This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread is an absolute flavor bomb that comes together in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers that irresistible sweet-savory combo with melty cheese, tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and tangy BBQ sauce, all piled high on a crisp, golden flatbread. Youโll only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to whip up this weeknight wonder. Itโs fun, customizable, and just so delicious!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, start to finish. Yes, itโs that fast.
- Flavor-Packed: A perfect balance of sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ, and melty cheese.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a few simple items, most of which you probably already have.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone will ask for seconds!
Ingredients Youโll Need
- Flatbread: The base for everything. Use store-bought naan or pita for convenience.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped, it adds protein and heartiness.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy, smoky sweetness. Go for your favorite brand or homemade.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and holds everything together.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch.
- Pineapple Chunks: The star of that Hawaiian twist. Fresh or canned both work great.
- Cilantro: Optional, but it brightens up every bite with a fresh finish.
Variations
- Spicy Hawaiian: Add sliced jalapeรฑos or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
- Veggie Delight: Swap chicken with roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Tropical Twist: Try mango or papaya instead of pineapple for a different fruit note.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smoky touch.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Assemble
Place flatbreads on the baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each one. Top with shredded chicken, red onion slices, pineapple chunks, and a handful of mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the edges of the flatbread are crisp.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Slice and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: A huge time-saver that packs in flavor.
- Drain Pineapple Well: To prevent soggy flatbread, pat the pineapple chunks dry before using.
- Donโt Overload: Keep toppings balanced so everything cooks evenly and stays crisp.
- Grill Option: You can also grill the flatbread for a smoky charred crust.
How to Serve
Serve this flatbread hot and fresh, straight from the oven. It makes a fantastic main dish paired with a side salad or roasted veggies. Cut into small pieces, it also works perfectly as a party appetizer or game-day snack. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade makes an ideal drink pairing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) flatbreads. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375ยฐF oven until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Yes! Naan, pita, or even tortillas all work well as the base for this flatbread. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and load up on veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or even grilled tofu.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
Any kind you love! Sweet, smoky, spicyโjust make sure it complements the pineapple and chicken.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the flatbreads and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. Great for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. Itโs bold in flavor, blissfully easy to make, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy every melty, tangy, pineapple-packed bite!
PrintHawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 flatbreads (6 servings) 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make flatbread topped with BBQ chicken, pineapple, onions, cheese, and cilantroโโโperfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken tenders)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 flatbreads (e.g. naan or flatout)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (+ extra for drizzle)
- 4 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or blend)
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Pat chicken dry, sprinkle rub on both sides, then grill or panโcook over mediumโhigh heat for about 4โ5โฏminutes per side (until 165โฏยฐF). Let rest 10โฏminutes, then slice or chop.
- Preheat oven to 400โฏยฐF.
- Place flatbreads on a baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup BBQ sauce on each.
- Top with about 1 cup cheese, then chicken, pineapple, and red onion.
- Bake 10โ12 minutes until flatbreads are crisp and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro and drizzle extra BBQ sauce before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, steak, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce; spicy varieties pair nicely with sweetness.
- Flatbreads like naan, lavash, or regular pizza crust all work.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For glutenโfree, use glutenโfree flatbreads and BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 840 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 2114 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 77 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
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