Tangy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

This tangy BBQ chicken flatbread pizza is packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese comes together for the ultimate homemade pizza. It's easy to make your own flatbread dough or use a store-bought crust for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the flatbread dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour
• Salt
• Instant yeast
• Olive oil
• Water

For the pizza toppings:

• Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• BBQ sauce
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Making the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, instant yeast. Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.

Dough Tips

• Use all-purpose and whole wheat flours for the best texture.
• The dough should be slightly tacky, but not too sticky.
• Knead well to develop the gluten.
• Let it rise until doubled in size before shaping.

Caramelizing the Onions

While the dough rises, caramelize the onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt and sugar.

Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes.

Onion Tips

• Use low heat and be patient for perfect caramelization.
• Cook in olive oil with a pinch of salt and sugar.
• Stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Add a splash of water or broth if onions start sticking.

Shaping the Crust

Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and divide into 2 balls. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin, oval shaped crust.

Transfer the crusts to parchment lined baking sheets. Press any thicker areas thinner with your fingertips.

Shaping Tips

• Divide dough in half to make 2 thinner crusts.
• Roll out evenly to about 1⁄4 inch thickness.
• reshape any thicker areas for even baking.
• Use parchment paper for easy transfer.

Assembling the Pizza

Spread each flatbread crust evenly with barbecue sauce, leaving a 1⁄2 inch border. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Evenly distribute the caramelized onions, chicken, and bacon over the cheese layer.

Assembly Tips

• Layer toppings for optimal coverage and bites.
• Spread to edges but leave a small border.
• Use parchment paper for easy transfer to oven.

Baking the Pizza

Bake the flatbreads at 450°F for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

If the edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Baking Tips

• Bake at 450°F for crisp crust and melted cheese.
• Cover edges with foil if browning too fast.
• Let cool 5 minutes for easier slicing.
• Slice into squares to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken pizza is great on its own, but here are some tasty additions:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
• Sliced scallions.
• Diced pickles or pickled jalapeños.
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Storage

Pizza is best fresh but leftovers keep well. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy.

The cooked flatbreads freeze well for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Substitutions

Customize this pizza with your favorite flavors:

• Use barbecue chicken or pulled pork instead of diced.
• Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar or pepperjack.
• Use white, yellow or red onions instead.
• Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
• Add mushrooms, pineapple or bell peppers.
• Use pizza sauce or pesto instead of BBQ sauce.

Other Flatbread Ideas

Here are some other fun flatbread pizza recipes to try:

• Margherita - tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil.
• Breakfast - bacon, eggs, potato, onion, cheese.
• Greek - spinach, feta, tomato, onion, olives.
• Buffalo Chicken - spicy chicken, ranch dressing, cheese.
• Philly Cheesesteak - steak, peppers, onion, cheese whiz.

Enjoy Game Day

This easy BBQ chicken flatbread pizza is perfect for game days, parties or fun family dinners. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce pairs so well with the savory chicken, bacon and onions. Make it your new go-to homemade pizza!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of a flatbread crust?

You can use a pre-made pizza crust, naan bread, tortillas, or even crusty rolls split open. Adjust bake times as needed.

Can I just buy pizza dough from the store?

Absolutely! Use a store-bought pizza dough or flatbread crust to simplify this recipe.

What meat can I substitute for the chicken?

Pulled pork, shredded beef, crumbled sausage, pepperoni, or even deli meat would all work great.

Is there a shortcut for caramelizing the onions?

You can sauté the onions on higher heat for 10 minutes, but the flavor won't be as rich and sweet.

How do I reheat leftover pizza?

Place slices on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.

Can I add vegetables like peppers or mushrooms?

Absolutely! Add any extra veggies you enjoy after caramelizing the onions.

What cheese works best on flatbread pizza?

Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal, but cheddar, provolone or pepperjack also taste great.

Should I grease the baking sheets?

If not using parchment paper, lightly grease or flour the baking sheets to prevent sticking.