Let me tell you about a recent weeknight lifesaver that instantly became a family phenomenon in my house: this incredibly easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. We were staring down the barrel of a busy evening – homework, after-school activities, the usual chaos – and the thought of a complicated dinner was just too much. I remembered pinning a simple flatbread pizza idea ages ago, and decided to give it a whirl with ingredients we already had. Using some leftover cooked chicken, a bottle of our favourite BBQ sauce, and some store-bought naan bread as the base, dinner was on the table in under 30 minutes. The reaction? Pure delight. My kids, who can sometimes be picky, devoured their slices, declaring it “way better than delivery pizza.” My husband, a BBQ enthusiast, was impressed by the flavour combination and how satisfying it was. The crispy edges of the flatbread, the tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, the smoky chicken, gooey cheese, and the fresh bite of cilantro – it was a symphony of textures and tastes. It wasn’t just dinner; it became a fun, interactive meal where everyone could add their own little sprinkle of cheese or cilantro. Since that night, BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza has become a regular fixture in our meal rotation, perfect for quick lunches, casual Friday nights, or even cutting into smaller squares for appetizers when friends drop by. It’s proof that delicious, crowd-pleasing meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. This recipe is my go-to for guaranteed smiles and satisfied appetites, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these delicious and easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility, using readily available ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal.

• 2 Large Flatbreads or Naan Breads: These serve as the quick and easy pizza crust. Choose plain, garlic, or whole wheat varieties based on your preference. Store-bought versions work perfectly for speed.
• 1 cup Shredded Cooked Chicken: The protein star of the pizza. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled or baked chicken, or quickly poach and shred chicken breasts.
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (plus more for drizzling): The heart of the flavour profile. Select your favourite brand and style – smoky, sweet, or spicy all work wonderfully.
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic pizza melt and gooey texture. Pre-shredded works well for convenience.
• 1/2 cup Shredded Gouda or Cheddar Cheese (optional but recommended): Adds a layer of smoky or sharp flavour complexity that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• 1/4 cup Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Adds a pungent, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant colour. Slice it as thinly as possible for the best texture.
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich BBQ flavours. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley or sliced green onions are good alternatives.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional): For brushing the edges of the flatbread to encourage browning and crispiness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For adding a touch of heat for those who like it spicy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. This process is designed to be quick, easy, and yield delicious results every time.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for an extra crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If your cooked chicken isn’t already shredded, shred it using two forks. In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with about 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated. Set aside. This step ensures the chicken itself is flavourful.
3. Prepare the Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads or naan breads directly onto the prepared baking sheet (or preheated pizza stone, carefully). If desired, brush the edges of the flatbreads lightly with olive oil – this helps them get nice and golden brown.
4. Sauce the Base: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface of each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges (about 1/2 inch). Adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference – add a bit more if you like it extra saucy.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the BBQ sauce on each flatbread. Next, distribute the BBQ-coated chicken pieces evenly over the cheese. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the chicken.
6. Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the optional shredded Gouda or Cheddar cheese over the toppings. Adding cheese on top helps hold the toppings in place and creates that irresistible cheesy layer.
7. Bake the Pizzas: Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the flatbread is heated through, the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizzas cool slightly for a minute or two – this helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce if desired. Sprinkle generously with the chopped fresh cilantro and optional red pepper flakes.
9. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas into wedges or squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional profile can be helpful. Please note these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used (like the type of flatbread, BBQ sauce, and cheese).

• Servings: This recipe typically yields 2 large flatbread pizzas, serving 2-4 people depending on appetite (calculating nutrition based on 4 servings, or half a flatbread per person).
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 kcal. This provides a substantial portion of energy, making it a satisfying meal option.
• Protein: Approximately 25-30g per serving. Primarily from the chicken and cheese, protein is crucial for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g per serving. Mostly from the flatbread and BBQ sauce (which often contains sugar), carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. Choosing whole wheat flatbread can increase fiber content.
• Fat: Approximately 18-25g per serving. Contributed mainly by the cheese and any added olive oil. Fats are essential for hormone production and nutrient absorption, but portion control is key. Opting for part-skim mozzarella can reduce fat content slightly.
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1200mg per serving. This can be relatively high due to processed ingredients like BBQ sauce, cheese, and pre-made flatbreads. Be mindful of sodium content, especially if monitoring intake – look for lower-sodium BBQ sauces and cheeses if possible.

Preparation Time

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it ideal for busy schedules.

• Prep Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes shredding pre-cooked chicken, slicing the onion, measuring ingredients, and assembling the pizzas. If you need to cook chicken from scratch, factor in additional time.
• Cook Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes. The baking time is relatively short due to the pre-cooked nature of the chicken and the thin flatbread base.
• Total Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes. From start to finish, you can have these delicious BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas on the table in under half an hour, making it a true weeknight winner.

How to Serve

Serving this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is as flexible as the recipe itself. Here are some ideas to make it a complete and enjoyable meal or appetizer:

• As a Main Course:
  • Weeknight Dinner: Serve one whole flatbread per hungry adult or half per child/lighter eater. Pair it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Casual Lunch: Perfect for a quick and satisfying midday meal. Serve alongside some vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber) and ranch dip.
  • Weekend Treat: Make it a fun Friday or Saturday night dinner. Serve with classic pizza night sides like garlic knots or a Caesar salad.
• As an Appetizer or Party Food:
  • Cut into Squares: Slice the finished flatbreads into small, bite-sized squares or strips. Arrange them attractively on a platter.
  • Party Platter: Make multiple flatbreads with slight variations (e.g., one spicier, one with extra cheese) and serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread for game days, potlucks, or gatherings.
  • Interactive Station: Set up a “build-your-own” flatbread station (using smaller individual flatbreads) for a fun party activity, offering various toppings alongside the BBQ chicken essentials.
• Accompaniments:
  • Salads: A crisp green salad, coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based), or a corn and black bean salad complements the BBQ flavours wonderfully.
  • Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, or simple steamed green beans.
  • Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping the crusts (or the pizza itself!).
  • Drinks: Pairs well with iced tea, lemonade, craft beer (especially lagers or pale ales), or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
• Presentation:
  • Garnish: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro! A final drizzle of BBQ sauce or even a swirl of ranch dressing can add visual appeal.
  • Serving Dish: Serve directly on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look or transfer slices to individual plates.

Additional Tips

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza experience with these handy tips and variations:

1. Flatbread Choices Matter: While naan is fantastic for its soft, slightly chewy texture, don’t hesitate to experiment! Pita bread (use thicker varieties), pre-baked pizza crusts (thin or regular), or even large flour tortillas (bake until crisp) can work. Whole wheat options add extra fiber and a nuttier flavour.
2. Chicken Shortcuts & Upgrades: Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver. Leftover grilled or baked chicken breast or thighs also work beautifully. For an upgrade, quickly grill or pan-sear chicken breast seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder before shredding.
3. BBQ Sauce Selection: The BBQ sauce defines the pizza’s character. Try a sweet and thick Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce (use slightly less), or a smoky Texas-style sauce. A spicy chipotle BBQ sauce adds a nice kick. You can even make your own!
4. Cheese Combinations: Mozzarella is essential for meltiness, but adding other cheeses elevates the flavour. Smoked Gouda enhances the smoky BBQ theme. Sharp cheddar adds tang. Fontina melts beautifully and adds nuttiness. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty bite.
5. Veggie Power: Feel free to add more vegetables! Thinly sliced bell peppers (any colour), sautéed mushrooms, corn kernels (especially fire-roasted), drained black beans, or even pineapple tidbits (for a controversial sweet twist) can be delicious additions. Add jalapeño slices for extra heat.
6. Achieve Crispy Crust Perfection: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the flatbread directly on the oven rack (or pizza stone) for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings. Ensure your oven is fully preheated. Avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or toppings, which can make it soggy.
7. Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare components in advance. Shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Slice the onions and chop the cilantro ahead of time. This makes assembly take mere minutes.
8. Grilling Option: For a fantastic smoky flavour, try grilling the flatbread pizzas! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Assemble the pizzas as directed. Place them directly on the grill grates (or on a grill-safe pizza stone/pan) and cook with the lid closed for 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is charred and the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza:

1. Q: Can I use a different type of bread or crust instead of flatbread/naan?
   • A: Absolutely! Pita bread (thicker varieties work best), pre-made thin pizza crusts, large flour tortillas (bake longer for crispiness), or even French bread sliced horizontally can be used as a base. Adjust baking time accordingly based on the thickness and type of crust.
2. Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • A: Easily! Swap the chicken for plant-based substitutes like canned chickpeas (rinsed and patted dry), crumbled firm tofu or tempeh (sautéed first), sliced mushrooms (sautéed to remove moisture), or pulled jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce. Ensure your BBQ sauce is vegetarian/vegan if needed.
3. Q: How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza?
   • A: Let the pizza cool completely. Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
4. Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
   • A: Yes, you can freeze it, although the texture might change slightly upon reheating. It’s best frozen after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole pizza tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results (avoid the microwave, which makes the crust soggy).
5. Q: What if I don’t have pre-cooked chicken? How should I cook it?
   • A: You can quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs. Simply season them with salt, pepper, and perhaps garlic powder or paprika. You can pan-sear them for about 6-8 minutes per side, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or poach them until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding.
6. Q: Can I make my own BBQ sauce for this recipe?
   • A: Definitely! Making homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the sweetness, smokiness, and spice level. There are many simple recipes online typically involving a base of ketchup or tomato paste, vinegar, sweetener (like brown sugar or molasses), Worcestershire sauce, and various spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Q: My flatbread crust got soggy. How can I prevent this?
   • A: Soggy crusts usually happen due to too much moisture. Prevent this by: a) Not using excessive BBQ sauce. b) Pre-baking the flatbread for a few minutes before adding toppings. c) Ensuring toppings like mushrooms or peppers are pre-cooked or patted dry if they release a lot of water. d) Baking at a sufficiently high temperature (400°F or higher). e) Using a pizza stone if available.
8. Q: Is this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe kid-friendly?
   • A: Yes, it’s generally very kid-friendly! The slightly sweet BBQ sauce and familiar pizza format appeal to many children. You can adjust toppings based on their preferences – perhaps use less red onion or skip the cilantro for picky eaters. It’s also a great recipe to get kids involved in assembling their own mini pizzas (using smaller flatbreads).

Print