterpieces into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbly, melted cheese and golden-brown edges on the crust—this is when you know your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is ready to come out and dazzle.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the pizzas for a refreshing burst of herbaceous flavor, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you love an added punch of that smoky sweetness.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves not only add bright color but also a layer of fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that balances the sweet and smoky BBQ notes perfectly. If you want a little extra heat, a few red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeño peppers go wonderfully on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe with crisp green salads, like a simple arugula or spinach mix tossed with a light vinaigrette, to brighten the richness of the pizza. Roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw also complement this meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the flatbread pizzas into smaller squares to serve as finger-friendly appetizers at a party, or present them whole alongside small ramekins of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, set up a build-your-own flatbread station with various toppings, letting everyone customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To help preserve texture, place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the flatbreads before baking. Assemble the pizzas up to the point just before baking, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to crisp the crust and warm the cheese thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, saving you time and adding extra flavor to your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce balances well with the cheese and chicken, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to customize the flavor.
Can I substitute the flatbread with pizza dough?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that flatbreads bake faster and have a crispier texture that complements the BBQ topping particularly well.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
This particular recipe features chicken, but you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken for grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein.
How spicy is this pizza?
The pizza itself has mild heat from the BBQ sauce and red onions, but you can always add more spice by including jalapeños or chili flakes during assembly.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s quick to put together and simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding two or a group, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. I truly hope you give it a try and find it becoming one of your favorite easy meals to share with friends and family.
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and topped with red onions and fresh cilantro, it delivers a perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors on a crispy flatbread base.
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 2 flatbreads (naan or store-bought flatbread)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
BBQ Chicken Topping
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Cheese and Garnishes
- 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 prepare for baking the flatbread pizzas.
- Prepare Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil to ensure a crispy crust during baking.
- Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Spread BBQ Sauce Base: Spread additional BBQ sauce evenly over each flatbread to create a flavorful base layer.
- Add Cheeses and Chicken: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the sauced flatbreads, then distribute the BBQ chicken mixture on top.
- Add Red Onion: Top the pizzas with thin slices of red onion for a sharp, fresh bite.
- Bake: Bake the flatbreads in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute naan with any store-bought flatbread or pita bread if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add some sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Leftover BBQ chicken can be used to save prep time.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with BBQ tofu or mushrooms.
- Use a low-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt intake.
