Tangy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Peppers

Introduction

This BBQ chicken flatbread pizza is loaded with flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken is piled on a crisp flatbread crust and smothered in tangy barbecue sauce. Toppings of sweet caramelized onions, colorful bell peppers and gooey cheese make this pizza irresistible. Flatbread makes a quick and easy pizza crust, while store-bought rotisserie chicken speeds up prep. This pizza bakes up fast for a fun weeknight dinner.

Benefits of Chicken

Chicken provides lean protein, B vitamins and minerals like selenium, phosphorus and choline. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a budget friendly way to enjoy this nutritious meat. Its mild flavor also makes it perfect for pairing with the bold barbecue sauce and veggies on this pizza.

Flatbread Crust

Flatbread makes a quick and easy crust for pizza night. It bakes up crisp in minutes without needing time to rise like yeast dough. Look for flatbreads made without preservatives or additives for the healthiest option. Top it just like a regular pizza crust with your favorite sauce and toppings.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this tasty BBQ chicken pizza:

• 1 naan flatbread or other flatbread
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken
• 1⁄2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1⁄2 each red and green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Prep the Chicken

For this recipe, use leftover cooked chicken or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Pull or chop the chicken into bite-size shreds, discarding any bones or skin. Two cups of shredded chicken provides plenty of protein without overpowering the other flavors.

Caramelizing the Onions

Slicing the onions thinly then cooking them low and slow is the secret to getting them sweet and caramelized. Cook the onions in olive oil for 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until they turn a rich golden brown color.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza

Constructing this BBQ chicken pizza is simple with the pre-cooked ingredients. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Place flatbread on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread evenly with barbecue sauce.
3. Top with shredded chicken pieces, followed by the caramelized onions and sliced peppers.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 8-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisped.
6. Finish with chopped cilantro. Slice and serve!

Choosing a Flatbread

Look for flatbreads like naan, lavash or even tortillas to use as the crust. Whole wheat or multigrain varieties will provide more fiber and nutrients. Just adjust baking times slightly for thicker or thinner flatbreads.

Pizza Toppings

Feel free to customize your pizza with other toppings like sliced mushrooms, pineapple tidbits, pickled jalapeños, red onion and spinach. Just don't overdo it or the flatbread may get soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken pizza makes a fun and filling dinner on its own. Pair it with these sides:

• Fresh green salad
• Coleslaw or broccoli slaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans or potato salad
• Watermelon slices
• Cornbread or biscuits

BBQ chicken pizza also makes great party food for tailgating and other gatherings. Cut into pieces to pass around a buffet spread or serve as fun appetizers.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover pizza will keep in the refrigerator 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes. Let the pizza cool fully before storing in a sealed container or bag. The flatbread may lose some crispness but will still taste great.

Conclusion

This BBQ chicken pizza on flatbread crust is bursting with sweet, savory and spicy flavors. Caramelized onions, colorful bell peppers and gooey cheese perfectly complement the tangy barbecue chicken. Flatbread makes an easy, weeknight-friendly crust that bakes up quickly. Top with your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy this creative twist on a classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Use your favorite variety of barbecue sauce for this pizza. Sweet, tangy and smoky flavors all pair well with the chicken and veggies. Choose your desired texture too, from thick sauces to thinner, vinegar-based ones.

2. Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, replace the 2 cups shredded chicken with 1/2 pound raw chicken cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Sauté the raw chicken until fully cooked then assemble and bake the pizza.

3. What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

Swap in shredded pork, beef or turkey in place of the chicken. Cooked sausage crumbles also work well. For a veggie option, use mushrooms, eggplant or extra veggies.

4. How do I reheat leftover pizza?

Reheating in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes crisps up the flatbread crust. Microwaving makes it soft and soggy. Let the pizza cool before storing in the fridge or freezer.

5. Can I prep this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the raw pizza up to a day ahead then bake just before eating. Or bake fully then reheat leftovers later in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.