Okay, let’s talk about those chaotic weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table, like, yesterday! I totally get it. You want something delicious, something the whole family will actually *eat*, but you’re also knee-deep in homework help and trying to remember if you even have clean socks. That’s exactly where these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) come in. Seriously, they’re a lifesaver! They’re semi-homemade at its finest, and I discovered them out of pure desperation one Friday night. I used to spend *hours* trying to make gluten-free pizza dough from scratch, and by the time it was ready, everyone had snacked themselves into oblivion. Then, one night, I just grabbed some ready-made gluten-free flatbreads, piled on some leftover BBQ chicken, cheese, and cilantro, and BAM! Dinner was a hit. My husband even asked for it again the next night! It’s little moments like these, using smart shortcuts, that make family meals truly special, and as a Gluten-Free Nutritionist & Family Meal Planning Expert, I’m all about making your life easier AND tastier.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)
Honestly, these pizzas are a game-changer for busy nights. Here’s why they’re probably going to become your new favorite thing:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking minimal prep and fast cooking. You can actually get dinner on the table in under an hour, which is basically a miracle for pizza night!
- Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to the ‘shortcut dough’ (aka, those awesome flatbreads!), you skip all the fuss of making your own dough. It’s practically all the fun of pizza with none of the dough drama.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet BBQ sauce, savory chicken, melty cheese, tangy red onion, and fresh cilantro – it’s a flavor combo that just *works*. Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
- Family Approved: Picky eaters? No problem! The familiar flavors of BBQ chicken and pizza are usually a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
- Semi-Homemade Wonder: It tastes like you spent ages in the kitchen, but secretly, you know it was quick and easy. Perfect for feeling like a domestic goddess without the full commitment!
Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)
Okay, gathering your ingredients is the first step to pizza perfection! Remember, the beauty of these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) is how simple everything is. We’re leaning into the ‘shortcut’ idea here, so no fancy stuff needed! Here’s what you’ll need to round up:
For the Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup traditional BBQ sauce (Stubbs Original is my go-to!)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
For the Flatbread Pizzas
- 2 large flatbreads (the Mission brand 14-ounce package works great!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8-ounce can crushed or chunk pineapple, drained (important so it’s not too soggy!)
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, washed and stems removed
Optional
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling or serving on the side
How to Make Quick BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)
Alright, let’s get this pizza party started! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s way easier than you think. We’re going to turn those simple ingredients into a dinner that’s going to make everyone happy. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step! If you find yourself wanting more easy recipes like this, you can always check out the full collection right here.
Prepare the Flavorful BBQ Chicken
First things first, let’s get that drool-worthy chicken ready. Pop those chicken breasts into your Dutch oven or a good-sized pot. Give them a little sprinkle of chili powder, garlic powder, and salt – just enough to give them a little kick. Then, pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and that splash of apple cider vinegar. Give the chicken a little flip so it’s all coated in that yummy sauce. Cover it up and let it cook until it reaches 165 degrees F inside. Don’t forget to flip it halfway through for even cooking! This usually takes about 15 minutes. While that’s cooking, you can get started on prepping your oven and flatbreads, killing two birds with one stone!
Assemble Your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas
Okay, our chicken is almost ready, so let’s get these pizzas assembled! Crank your oven up to 425 degrees F. Grab your cookie sheet and lay those flatbreads out. Now, take your olive oil and brush it lightly all over the surface of each flatbread, leaving about a 1-inch border – that’s going to be our crust. Then, pile on that shredded Monterey Jack cheese like there’s no tomorrow! Next, scatter your thinly sliced red onion and the drained pineapple chunks all over the cheese. I always make sure the pineapple is pretty well-drained because nobody likes a soggy pizza!
Bake and Finish Your Shortcut Pizzas
Once your chicken hits that 165-degree mark, carefully take it out of the pot and put it on a cutting board. Grab two forks and get shredding! It should come apart super easily. Now, put that shredded chicken back into the sauce where it was cooking and turn the heat down low. If your sauce looks a little too thick, just stir in a bit more BBQ sauce or a tiny splash of water. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes while your pizzas are in the oven. Pop those assembled flatbreads into the hot oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and bubbly and the crust is looking nice and golden brown. Once they’re out, pile that saucy BBQ chicken right on top and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Slice them up into squares, and if you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of ranch dressing is absolutely divine!
Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)
Alright, pizza pros! Want to make sure your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) are absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfection? I’ve got a few little secrets up my sleeve that’ll take them from ‘good’ to ‘OMG, I need another one!’
Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing Your BBQ Sauce
Seriously, the BBQ sauce is the heart of this pizza! Since we’re keeping things simple, using a really good quality sauce makes a *huge* difference. That Stubbs Original I mentioned? It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and smoky that just sings with the chicken. If you have a favorite BBQ sauce already, go for it! Just make sure it’s one you love the taste of on its own, because it’s going to be the star player here.
Shortcut Dough Variations
While I adore Mission flatbreads for this recipe, what if you can’t find them or just want to mix things up? No worries! These BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) are super versatile. You could totally use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust if that’s what you have on hand, or even larger tortillas (corn or flour, depending on your needs!) as your base. The key is having a nice, sturdy foundation that can hold up to all that yummy chicken and cheese. It’s all about making it work for YOU!
Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas
You’ve got these amazing BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) ready to go – brilliant! Now, what do we pair with them to make it a full-blown meal? Since we’re all about those fast dinners, I like to keep the sides super simple and fresh. A big, colorful salad is always a winner. Think mixed greens with some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more substantial, some quick-baked sweet potato fries are fantastic with that BBQ flavor. Even a simple bowl of steamed broccoli or some corn on the cob (especially in the summer!) can round out the meal perfectly. The goal is just to add a little something extra without adding hours to your cooking time!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some amazing BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) leftover? Lucky you! Or maybe you just want to know how to keep them tasting fresh if you make them ahead. No problem! Once they’ve cooled down a bit, just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way to keep that crust from getting soggy is to either pop them back into a low oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for a few minutes until they’re warmed through, or even use a toaster oven. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might miss out on that lovely crispy crust!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas
Got questions about whipping up these super easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)? I’ve got you covered! These are perfect for a super speedy pizza night, and I know you might have a few things on your mind.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is that it already uses flatbreads, which are a fantastic shortcut. Just make sure the flatbreads you buy are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go! It’s a total lifesaver for gluten-free fast dinners.
What if I don’t like pineapple on my pizza?
No problem at all! Pineapple is totally optional here. If it’s not your jam, just leave it off. You could also swap it for some thinly sliced jalapeños for a little spicy kick, or even some roasted red peppers for sweetness. Get creative with it!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can! If you already have a rotisserie chicken or some leftover cooked chicken, you can totally shred that up and toss it with your BBQ sauce and a little extra seasoning. Just make sure it’s heated through before adding it to the pizza. It makes these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) even faster!
Can this recipe be made ahead?
You can definitely prep the BBQ chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also shred it and mix it with the sauce. For the assembly, it’s best to do that right before you bake for the crispiest crust. If you’ve got leftovers, check out my storage tips in the FAQ section!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the specific brands you use, especially your BBQ sauce and cheese! But for about half of one of these yummy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough), you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: 500-600
- Fat: 25-35g
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
It’s a pretty balanced meal, especially if you add in a side salad! Enjoy!
Share Your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza Creations!
Okay, now that you’ve tried making these super easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough), I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did your family devour them? Did you try any fun topping variations? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me everything! And if you snapped a pic, tag us on social media – seeing your creations makes my day! You can always reach out with questions here too. Happy cooking!
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in a Dutch oven or large pot. Sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Flip chicken to coat. Cover and cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, flipping halfway through. This takes about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place flatbreads on a cookie sheet. Brush the surface of each flatbread with olive oil, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Top the flatbreads with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced red onion, and drained pineapple.
- Once chicken reaches 165 degrees F, transfer breasts to a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the sauce in the pot and set heat to low. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more BBQ sauce or a few tablespoons of water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes while the flatbreads bake.
- Bake the flatbread pizzas for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
- Top the baked flatbreads with the BBQ chicken and fresh cilantro. Cut into squares and serve. Drizzle with ranch dressing or serve it on the side, if desired.
Notes
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Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller & Recipe Heritage Specialist
Getting diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity in my late twenties felt like losing my Italian identity. Growing up in nonna’s Brooklyn kitchen, learning traditional techniques that suddenly became off-limits—I decided to fight for those family food traditions instead of giving up.
With my food journalism background and European baking training, I became obsessed with recreating authentic flavors in gluten-free formats. I’ve adapted 400+ traditional recipes from various cultures, with my gnocchi recipe winning “Recipe of the Year” from the National Gluten-Free Living Awards in 2022.
I collaborate with the Italian-American Cultural Center to document traditional family recipes and volunteer with the Westchester Celiac Support Group, teaching monthly pasta-making classes.
Food is the heart of family storytelling. No one should sacrifice their cultural heritage due to dietary restrictions.