If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries smoky sweetness with melty cheese and tender chicken, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort food. It’s quick to whip up, wonderfully flavorful, and has that irresistible combination of crisp flatbread, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with something casual yet delicious, this recipe captures the spirit of summer BBQs in an easy, irresistible pizza form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe thrives on simple, high-quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tender shredded chicken to the blend of cheeses, every element adds its own texture and flavor to create a loaded, satisfying pizza.
- Flatbreads (2): Choose naan or your favorite store-bought flatbreads for a crisp and chewy pizza base.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (1 cup): Pre-cooked chicken is perfect for quick assembling and soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup plus extra): This smoky, tangy sauce is the star flavor that ties the whole pizza together, with extra for drizzling after baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella melts perfectly for that classic gooey, cheesy texture every pizza needs.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, vibrant flavor that complements the mozzarella and BBQ sauce.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4): Adds a fresh bite and a hint of crunch to balance the richness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Fresh cilantro brightens each slice with a burst of color and herbal aroma.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushing the flatbread with olive oil gives it a crisp, golden crust when baked.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the flatbread crisps up nicely while the cheese melts beautifully. While the oven warms, place your flatbreads on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce. This step is key because it lets the chicken soak up that vibrant, smoky BBQ flavor, elevating the entire pizza experience with every bite.
Step 3: Build the Pizza Base
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce onto each flatbread. This sauce layer acts as the delicious base, infusing the whole pizza with tangy goodness and moisture that complements the cheeses and toppings perfectly.
Step 4: Layer on Cheese and Chicken
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the BBQ sauce. These two cheeses combine to give you the best of creamy meltiness and sharp flavor. Next, distribute the BBQ chicken mixture across the cheesy canvas, making sure each bit gets a share of that BBQ-coated chicken.
Step 5: Add Red Onion and Bake
Top the pizzas with thin slices of red onion, adding a slight crunch and subtle zing. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and beautifully golden, crisp edges—that means it’s ready!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the pizza to brighten the rich flavors. If you like, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top to amp up the smoky sweetness even more. Slice and serve hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is my go-to for finishing this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe because its herbaceous notes lift the smoky and cheesy parts. You can also try a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of chili flakes for some heat and extra depth.
Side Dishes
To complement this pizza, simple sides work best—think a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. A cold, refreshing coleslaw also pairs beautifully, adding a creamy crunch and tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, serve the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe as small triangles on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs. Or layer it atop a bed of arugula with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a casual yet elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap each cooked flatbread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 1 month, ready to be pulled out for a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melty and the crust is crispy. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flatbread?
Absolutely! While naan is a popular choice for this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe because of its fluffy texture, you can use pita, tortilla, or any sturdy flatbread that holds toppings well.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and cheddar cheese?
Using both cheeses balances meltiness and flavor. Mozzarella gives that perfect stretch, while cheddar adds a sharp bite. You can experiment, but combining them creates the classic BBQ chicken pizza taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables, jackfruit, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. Just toss your chosen ingredient with BBQ sauce for the same smoky punch.
What’s the best type of BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce that you love, whether sweet, spicy, or smoky. A thick sauce works best to coat the chicken and hold up under baking without making the flatbread soggy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely assemble the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe ahead but bake just before serving. Keep the topped pizzas refrigerated and bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser—quick to prepare, bursting with bold flavors, and endlessly satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough for those nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring a crispy flatbread base topped with shredded BBQ chicken, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, red onion slices, and fresh cilantro, it’s baked to cheesy, golden perfection. The zesty BBQ sauce ties all the flavors together, making each bite irresistible.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the flatbread pizza evenly and achieving a nicely crisped crust.
- Prepare the flatbreads: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil. This helps to create a golden, crisp texture on the edges during baking.
- Toss the chicken with BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, making sure all the meat is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Apply the base sauce: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each oiled flatbread, which will act as the pizza sauce and add that signature tangy sweetness.
- Add the cheese and chicken: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture to evenly distribute toppings for every bite.
- Top with onions: Arrange the thin slices of red onion over the cheese and chicken to add a crisp, sharp flavor contrast.
- Bake the pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread turn a golden brown color.
- Garnish and drizzle: Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve warm: Slice each flatbread pizza and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can use naan or any store-bought flatbread as the pizza base.
- Cooked rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe to save time.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the flatbread for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or toaster oven for best results.
