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BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is just the thing when you want hearty flavor and zero fuss It brings together the savory tang of barbecue sauce juicy chicken and gooey mozzarella on a crispy flatbread This is my go to when I want to impress family but do not want to spend all night in the kitchen
The first time I made this pizza we were out of regular pizza sauce and had some leftover grilled chicken The combo of sweet smoky barbecue sauce with melty cheese became an instant family request and it is now a staple for our movie nights
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: about one pound diced small for quick and even cooking always choose fresh or organic if possible for the juiciest texture
- Olive oil: for sautéing it helps keep the chicken tender and adds richness
- Smoked paprika: enhances the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce Spanish varieties give the deepest flavor
- Garlic powder: for savory backbone use a fresh jar for the most fragrance
- Onion powder: brings subtle sweetness
- Salt and black pepper: for seasoning
- Store bought flatbreads: soft but sturdy enough to hold all those toppings I love Stonefire brand for its chewy crisp balance
- BBQ sauce: puckery sweet tang pick your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: for that classic gooey melt buy whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself if you can
- Red bell pepper: sliced thin for a pop of color and crunch pick firm glossy peppers with no soft spots
- Red onion: sliced thin adds bite and a little sweetness
- Chopped cilantro: gives fresh flavor and a little brightness pick vibrant green leaves no limp or yellowing pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into small cubes so it cooks evenly Toss with smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper until everything is well seasoned
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat on medium high Wait until the oil shimmers then add the chicken Cook for about seven to ten minutes stirring every couple of minutes so the pieces brown a little on all sides and cook through especially where they touch the pan Transfer to a plate
- Prepare the Flatbreads:
- Lay two flatbreads on a sheet pan Make sure they are not overlapping Brush a thin even layer of BBQ sauce over each from end to end so every bite gets some sauce
- Layer the Toppings:
- Sprinkle mozzarella generously to cover each flatbread but leave a slight border at the edge Add sliced red peppers and red onions scattering them so you get a bit in every slice Top with all the cooked chicken tucking pieces under cheese and peppers for extra melty pockets
- Bake the Pizza:
- Slide the pan into a preheated four hundred degree oven Bake for ten to thirteen minutes until the edges are crisp and golden and the cheese is melted and just starting to bubble
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with plenty of chopped cilantro Drizzle extra BBQ sauce in thin lines if you want more tang Slice into pieces and serve while still hot for the best melt and crunch
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Every time I grab that smoky paprika I am reminded of my dad teaching me how just a spice or two can make a homemade pizza feel extra special I always make sure everyone sprinkles on their own cilantro at the table so it is fresh and fragrant in every bite
Storage Tips
Leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza stores beautifully Stack cooled slices with parchment between them and refrigerate for up to three days If you want to reheat pop slices back in a hot oven for five minutes so the crust crisps up again Avoid the microwave if you can since it makes the flatbread chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for breast for extra tenderness or use leftover cooked chicken Dice up green peppers instead of red if that is what you have and feel free to substitute fresh basil for cilantro Dairy free mozzarella melts well here Also any sweet and smoky barbecue sauce works so use your favorite
Serving Suggestions
Cut the flatbreads into small pieces for crowd pleasing appetizers or serve with a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal Sometimes I offer extra toppings on the side like pickled jalapenos or extra barbecue sauce Drizzling with ranch is also a hit with kids in my house
Cultural and Historical Context
Flatbread pizzas are inspired by pizza's Mediterranean roots where thin breads get topped with whatever is fresh and flavorful The barbecue chicken twist is a true American classic made popular in California pizzerias in the 1980s There is something about smoky chicken and sweet sauce on bread that feels both fun and comforting
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Once you try this at home it is hard to go back to delivery pizza The flavors will wow your family and it is a breeze to throw together on busy evenings
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get juicy chicken for this dish?
Use small bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking. Season generously, and sauté just until no longer pink.
- → Can I use a store-bought flatbread?
Yes, pre-made flatbreads save time and crisp up beautifully when topped and baked as instructed.
- → Is it possible to make this spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes among the toppings for extra heat.
- → What cheeses pair well besides mozzarella?
Try pepper jack, cheddar, or smoked gouda for different flavors that melt nicely on flatbread.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool slices completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms and roasted corn for a meatless option.