Name: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2 flatbreads or naan; 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced); ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ small red onion (thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Optional: chopped cilantro; Optional: sliced jalapeños

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Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and smoky flavors with this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Crispy flatbread topped with tender chicken, rich BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes for a satisfying and quick meal any time of the day.

Whether you’re serving this for a casual lunch, easy dinner, or party bites, this pizza promises a burst of vibrant flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and minimal cooking time.
Delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors to satisfy any craving.
Versatile toppings let you customize to your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Flatbreads or Naan: Soft yet crispy flatbreads provide a sturdy base, perfect for holding toppings evenly.
Cooked Chicken: Tender, shredded or diced chicken adds protein and a hearty bite for the pizza.
BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce creates the signature flavorful layer that ties all toppings together.
Shredded Mozzarella: Mild, stretchy mozzarella melts beautifully to give a gooey, cheesy texture.
Shredded Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese introduces depth and a bit of tang to complement mozzarella.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a crisp bite and mild pungency to brighten flavors.
Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil crisps the flatbread edges and enhances flavor.
Optional Chopped Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes for contrast and color finish.
Optional Jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick, perfect for heat lovers.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the flatbread and melt the cheese evenly. A properly preheated oven is key for perfect texture.
Prepare the Flatbread Base: Brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil to help achieve crispy edges and prevent sogginess. Then, spread a generous and even layer of BBQ sauce on top; this sticky, flavorful base infuses every bite with sweet and smoky notes.
Add the Chicken and Toppings: Scatter the cooked chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce for balanced protein distribution. Follow by adding thinly sliced red onions, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses for creamy richness. Add jalapeños or cilantro if desired to elevate flavor complexity.
Bake Until Perfect: Place the topped flatbreads on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the cheeses melt into a bubbly blanket, the flatbread becomes golden and crispy, and the onions soften gently.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the pizza to add a fresh, bright contrast to the smoky, cheesy flavors. This final touch enhances both aroma and presentation.
Slice and Serve: Cut the flatbread pizza into slices and serve immediately while hot for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor experience. Perfect for sharing or a satisfying solo meal.

You Must Know

Pre-baking the flatbread for 3 minutes before adding toppings can help achieve extra crispiness and prevent sogginess.
Using hot BBQ sauce or adding jalapeños can turn this into a spicy treat for those who love heat.
Adding pineapple chunks offers a sweet and tangy twist that pairs wonderfully with smoky BBQ sauce.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving which may turn it soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance richness with freshness. It also works great with cold beverages like iced tea or beer for casual meals or parties.

Professional Tips

For smoky depth, add smoked gouda cheese alongside mozzarella and cheddar.
Brushing edges with additional olive oil before baking enhances crispness and golden color.
Customize by swapping chicken for pulled pork or roasted vegetables for varied protein or vegetarian options.

FAQs

Can I make this flatbread pizza gluten-free?: Yes, simply substitute the flatbreads or naan with gluten-free flatbreads available at most stores without affecting the overall flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is ideal to balance the savory cheeses and chicken, but feel free to use spicy or tangy varieties to suit your taste.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?: It’s best to use pre-cooked chicken to ensure it heats through properly. If using fresh chicken, cook it fully, shred, then top the pizza.
Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?: Yes, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives and adjust toppings accordingly.
How can I keep the flatbread crispy?: Pre-baking flatbread before topping and baking again helps keep it crisp, plus reheating on a skillet or toaster oven preserves texture better than microwaving.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?: You can assemble the flatbreads and refrigerate for a few hours before baking but for best results bake just before serving.
What cheeses can I substitute or add?: Besides mozzarella and cheddar, smoked gouda or Monterey Jack work nicely to add smoky richness or creaminess.