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This easy BBQ chicken flatbread pizza has become my weeknight lifesaver. Bold barbecue flavor meets gooey cheese and just a hint of freshness from cilantro. It is perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself with minimal prep and cleanup.
The first time I served this at my game night everyone wanted the recipe and it has been my fast favorite for sharing ever since
Ingredients
- Flatbreads: such as naan or another premade base make a golden crisp crust with very little effort
- Cooked shredded chicken: grabs onto the BBQ sauce use rotisserie chicken for best flavor and convenience
- BBQ sauce: brings smoky tang depth and a little sweetness go for a thick style for best coverage
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: ensures that perfectly melty stretchiness I always look for in a pizza
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and an extra cheesy layer feel free to use mild or sharp
- Red onion: thinly sliced for just the right pop of bite and color choose a firm bulb for a crisper texture
- Fresh cilantro: scattered just before serving for a fresh finish use bright green leaves
- Olive oil: helps the flatbread crisp up in the oven opt for extra virgin for the best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred twenty Celsius and position a rack in the center for even baking
- Prepare the Flatbreads:
- Arrange the flatbreads on a lined baking sheet and brush each one lightly with olive oil to boost browning and crispness
- Sauce the Chicken:
- In a small bowl toss the shredded chicken and enough BBQ sauce to coat every strand so the meat stays juicy and flavorful
- Spread the Sauce:
- Add a generous spoonful of BBQ sauce to each flatbread and use the back of a spoon to spread it edge to edge
- Add the Cheese and Chicken:
- Scatter shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the sauce then distribute the prepared BBQ chicken across both flatbreads for flavor in every bite
- Top with Onions:
- Arrange the thinly sliced red onions over the chicken so every slice gets a punch of sharp tang
- Bake:
- Bake the pizzas for ten to twelve minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crusts go golden at the edges
- Finish and Serve:
- Pull out the pizzas and scatter with chopped fresh cilantro right away for maximum freshness add an extra BBQ drizzle if you crave more sauce and serve hot in slices
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I never skip the fresh cilantro right at the end the aroma and pop of green remind me of my aunt tossing herbs with wild abandon at family cookouts
Storage Tips
To keep your pizza crisp store leftovers in a container lined with a paper towel then reheat in the oven or toaster oven Never microwave unless you are in a rush as the crust can go soft
Ingredient Substitutions
Almost any cheese melts well so try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a fiery kick Grilled mushrooms or roasted veggies also work in place of chicken for a vegetarian twist
Serving Suggestions
I pair slices with a big green salad and sometimes a handful of pickled jalapenos for those who like heat Serve as an appetizer on a platter for your next potluck and watch it vanish
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Cultural Note
BBQ chicken pizza has roots in American pizza shops blending Southern barbecue with Italian pizza traditions This version nods to that playful creativity with easy updates for at home cooking
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought cooked chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken makes preparation even faster without compromising flavor.
- → What type of flatbread works best?
Naan, pre-made flatbread, or even pita can all work well as the base for these toppings.
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
Yes, smoked gouda or Monterey Jack can be substituted for cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- → How can I add extra heat?
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- → Is this dish suitable for entertaining?
Definitely. These pizzas are perfect as crowd-pleasing shareable starters or casual party food.