BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy & Easy

Name: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 whole Boneless skinless chicken breasts (About 1 lb); 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce (Divided); 1 tbsp Olive oil (For cooking); Salt and pepper (To taste); 4 pcs Naan breads or flatbread rounds (Pizza base); 1/4 cup Barbecue sauce (For spreading); 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded (Main cheese); 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Adds tang); 1 medium Red onion, thinly sliced (For topping); 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (For garnish); Jalapeño slices (Optional heat)

Hey there, pizza lovers! As someone who's been perfecting homemade pizzas for over a decade, I can confidently say this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe will become your new weeknight obsession. There's something magical about the combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and that perfectly crispy flatbread base that makes this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe absolutely irresistible.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe so special is its incredible versatility and quick preparation time. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality dinner that beats takeout every single time. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe has saved countless busy weeknights in my kitchen, and I know it'll do the same for yours.

Homemade BBQ chicken flatbread pizza recipe with melted cheese, red onions, and cilantro on a white kitchen counter, photographed from overhead.

Why This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe Will Transform Your Pizza Game

This isn't just another pizza recipe ; it's a game-changer that combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of flatbread and the bold flavors of BBQ chicken pizza. After testing dozens of variations, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe emerged as the clear winner, delivering that perfect balance of crispy crust, smoky sauce, and melted cheese that makes every bite unforgettable.

The secret behind this amazing BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe lies in its simplicity and smart ingredient choices. Unlike traditional pizza dough that requires hours of rising time, flatbread gives you that crispy base instantly. Plus, pre-cooking the chicken with barbecue sauce creates those caramelized edges that make this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe taste like it came from a wood-fired oven. Whether you're hosting a family pizza night or need a quick dinner solution, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe never disappoints.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
FAQ
The Perfect Pizza Night Awaits
Related
Pairing
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Barbecue sauce
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

For the Flatbread Base:

Naan breads or flatbread rounds
Barbecue sauce (for spreading)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Fresh Toppings:

Optional: jalapeño slices
Red onion
Fresh cilantro

Flatlay of BBQ chicken flatbread pizza ingredients including naan, barbecue sauce, cheese, chicken breast, red onions, and cilantro on a white kitchen counter.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Brush with ¼ cup barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces
Toss sliced chicken with remaining barbecue sauce

Prepare the Flatbread Base

Preheat your oven to 450°F (or prepare grill for medium-high heat)
Place flatbreads on a large baking sheet or pizza stone
Brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness
Spread 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce evenly on each flatbread, leaving a ½-inch border

Add Toppings and Cheese

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the barbecue sauce
Distribute the BBQ chicken pieces evenly across all flatbreads
Add sliced red onions on top of the chicken
Finish with remaining mozzarella and all the cheddar cheese
Add jalapeño slices if using

Bake to Perfection

Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!)
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh cilantro

Expert Cooking Tips

Chicken Preparation Secrets

Pound the chicken: Flatten chicken breasts to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking and faster preparation
Marinate ahead: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in barbecue sauce for 30 minutes before cooking
Double-sauce technique: Reserve some barbecue sauce for tossing with cooked chicken ; this creates extra flavor layers

Flatbread Mastery

Pre-crisp method: Toast flatbreads for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings to prevent soggy bottoms
Cheese layering: Always put cheese directly on the sauce first, then toppings, then more cheese on top
Temperature control: Use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet for crispier results

Finishing Touches

Fresh herbs: Add cilantro after baking to maintain its bright flavor and color
Texture contrast: Include some raw red onion slices after baking for extra crunch
Sauce drizzle: Save a little barbecue sauce for drizzling over the finished BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Protein Alternatives

Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe ; just shred it and toss with barbecue sauce. For a smoky twist, try pulled pork or even grilled shrimp. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with barbecue jackfruit or extra cheese and caramelized onions.

Cheese Combinations

While mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect base, experiment with smoked gouda for extra smokiness or pepper jack for heat. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a sharp finish that complements the sweet barbecue sauce beautifully.

Flatbread Options

Naan bread: Creates a slightly thicker, chewier base
Pita bread: For a thinner, crispier result
Cauliflower flatbread: Perfect low-carb alternative
Homemade pizza dough: When you have extra time

Sauce Variations

Try different barbecue sauce styles ; Kansas City-style for sweetness, Carolina-style for tang, or chipotle BBQ for smoky heat. You can even mix barbecue sauce with ranch dressing for a creamy twist.

Equipment Recommendations

Large cast-iron skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken evenly and creating those delicious caramelized bits
Pizza stone or steel: Creates the crispiest flatbread base possible
Large baking sheet: Essential for cooking multiple flatbreads simultaneously
Sharp chef's knife: For clean chicken slicing and vegetable prep
Silicone brush: Ideal for spreading sauces and oils evenly
Kitchen tongs: Makes flipping chicken and handling hot flatbreads safe and easy

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe is that it works with basic kitchen equipment too ; a regular baking sheet and sharp knife will get the job done perfectly.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover flatbread pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Layer parchment paper between pieces to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Options

Prep the chicken: Cook and season chicken up to 2 days ahead. Store in refrigerator and reheat before assembling. Sauce preparation: Mix all sauces and store in squeeze bottles for quick assembly during busy weeknight dinners.
Perfect for meal prep, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe can be partially assembled (up to adding cheese) and refrigerated for same-day baking.

Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything

Here's the game-changing tip that transformed my BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe from good to absolutely incredible: brush the flatbread edges with garlic butter before baking. This simple step creates golden, flavorful crusts that taste like restaurant-quality pizza every single time.

The second secret involves the cheese application. Layer your mozzarella in two stages ; half before the toppings and half after. This creates those perfect cheese pulls and prevents toppings from sliding off. These two simple techniques will make your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe the talk of every gathering.

FAQ

What toppings go on BBQ chicken flatbread?

The classic BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe includes barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Popular additions include jalapeños, bell peppers, and corn.

What toppings go on BBQ chicken pizza?

Traditional BBQ chicken pizza features barbecue sauce base, seasoned chicken, red onions, cilantro, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe follows these classic combinations.

Is flatbread pizza healthier than normal pizza?

Flatbread pizza can be healthier as it typically uses less dough, resulting in fewer carbohydrates and calories. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe offers better portion control than traditional thick-crust pizzas.

How to barbecue flatbread pizza?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates well, then grill flatbreads for 2-3 minutes per side. Add toppings and close the lid for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts. This method adds amazing smoky flavor to your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe.

The Perfect Pizza Night Awaits

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe has become the star of countless family dinners and casual gatherings in my home. The combination of crispy flatbread, smoky barbecue chicken, and perfectly melted cheese creates a meal that satisfies everyone from picky kids to sophisticated adults.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe truly special is its adaptability and quick preparation time. Whether you're planning a relaxed weekend dinner or need a fast weeknight solution, this recipe delivers every time. Speaking of delicious dinner options, you might also love trying our Sweet Chili Tofu Recipe for a plant-based twist on bold flavors, or our Walnut Pesto Pasta Recipe when you're craving something creamy and herb-forward. Each recipe brings its own unique character to your dinner table, just like this amazing BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe that's about to become your new favorite.

With love & good food
By Lisa Johnson ✨

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