This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a true weeknight hero: smoky, tangy, cheesy, and ready in minutes! Imagine golden, crisp-edged flatbread smothered with sweet and savory BBQ sauce, juicy pieces of chicken, ribbons of melting cheese, and a burst of bright cilantro to finish. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with big smiles—so simple to make, yet packed with memorable flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza brings something special, from the savory meat to the fresh herbs. Each one has a role to play, working together to layer in texture, color, and undeniable crave-worthiness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:
- Flatbreads or naan breads (2): The crisp, chewy base that holds all the toppings; naan works especially well for its tender, bubbly texture.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (1 cup): Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for incredible convenience and succulent bites every time.
- BBQ sauce (½ cup, plus more for drizzling): Brings that signature sweet, tangy flavor and helps caramelize the pizza as it bakes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides gooey, stretchy melt that pizza dreams are made of—don’t skimp!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, orange punch and stunning color contrast on top of the pizza.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (¼): Offers a crunchy, subtly spicy kick that balances the BBQ sweetness beautifully.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled at the finish for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon, for brushing crust): Gives the edges a lovely golden sheen and a subtle hint of richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key—it ensures your flatbread gets irresistibly crisp while the cheese turns perfectly golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flatbreads
Lay the flatbreads or naan on a baking sheet. For restaurant-worthy edges, brush them lightly with olive oil. This extra step gives the crust a hint of flavor and a gorgeous glow once baked.
Step 3: Layer on the BBQ Sauce
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread, leaving a small border uncovered so you get those perfect pizza edges. The sauce acts as both flavor booster and glue for your toppings.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Evenly scatter the shredded or chopped chicken across your sauced flatbreads, then follow with the mozzarella, cheddar, and sliced red onions. The goal is balance—enough toppings for each bite without overwhelming the crust.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Bake the loaded flatbreads for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is golden and crisp at the edges. Watch closely in the last couple of minutes—ovens can vary, and it’s all about that perfect finish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the hot pizzas for added gloss and sweet heat. Finally, shower them with fresh cilantro. Let your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza cool just a moment, then slice and serve while warm and gooey.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Garnishes
Some fresh cilantro is a must, adding a pop of color and flavor. For extra wow, consider a sprinkle of sliced green onions, thinly-sliced jalapeños, or even a little extra cheese right when the pizza comes out of the oven.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is hearty enough to star on its own, but it’s awesome with crisp salads like a simple mixed greens, tangy coleslaw, or even roasted sweet potatoes for something a little more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the flatbread whole or cut into smaller pieces for parties and get-togethers—it makes an irresistible appetizer! For a playful twist, pile slices high on a wooden board with ramekins of extra BBQ sauce and fresh herbs on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll still be delicious, making a fantastic lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
Want to freeze for later? Cool the pizza completely, wrap slices individually or layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re craving a quick meal.
Reheating
For best results, reheat BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, or until heated through and the crust regains its crunch. In a pinch, a quick trip through the air fryer or skillet works beautifully too.
FAQs
Can I grill BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grilling imparts even more smoky, charred flavor. Place the assembled flatbread over indirect medium heat and close the lid. Grill for about 7–9 minutes, keeping a close eye on the crust to prevent burning.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe?
The beauty of BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is its flexibility. Use your favorite brand or style—honey, smoky, spicy, or even homemade. Feel free to experiment to match your taste or even mix two for a unique flavor!
Can I use a gluten-free flatbread?
Definitely! Gluten-free flatbread or pizza crusts work great in this recipe, so everyone can enjoy. Just check crust packaging for baking time adjustments if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?
If you want a meatless spin, try swapping the chicken for roasted chickpeas, jackfruit, or sautéed mushrooms tossed in BBQ sauce. All the same delicious flavors, zero meat required.
How do I make it extra spicy?
If you like things hot, add sliced jalapeños before baking or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza—it’s quick, genuinely fun to make, and even more fun to eat. Whether you whip it up just for yourself or share with friends, I promise it’ll become a repeat favorite!
PrintBBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 flatbreads (2–4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flavorful BBQ sauce base topped with tender chicken, gooey cheeses, and zesty red onions. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Flatbreads:
- 2 flatbreads or naan breads
Chicken Topping:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Toppings:
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and brush the edges lightly with olive oil.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with Ingredients: Evenly distribute shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and red onion slices over the flatbreads.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or pineapple chunks for a sweet touch.
- Works great on the grill as well.
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