Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
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My Barbecue Chicken Flatbread isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. It hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, a little sweet, and wonderfully cheesy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, transforming it into a brand-new, exciting meal. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you love crispy pizza for parties or family game nights, try my Sheet Pan Mexican Pizza Recipe or my Air Fryer Pizza Rolls.
Why this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe Works
This barbecue chicken flatbread isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. It hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, a little sweet, and wonderfully cheesy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, transforming it into a brand-new, exciting meal. It’s customizable and kid-friendly.
- Less than 30 Minute Meal: This recipe is quick and easy!
- Versatile: It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual entertaining.
- Easy to Make: Surprisingly simple to put together, even for novice cooks.
- Delicious: A satisfying blend of savory, tangy, sweet, and cheesy flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Great for Leftovers: A fantastic way to transform leftover chicken into a fresh, exciting meal.
Can I use Store-Bought Flatbread or Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! While making your own dough is rewarding, high-quality store-bought flatbreads, naan, or even pre-made pizza dough are excellent time-savers. Just be sure to adjust baking times as needed based on the thickness of your chosen base.
Pro Tip on How to Make Flatbread Pizza
Toss your shredded chicken in extra BBQ sauce before layering it onto the flatbread. This ensures every bite is flavorful and prevents dry spots—plus, it helps the chicken stay juicy as it bakes.
Ingredient Notes to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
This pizza is reminiscent of california pizza kitchens but you can make with leftovers making it an easy meal. It has simple ingredients.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken: I use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe but you can use leftover chicken or ground chicken.
- Barbecue Sauce: I use this great recipe but you can use your favorite store bought.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions for Bbq Chicken Flatbread Pizza
The beauty of barbecue chicken flatbread lies in its adaptability.
- Protein Power-Ups: Not a fan of chicken? Try pulled pork, shredded beef, or even grilled shrimp. For a vegetarian option, use smoked tofu, black beans, or grilled halloumi.
- Cheese Please: While mozzarella is classic, experiment with smoked gouda, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Veggie Ventures: Load up on your favorite vegetables! Sautéed onions and bell peppers, corn, jalapeños for a kick, red onion, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro post-baking are all fantastic additions.
- Sauce Sensations: Explore different barbecue sauces – smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. You can also mix in a little ranch dressing or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing. You can make a regular pizza for this easy recipe.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Opt for gluten-free flatbread crust, naan bread or pizza crust to make this dish accessible for everyone.
- Fruit: Add pineapple to make a sweet and tangy bbq chicken pineapple flatbread.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
My family loves this grilled chicken recipe. The kids love to make their own easy bbq chicken flatbread by adding their own toppings to the seasoned chicken.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep Your Ingredients & Base: Get your oven heating to 450°F. While it preheats, slice your onions. Then, lay your flatbread onto a baking sheet.
- Layer the Flavors: Grab your BBQ sauce and spread it evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle your cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add Your Toppings: Distribute the cooked chicken over the cheese, followed by the red onion. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Bake & Enjoy: Carefully slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Once done, remove, slice into 8 pieces.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Bread Pizza and Toppings
Ready in under 20 minutes, this BBQ chicken flatbread pizza is a cozy throwback to weeknight dinners that brought everyone to the table. With tangy sauce, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s a homemade favorite
- Cook the Chicken Breast: Cook and shred your chicken up to 3-4 days in advance. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Chop Veggies: Chop any onions, peppers, or other vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers.
- Shred Cheese: Shred your cheese and keep it in a sealed bag or container.
- Make the Sauce: If you’re making your own barbecue sauce, prepare it in advance or use your favorite bbq sauce.
- Assemble (Partially): You can even assemble the flatbreads (without baking) a few hours before you plan to cook them. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Homemade Pizza
- Grill: For a smoky flavor and crispy crust, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the flatbread and grill it directly over the heat for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Then, add your toppings and continue grilling over indirect heat (or with the lid closed) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Air Fryer: Yes, you can air fry flatbread! Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to make smaller flatbreads or cook them in batches. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Chicken BBQ Flatbread
- Store: Leftover barbecue chicken flatbread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat leftover flatbread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave will work, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
- Use Leftovers: If you have just a small amount of leftover flatbread, you can chop it up and toss it into a salad for a delicious and unexpected crouton alternative.
Common Questions About This Easy Dinner Recipe
Well that is the best part. You can use the flavor combination that you like best to make the recipe a true family favorite.
Use just enough BBQ sauce to coat the chicken and spread a thin layer on the base. Too much sauce can soak into the bread and make it soggy.
Expert Tips to Make This Recipe
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, resist the urge! Too many toppings can make the flatbread or pita bread soggy and prevent the crust from getting crispy.
- Pre-Cook Veggies: If you’re adding vegetables that release a lot of moisture (like mushrooms or onions), consider sautéing them lightly before adding them to the bbq chicken pizza to prevent a watery crust.
- Warm the Sauce (Optional): If your barbecue sauce is very thick, you can warm it slightly before spreading it on the flatbread. This makes it easier to spread evenly.
- High Heat is Key: For a crispy crust and melted cheese, bake your flatbread at a relatively high temperature.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions after baking adds a pop of color and freshness to the bbq flatbread pizza.
- A Touch of Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar over the barbecue sauce before adding other toppings can really enhance the flavor.
- Serve this recipe with: List what to serve with Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole and Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry.
More Recipes You Might Like
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Ingredients
- 1 Flatbread , – I used Joseph’s Lavash Bread measures about 13×9 inches
- ¼ cup Barbecue sauce
- 1 ¼ cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded.
- ½ cup Chicken, cooked and shredded
- ¼ Small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Green onion, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Cut the onions.
- Put the flatbread on a baking sheet.
- Spread the bbq sauce over the flatbread with a sauce brush, keeping a little edge clear of sauce.
- Spread the cheese over the bbq sauce.
- Sprinkle the chicken around the flatbread, then the red onion. Sprinkle green onion over the top.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven, and bake for 7-9 minutes, until the cheese is melted to your desired doneness.
- Cut into 8 pieces, and enjoy!
Christina’s Notes
- Choose the Right Base
- Use store-bought flatbread, naan, or pita for convenience. If you have time, homemade dough adds a rustic touch. For extra crunch, sprinkle cornmeal under the flatbread before baking.
- Balance the Sauce
Go light on the barbecue sauce—just enough to coat the chicken and spread a thin layer on the base. Too much sauce can make the flatbread soggy. - Layer for Flavor
Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce before adding it to the flatbread. This ensures every bite is infused with smoky sweetness. - Use Fresh Cheese
Skip pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents. Freshly grated mozzarella, cheddar, or smoked gouda melt better and taste richer. - Bake Hot and Fast
Preheat your oven to 425°F. A high temperature crisps the edges and melts the cheese quickly without drying out the toppings. - Finish with Freshness
Add herbs like cilantro, parsley, or arugula after baking to keep them vibrant and aromatic. A drizzle of ranch or garlic aioli adds a creamy contrast. - Customize Freely
Try pickled jalapeños for heat, crispy bacon for texture, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can even swap chicken for pulled pork or BBQ jackfruit.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
This recipe was so quick and easy and it had so much flavor. Will be making again!