Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Ever stare into the fridge at 5 PM, hoping dinner will magically assemble itself? We’ve all been there. That’s why these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are my absolute go-to. They’re the perfect solution for turning leftover chicken, a bottle of BBQ sauce, and a few pantry staples into a meal that feels anything but last-minute. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and ready faster than you can get a pizza delivered. So good.

Why You’ll Love This

First off, you can have these gorgeously golden, delightfully crispy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas on the table in under 20 minutes. They are the ultimate quick dinner ideas for those nights when you’re short on time but big on hunger. The combination of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with tender chicken and gooey cheese is seriously, seriously good. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, making it an easy healthy dinner option that’s way better than any frozen alternative. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum reward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pre-cooked flatbreads or naan breads: Your perfect, no-fuss crust.
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: A brilliant way to use up leftovers from a rotisserie chicken.
• 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: For that sweet, tangy base.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For the essential melty, stretchy goodness.
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a nice bite and a pop of color.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: For a bright, fresh finish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To help the crust get beautifully golden.
• Optional: 1/4 cup corn kernels (canned or thawed frozen), sliced jalapeños, or crumbled feta cheese: For customizing your masterpiece.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now to heat up. Otherwise, a large baking sheet works perfectly.
2. Prepare your flatbreads. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. This little step is the secret to an extra crispy crust.
3. Assemble the pizzas. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edge. Top with the shredded chicken, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over everything. Scatter the red onion (and any other optional toppings) on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the flatbread are crisp and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. I like to rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking.
5. Remove your pizzas from the oven. Let them sit for a minute or two—this helps the cheese set a bit. Then, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have and what you love. Out of mozzarella? A Monterey Jack or cheddar blend works wonderfully. For a healthier twist, try a whole-wheat flatbread and use part-skim cheese. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add black beans, corn, and extra red onion. Honestly, if your family isn’t into cilantro, fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions are great substitutes. Don’t be afraid to play with your food!

Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights

This recipe is the star of my easy weeknight dinners rotation, but I have a few other tricks. Keeping pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken or canned beans on hand is a game-changer. And those easy meals often come from repurposing leftovers—this pizza is the perfect example. Other dinner dishes that save the day include one-pan skillet meals, hearty salads with grilled chicken, and, of course, simple pasta dinner recipes. The goal is to have a few reliable, fast options that feel like a real meal without the stress.

Pro Tips for Perfect Flatbread Pizzas

• Don’t overload your flatbread with toppings. A lighter hand ensures a crispy base instead of a soggy one.
• If your chicken is a little dry, toss it with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.
• For an extra flavor boost, give your red onion a quick pickle in a bit of vinegar while the oven preheats.
• And my favorite tip? Crank your oven to broil for the last minute to get those picture-perfect, bubbly cheese spots.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, skip the microwave if you can—it makes the crust soft. Instead, pop a slice in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until it’s hot and crispy again. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled pizzas after baking, as the crust can get tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different sauce? Absolutely. While BBQ is classic, a pesto base or even a Buffalo sauce would be delicious twists on this easy dinner idea.
• What’s the best chicken to use? This is one of the best cheap dinners for a family because it’s designed for leftovers. A rotisserie chicken is my top choice for ease and flavor, but any pre-cooked shredded chicken works.
• Are these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas considered healthy? They can be! By controlling the amount of cheese and sauce and loading up on veggie toppings, this easily fits into a roster of healthy dinner recipes.