BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) in 40 Minutes

When it comes to whipping up a quick dinner on a busy weeknight, my go-to has become BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough). I’ll be honest, I used to think that pizza night had to involve hours of prep and a complicated dough-making process. But then, one evening after a particularly hectic day, I discovered the magic of shortcut dough. It’s honestly a game-changer! We all have those nights when getting dinner on the table feels like a monumental task, right?

So there I was, racing against the clock, trying to get my kids seated and fed before their favorite show started. I glanced at the chicken waiting patiently in the fridge, and a light bulb went off. I grabbed some ready-made gluten-free flatbreads and topped them with seasoned, shredded BBQ chicken, cheese, and whatever colorful veggies I could find in the pantry. The result? A dinner that was not only prepared in under 40 minutes but also devoured with delight by the entire family! I couldn’t believe it. Pizza night had transformed into a quicker and easier adventure, and I was officially sold on the goodness of these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas. They turned out to be a hit that night and have become a staple ever since! Trust me, you’ll love how hassle-free and delicious this meal is. Let’s dive into how you can create this family favorite in your own kitchen!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)

These BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb, trimmed)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup traditional BBQ sauce (Stubbs Original is a great choice)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

For the Flatbreads

• 2 large flatbreads (I used the Mission brand, 14-ounce package)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings

• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 8 ounces pineapple (crushed or chunks, drained)
• ⅓ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (washed well, stems removed)
• Ranch dressing (to taste, for drizzling or serving on the side)

Feel free to customize these toppings based on what your family loves! Whether it’s adding bell peppers or swapping pineapple for jalapeños, the sky’s the limit. Enjoy whipping up these delightful pizzas!

How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough)

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas is super straightforward and quick, so follow along step by step.

First, start with the chicken. In a Dutch oven or large pot, place 2 chicken breasts and sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pour in 1 cup of traditional BBQ sauce and ¼ cup apple cider vinegar. Using tongs, flip the chicken around to coat it in that saucy goodness. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat. You’ll want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F, which usually takes around 15 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through to get that even cook!

While the chicken’s cooking, it’s time to prep the flatbreads. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place 2 large flatbreads on a cookie sheet—those ready-made versions make this so easy! Brush the entire surface of the flatbreads with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, but leave that outer inch bare (we want those edges nice and crispy!).

Now, let’s layer the goodness! Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. This is my favorite part—it gets messy, but that’s where the fun comes in! Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the Dutch oven, keeping it on low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, don’t hesitate to add some more BBQ sauce or a splash of water to moisten it up.

Now, top your oiled flatbreads with a hearty sprinkle of 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion, and 8 ounces of crushed or chunk pineapple (make sure it’s drained!). Once you’ve got it all layered, it’s time for the oven. Bake these beauties for around 8-10 minutes, until you see that cheese melting and the edges turning golden brown.

Finally, pull those pizzas out and add the shredded BBQ chicken on top followed by a sprinkle of fresh ½ cup cilantro. Cut them into squares, and don’t forget to drizzle with ranch dressing! Trust me, this final touch takes them to the next level. Now dive in and enjoy your delicious creation—you just made dinner magic happen!

Quick Preparation Tips for BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

If you’re looking to speed things up and make this delicious BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough) even easier, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve! First off, consider pre-cooking your chicken. You can grill or bake it ahead of time, shred it, and then just toss it in with your BBQ sauce when you’re ready to assemble. This cuts down on cooking time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze!

Another time-saver is using store-bought BBQ sauce. There are some really tasty options out there that’ll save you from the hassle of making your own from scratch. Plus, it gives you more time to get everything else ready! And let’s not forget about the beauty of shortcut dough! Those ready-made flatbreads not only save time, but they also allow you to create personalized pizzas that your family will love without the fuss. Trust me, I’ve tried it all, and these tricks make for smooth sailing on pizza night!

For more quick recipes like this one, check out my BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. They’re another family favorite!

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

When it comes to enjoying your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! I love to pair these delightful bites with a fresh side salad to balance out the flavors. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette really hits the spot. For those extra hungry family members, add a platter of crispy veggie sticks paired with a creamy ranch dip—perfect for snacking!

And don’t forget about drinks! A refreshing lemonade or even a fizzy sparkling water can be the perfect complement to this meal. If you want to make it feel more like a pizza party, let everyone customize their flatbreads with their favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado slices. The more, the merrier! For more fun pizza ideas, check out my Mini Spider Pizzas—they’re always a hit with the kids!

Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

When you’re juggling a busy week, knowing that your meals can be both delicious and nutritious is a must! These BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas have a wonderful balance of flavors while packing a decent nutritional punch. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition you can expect:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g (with 10g saturated fat)
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust as needed to fit your family’s dietary preferences! Enjoy knowing that you’re serving a meal that’s as good for the body as it is for the soul.

Tips for Success with BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

Alright, let’s talk about a few tips that’ll help you nail these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas every single time! First off, it’s super important to make sure your chicken is cooked properly. Always use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This not only keeps things safe but ensures your chicken stays juicy and tender—nobody likes dry chicken, right?

Another thing to watch out for is soggy flatbreads. To avoid that, make sure you don’t over-sauce the flatbreads before adding your toppings. Just a light brush of olive oil does wonders while keeping the crust crispy. And if your BBQ sauce thickens too much while cooking, add a splash of water to loosen it up!

Lastly, don’t be afraid to customize! If you have other veggies in the fridge, like bell peppers or mushrooms, toss them on! Make it your own, and it’ll surely become a family favorite. For more quick meal ideas, check out my 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken—another easy dinner solution!

FAQ about BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

Can I use different types of flatbreads for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love using gluten-free flatbreads, you can use any type that’s available to you, like pita bread or even naan. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly depending on the thickness!

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?

No worries! You can swap in another sauce, like teriyaki or even a homemade garlic olive oil. This gives a fun twist, and you’ll still get a delicious result. It’s all about finding what works for your family!

How can I make these pizzas ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time for dinner, just assemble the flatbreads and bake them. This makes it a super easy meal for your busy pizza nights!

Are these flatbread pizzas easily customizable?

Totally! This recipe is a semi-homemade dream, and you can top it with whatever your family loves! Consider adding bell peppers, jalapeños, or even some leafy greens to sneak in extra veggies.

What’s a good drink pairing for BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas?

I recommend serving them with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade. If you want something bubbly, sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice is perfect for keeping the meal light and fun!

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas (Shortcut Dough). Here are just a few that make this dish a family favorite:

• Quick Preparation: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a homemade dinner even on your busiest nights!
• Family-Friendly Flavors: The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce combined with melty cheese and fresh toppings is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatility: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your family’s preferences—everyone can build their perfect slice!
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a meal that keeps everyone satisfied without feeling heavy.
• Fun to Make: Get the kids involved in assembling their own flatbreads for a pizza night the whole family can enjoy!

Trust me, making these BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas will transform your dinner routine into a fun and delicious adventure!