If you’re looking for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is your new weeknight hero. This vibrant, flavor-packed flatbread brings together smoky barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of fresh toppings all layered on a crispy crust. Whether you’re hosting game night or just craving something boldly satisfying, this is the kind of recipe that delights your senses and makes you look like a culinary superstar with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the chewy naan base to the tangy sauce and melty cheese, every element is thoughtfully chosen to deliver that irresistible combination you love in a great pizza.
- Naan breads or flatbreads: These form the perfect crisp-yet-tender base that’s ready in minutes and holds up beautifully under all those delicious toppings.
- Barbecue sauce: Go for your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, or spicy—since this is the signature flavor that ties the whole pizza together.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Using leftover or rotisserie chicken adds ease and ensures every bite is juicy and satisfying.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that irresistible pizza stretch and a creamy backdrop for the bold flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast and a gorgeous golden color on top of the pizza.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Offers a little crunch and a pop of color, balancing the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who love a spicy kick, these bring just the right amount of heat.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of freshness at the end that brightens up every bite and makes the pizza feel extra special.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Flatbreads
Start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 425°F (220°C), which is the sweet spot for getting those flatbreads perfectly crisp. Lay your naan or flatbreads out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping. This gives them plenty of room to crisp up around the edges and hold all those toppings.
Step 2: Sauce It Up
Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce evenly over each flatbread, right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Reserve a couple tablespoons of the sauce to toss with your chicken, ensuring the meat is juicy and infused with smoky sweetness.
Step 3: Layer on the Chicken
Toss your shredded chicken with the reserved barbecue sauce, then scatter it evenly over the sauced flatbreads. This not only amps up the flavor, but guarantees each bite is full of tender, saucy chicken goodness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Veggies
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken, then top with thinly sliced red onion for crunch and color. Add jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous—this step lets you customize the spice level for your crowd.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those cheesy bubbles and slightly crisped edges, which mean it’s ready to come out. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro. Let it cool for a minute or two, then slice it up and dig in while it’s still hot and melty.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness, but you can also finish your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with a squeeze of lime, extra jalapeño slices, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a creamy twist. Don’t be shy—garnishes are your chance to make it your own!
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or oven-roasted veggies. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out bowls of chips and salsa or a simple corn salad for a full-on barbecue-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza into strips for a party-ready appetizer, or serve whole for a more substantial meal. For a summery touch, try grilling the flatbreads outdoors—just a few minutes over medium heat and you’ll be rewarded with extra smoky flavor and gorgeous grill marks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any slices left (which is never guaranteed), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers a treat for lunch or another easy dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the cooked BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza to cool, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness, reheat slices on a baking sheet at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is warmed through—usually about 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the flatbread a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza crust instead of naan?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza crust works just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time if your crust is thicker or thinner than naan, and keep an eye out for those golden, crisp edges.
How can I make this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza spicier?
For extra heat, add more jalapeños, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also drizzle on some hot sauce before serving for a bigger kick.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables, black beans, or your favorite plant-based chicken alternative. The barbecue sauce and cheese will make sure it’s still loaded with flavor.
Can I grill the flatbread instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor and beautiful char marks. Place the assembled flatbreads directly on a medium-heat grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
What other toppings go well with BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza?
Feel free to get creative! Try adding corn kernels, diced bell peppers, smoked gouda, or even a little pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. This pizza is the perfect canvas for all your favorite combos.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with friends or family. With its bold flavors, easy prep, and endless ways to make it your own, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza featuring flavorful barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and a fresh touch of cilantro on crispy naan or flatbread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual meal.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 naan breads or flatbreads
Sauce and Chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the flatbreads on a baking sheet to prepare for assembly.
- Prepare Flatbread Base: Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over each naan or flatbread to create a flavorful base layer.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: Toss the shredded cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce to ensure it’s well coated and flavorful.
- Assemble Pizza: Scatter the sauced chicken evenly over the prepared flatbreads, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Add red onion slices and jalapeños if desired for extra spice.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread are lightly crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute naan bread with homemade or store-bought pizza crust for different textures.
- For extra smokiness, use smoked mozzarella or gouda cheese instead of regular mozzarella.
- This recipe can also be cooked on a grill over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes for a charred flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread pizza
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
