The real secret to amazing BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza isn’t just the toppings, it’s pre-baking the flatbread crust to ensure it’s perfectly crispy and doesn’t get soggy from the sauce and toppings. This single step elevates the whole experience!
Forget flimsy flatbreads that flop under the weight of BBQ chicken; we’re building a pizza masterpiece that’s structurally sound and bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress everyone (including yourself) with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Trust me, once you try this technique, you’ll never go back to the soggy flatbreads of the past. Let’s dive in and create the ultimate BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza!
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy Crust: Pre-baking ensures a sturdy base that can handle all the delicious toppings without becoming soggy.
- Flavor Layering: Using both a BBQ sauce base and a drizzle on top intensifies the smoky-sweet flavor.
- Balanced Toppings: The combination of chicken, cheese, red onion, and cilantro creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Ingredient Notes
Using high-quality ingredients will truly make this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza sing! Don’t skimp on the good stuff – it’s worth it.
- Flatbread (Pre-made or Homemade): Provides the perfect canvas for our pizza creation.
- BBQ Sauce (Your Favorite Kind): This is the foundation of the flavor, so choose one you love! A Homemade Bbq Sauce would be ideal.
- Cooked Chicken (Shredded or Diced): Adds protein and that classic BBQ chicken taste.
- Red Onion (Thinly Sliced): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Adds a sharper, more robust cheese flavor to compliment the mozzarella.
- Fresh Cilantro (Chopped): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens up the whole pizza.
- Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): For brushing the flatbread to help it crisp up.
Swaps & Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flatbread crust. There are some surprisingly good ones available now!
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a smoky fontina for a unique flavor profile.
- Chicken Alternative: Use pulled pork or shredded beef for a different take on the BBQ pizza.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use jackfruit soaked in BBQ sauce as a substitute for chicken.
Level Up This Recipe
Want to take your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza to the next level? Try these gourmet variations!
- Gourmet Cheese Blend: Use a blend of smoked gouda, fontina, and mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté the red onions in butter until caramelized for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
- Spicy BBQ Drizzle: Mix a little hot sauce or sriracha into your BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- Pineapple Chunks: Add small chunks of grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy tropical twist.
The Method: Step-by-Step
Ready to create your masterpiece? Follow these simple steps for perfect BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza every time.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the flatbread with olive oil.Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust
Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. This is the key to preventing a soggy pizza!Step 3: Sauce It Up
Remove the flatbread from the oven and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface.Step 4: Cheese Please!
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the BBQ sauce.Step 5: Chicken & Onions
Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by the thinly sliced red onion.Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Return the flatbread to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.Step 7: Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two before topping with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce (optional).Step 8: Slice & Serve
Slice into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, BBQ goodness! Maybe pair it with Bbq Chicken Sweet Potato BlissAvoid These Pitfalls
Perfect Pairings
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides!
Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Coleslaw is another classic pairing that provides a cool, creamy contrast.
For a heartier meal, you could add some corn on the cob or grilled vegetables. A simple side of sweet potato fries would also be a delicious complement. You could even try a Bbq Chicken Mac Perfection on the side! Alternatively, if you want a keto-friendly meal you could use Chicken Crust Pizza. This flatbread also goes nicely with a Crockpot Bbq Chicken Recipe.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.
Why is pre-baking the flatbread crust so important for this recipe?
Pre-baking the flatbread crust is essential because it ensures the crust becomes crispy and doesn’t get soggy from the BBQ sauce and toppings. This step is key to a structurally sound and delicious pizza.
What are some alternatives to chicken I can use on this BBQ flatbread pizza?
Instead of chicken, you could try pulled pork or shredded beef for a different take on the BBQ pizza. For a vegetarian option, consider using jackfruit soaked in BBQ sauce as a chicken substitute.
What kind of cheese should I use for the best flavor?
The recipe calls for a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or a smoky fontina for a unique flavor profile. A gourmet cheese blend of smoked gouda, fontina, and mozzarella is also suggested for a richer, more complex taste.
How can I add a spicy kick to this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top of the pizza before baking for some extra heat. You could also mix hot sauce or sriracha into your BBQ sauce for an extra kick when drizzling.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Ultimate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush the flatbread with olive oil.
- Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
- Remove the flatbread from the oven and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the BBQ sauce.
- Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by the thinly sliced red onion.
- Return the flatbread to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two before topping with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce (optional).
- Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
