Hey y'all! If you're searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal packed with sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread is your new go-to recipe. Juicy BBQ chicken, caramelized pineapple, gooey cheese, and crisp red onions come together on a golden, crispy flatbread—making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or even as a party appetizer. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or speedy lunch.
- The perfect balance of sweet pineapple, smoky barbecue sauce, and savory chicken.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or cheeses.
- Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy days or gatherings.
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with tropical, crowd-pleasing flavors.
Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- 2 large flatbreads (naan or pre-baked pizza crust works great)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits (drained if using canned)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken, chop or shred it now. Drain the pineapple tidbits if needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Flatbreads
Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Mix the shredded chicken with half of the barbecue sauce until well coated. Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a ½-inch border.
Step 3: Layer the Goodness
Sprinkle mozzarella and smoked gouda (or cheddar) evenly over the sauce. Top with BBQ chicken, pineapple tidbits, and sliced red onions. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the flatbreads in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve warm!
Notes for the Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a speedy shortcut.
- If you love smoky flavor, try grilling your chicken ahead of time—learn how at Simply Recipes.
- Drain pineapple well to prevent a soggy crust.
Variations on Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Spicy Hawaiian: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha before baking.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or jackfruit for a meatless twist.
- Cauliflower Crust: Use a cauliflower flatbread for a gluten-free, lower-carb option.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
How to Store Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Wrap leftover flatbread slices tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Not recommended for freezing, as the pineapple may make the crust soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Pair with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw.
- Serve as an appetizer with sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Enjoy with a refreshing pineapple cocktail or iced tea.
Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt and flavor—store-bought pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture (Real Simple).
- Let the baked flatbread rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from sliding off.
- Choose a thick, tangy BBQ sauce for maximum flavor—find top picks at Food Network.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Flatbread FAQ
- Can I use pizza dough instead of flatbread? Absolutely! Just pre-bake the dough for 8-10 minutes before adding toppings.
- What can I use instead of pineapple? Mango chunks or diced peaches can deliver a similar sweet tang.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use a certified gluten-free flatbread or cauliflower crust to make it gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 large flatbreads (serves 4-6)
Ingredients
- 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits, drained
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
-
1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
-
3Spread barbecue sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
4Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, pineapple tidbits, and red onion slices.
-
5Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
-
6Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, slice, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!