This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is loaded with tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, then topped with red onion and cilantro for an easy and delicious twist on classic pizza.
We're a huge pizza night family - it occurs almost weekly at our house. And while I love the classic sausage or pepperoni pizzas, sometimes we crave something a little different. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread pizza is one of our go-to recipes because it packs a punch of flavor and is super simple to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I'm able to whip up a delicious meal that my whole family loves. Whether you're hosting a pizza night, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or need a creative way to use leftover chicken, this flatbread recipe ticks all the boxes. It's a total crowd-pleaser with its tangy BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pulled chicken—all on a crispy, golden brown flatbread.
(Looking for more fun pizza ideas? Try this delicious Anchovy Pizza, or learn how to make an easy French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer.)
In This Post
Why This Recipe Works
There are lots of reasons to love this BBQ chicken pizza.
- Easy. This is such a simple recipe and is a great one for shortcuts when you need something quick. I typically use a store-bought pizza dough but have also been known to use naan flatbreads or even just a store-bought crust to form the crispy foundation of this simple pizza. This cuts down on the time it takes to make and makes it so easy to get dinner on the table FAST. You can also use rotisserie chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce if you don't want to make homemade BBQ chicken from scratch. Or, make BBQ Chicken in the Instant Pot!
- Delicious. I love the different flavors of this flatbread. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and juicy chicken provides a burst of flavor in every bite, and the addition of fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red onion elevates the dish with a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Great way to use leftover chicken! This is an easy way to use up leftover homemade BBQ chicken from sandwiches, or even just leftover chicken breasts or thighs from a previous meal.
Key Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients are needed to make this easy barbecue chicken pizza. Here's what you'll need:
- Flatbread or pizza dough. Use premade flatbread (or make your own flatbread!), naan bread, store-bought pizza crust, or pizza dough. If using pizza dough, par-bake the dough for best results. (Par-baking the dough makes it nice and crispy!)
- BBQ sauce. Your favorite BBQ sauce is key. Opt for a tangy BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s or a homemade bbq sauce. You'll want some to mix with the chicken, and extra bbq sauce for drizzling over the top of the pizza.
- Pulled BBQ chicken. This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken or crockpot bbq chicken. You can also easily make BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot!
- Cheese. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese adds a delicious, gooey texture. For a richer flavor, try using gouda cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Red onion. Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, sweet contrast to the barbecue sauce.
- Fresh cilantro. Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness, bringing all the flavors together. (Feel free to omit this if you're not a cilantro fan!)
How To Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread
This BBQ chicken flatbread recipe is so easy to make, and comes together in just minutes! Here's how to do it:
- Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. If you're using pizza dough, parbake the crust on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
- Assemble the flatbread. Spread 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the flatbread. Add 1 cup of cheese over the sauce, followed by 2 cups of pulled BBQ chicken. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion on top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
- Bake. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
- Finish and serve. Remove the flatbread from the oven and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired. Slice into small pieces, and serve. For an extra kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
There are several delicious ways to customize this easy flatbread pizza recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Flatbread options. There are many options for your "flatbread" here. Swap naan bread for pita bread, homemade flatbread, or store-bought crust. If you're feeling adventurous, use homemade pizza dough.
- Change up the cheese. While cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack are classics, try using gouda cheese, mozzarella cheese, or even parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Additional toppings. Add bell pepper, green onions, banana peppers, or corn kernels for extra texture and a unique flavor. Sweet onion can also be substituted for the red onion for a sweeter taste.
- Chicken. One of the great things about this recipe is that you can use a lot of shortcuts to make it easier, and that includes how you prepare the chicken. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or crockpot bbq chicken for a more tender, slow-cooked flavor. I love making BBQ chicken in the instant pot too for a quick and easy homemade option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Store-bought flatbread or naan bread works great and makes this a super easy weeknight dinner.
Mozzarella cheese, gouda cheese, and parmesan cheese are all great options. Mixing different types of cheeses can add much flavor to your flatbread.
Yes, you can. Cook the flatbread at medium heat in the air fryer for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. (Also see this easy Air Fryer French Bread Pizza for another Air Fryer Pizza option!)
Definitely! You can assemble the flatbread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
When reheating pizza, I always place my pizza in a cold oven, and then heat it to 380. I find that most of the time, once the oven reaches temperature, the pizza is mostly reheated and not overcooked. You can also reheat in the air fryer.
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of barbecue chicken in pizza form! If you make this easy recipe, please let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!
More Delicious Pizza Recipes
- Spicy Diavola Pizza
- 15 Minute Homemade French Bread Pizza
- Cast-Iron Pizza
- Fall Harvest Pizza Recipe
- Healthy Breakfast Flatbread With Eggs
- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese And Everything Bagel Pizza
- Anchovy Pizza
Recipe
Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 12 inch flatbread (or 2 smaller 6-inch flatbreads.) Feel free to use premade flatbread, homemade flatbread, store-bought pizza crust, or pizza dough.)
- 1 cup bbq sauce plus a little more for drizzling over the top of the pizza
- 2 cups pulled bbq chicken
- ¼ red onion
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (you can also use Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 380 degrees.
- If using pizza dough, parbake the crust for 5-7 minutes.
- Once pizza dough has been parbaked, or if you’re using a premade flatbread, top the flatbread with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Spread evenly in a thin layer over the flatbread.
- Add 1 cup of the cheese to the top of the sauce.
- Add the pulled bbq chicken, then the thinly sliced onion. (See note)
- Top the chicken with the rest of the cheese in an even layer.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust has turned a nice golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- If you don't already have BBQ chicken on hand, simply shred 2 cups of chicken (from cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or any other leftover chicken you might have) and toss it with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce to coat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven by placing the pizza on a pan in a cold oven, then reheating to 380. Once the oven reaches temperature, remove the pizza and serve.
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