BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula

If you’re craving something that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ with the fresh bite of greens, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula is going to be your new favorite go-to. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Using just one flatbread, shredded cooked chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted mozzarella, and topped with peppery arugula, this pizza is a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I adore most about this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula is how effortlessly it transforms everyday ingredients into something spectacular. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, and the fresh arugula on top adds that peppery crunch that brightens the whole dish. The combination of gooey mozzarella and sweet BBQ sauce is comfort food at its best without being heavy or greasy. Also, because it’s made on a flatbread, the crust is thin and crispy, providing a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken and fresh veggies. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a crowd, this recipe is a winner every time.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 flatbread: The base of this pizza; thin and crispy flatbreads work best for a perfectly crunchy crust.
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand for convenience and flavor.
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce – smoky, sweet, or spicy depending on your preference.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that classic pizza gooeyness.
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to balance the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst with juicy freshness, complementing the savory elements.
• 1 cup fresh arugula: The star green topping providing peppery notes and vibrant color.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly drizzle over the arugula and flatbread for extra flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or pizza stone: For baking the flatbread pizza evenly and crisping the crust.
• Oven: Preheated to ensure a crispy base and melted cheese.
• Knife and cutting board: To thinly slice onions and halve cherry tomatoes.
• Mixing bowl: To toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
• Spatula or tongs: Helpful for spreading the sauce and handling the pizza.

Step-by-Step: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will crisp the flatbread nicely without drying out the toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken topping

In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated. This ensures every bite is saucy and flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the pizza

Place your flatbread on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 4: Bake until bubbly

Pop the pizza into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the flatbread edges are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add fresh arugula

Once out of the oven, immediately top the pizza with fresh arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The warm pizza slightly wilts the arugula, marrying the flavors perfectly without losing its crunch.

Step 6: Slice and serve

Cut your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula into slices and enjoy right away with a crisp side salad or some roasted veggies.

Fresh Seasonal Changes

• Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers in the winter months for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Add thinly sliced fresh figs or pears in the fall to complement the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.
• In the summer, toss on some grilled corn kernels for a sweet, smoky crunch.
• Try swapping arugula with baby spinach or watercress if you prefer a milder green.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

• If your flatbread gets soggy, try pre-baking it for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings to create a sturdier base.
• If the cheese isn’t melting evenly, ensure your oven is fully preheated and the pizza is placed in the center rack for consistent heat.
• Too spicy BBQ sauce? Balance with extra cheese or add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top after baking.
• Onions too sharp? Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before using to mellow their bite.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness, or use a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Freezing is possible but not recommended for the arugula topping. If you want to freeze, bake the pizza without adding arugula, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat as above and add fresh arugula after warming.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula FAQs

Can I use chicken other than shredded cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can use diced grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover chicken from your favorite recipes. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding to the flatbread.

What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?

If you want a different cheese, try provolone or a mild cheddar for a twist. Vegan cheese alternatives also work well if you’re avoiding dairy.

How do I make this pizza spicier?

Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking or drizzle some hot sauce over the arugula topping. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to amp up the heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and keep the BBQ sauce and cheese. The arugula and tomatoes will add fresh flavors without missing the meat.

Try These Next

• Honey Garlic Chicken – A sweet and savory chicken dish that pairs beautifully with simple sides.
• Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Arugula Salad – A vibrant salad that complements the peppery arugula topping on this pizza.

That’s a Wrap

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Arugula is a must-try for anyone who loves a blend of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors all in one bite. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for busy days or casual entertaining. The combination of tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and peppery greens on a crispy flatbread creates an irresistible meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Next time you want to shake up your pizza night, this recipe will be ready to impress without any fuss.

Share on Pinterest