The Irresistible Panera BBQ Chicken Flatbread

If you’re searching for a delicious and quick dinner option, look no further than this mouthwatering BBQ chicken flatbread! This flavorful BBQ chicken pizza can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. With a ready-made flatbread base and a few simple toppings, you’ll have a satisfying and filling dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a refreshing salad or side dish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this homemade barbecue chicken flatbread inspired by the flavors of Panera.

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Why You’ll Be Hooked

• A Copycat Delight: Whether you’re a fan of California Pizza Kitchen or you crave the flavors of Panera, this grilled chicken, bacon, and red onion flatbread pizza will satisfy your cravings.
• Simplicity at its Finest: Start with a pre-made flatbread, cook the chicken and bacon, assemble the toppings, and bake. It really is that easy!
• Dazzle Your Guests: Impress your loved ones with this seemingly complex dish that’s actually a breeze to make. Accept their praise with a smile!

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Flatbread

To create this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:

• Flatbread crust
• Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
• Bacon
• Mozzarella (cheddar or other cheese variations work too)
• Red onion
• BBQ sauce
• Carrot
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Optional: garlic powder for extra flavor

How to Prepare the Panera BBQ Chicken Flatbread

For detailed instructions and precise measurements, refer to the printable recipe card. Here is a brief overview of the steps involved:

1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then cook the chicken in the rendered bacon grease.
2. Prepare the remaining toppings by slicing the red onion, shredding the carrot, and chopping the green onions.
3. Tear the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.
4. Brush BBQ sauce over the flatbread and layer with mozzarella cheese, BBQ chicken, bacon, more mozzarella cheese, red onion, and carrot.
5. Bake the flatbread in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top with green onions, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
7. Serve piping hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of the Panera BBQ chicken flatbread!

Mastering Flatbread Pizza at Home

Creating a barbecue chicken flatbread masterpiece at home is easier than you might think. With minimal ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can indulge in a homemade flatbread pizza that rivals your favorite restaurant versions.

As you cook the bacon and BBQ chicken breasts, take a moment to prepare the vegetables. Once the crust is ready, top it with a harmonious combination of BBQ sauce, cheese, chicken, bacon, more cheese, and veggies. Voila! Your easy BBQ chicken pizza is now ready to be baked to perfection.

Pro Tip: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting available. If it doesn’t reach 500 degrees F, simply crank it up as high as it goes. The result will be a tantalizingly crispy barbecue chicken flatbread. If you prefer, you can also cook it on a grill, making sure to avoid placing it too close to the flame to prevent burning.

Don’t forget to add a final touch to your masterpiece by garnishing it with green onions, fresh cilantro, an extra drizzle of sauce, and even a touch of extra-virgin olive oil if desired. In just 20 minutes, or under 30 minutes, you’ll be treated to a shredded chicken flatbread that will impress even the toughest food critics.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild: Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations

The beauty of making flatbread pizza at home lies in the countless possibilities for customization. Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican blend. If you crave a bit of heat, sliced jalapenos or pepperoncini will add a delightful kick. Alternatively, you can mix extra chili powder into the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.

Feel free to explore other delicious additions, such as pineapple chunks (drained well) or sliced red bell peppers. For a unique twist, substitute chicken with turkey or swap bacon for ham. When you make flatbread pizza at home, the choice of ingredients is entirely up to you. Whether you opt for the classic Panera BBQ chicken flatbread or create your own flavor combination, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Finding the Perfect Flatbread Crust

To save time and enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience, consider using a readymade crust for your flatbread pizza. Alternatively, you can use a flatbread crust mix or even make your own from scratch if you have the time and inclination. Kinnikinnick flatbread crusts are a reliable option as they are easy to heat and serve, allowing you to create this easy BBQ chicken pizza in record time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try unique alternatives like regular pizza dough, flour tortillas, or plain or garlic naan bread.

Decoding the Difference Between Flatbread and Pizza

The terms flatbread, pizza, and flatbread pizza can sometimes be used interchangeably. So, what sets them apart? The primary distinction lies in the dough. Pizza dough typically contains yeast and is often topped with tomato sauce and cheese. On the other hand, unyeasted flatbread, like the Panera-style BBQ chicken flatbread, is characterized by its thinner crust and often skips the tomato-based sauce.

While pizzas tend to be generously topped or have more extensive ingredient combinations, flatbreads are typically smaller and simpler. Nevertheless, the terms flatbread and pizza share many similarities, and the boundaries can blur. If you’re a fan of Panera’s BBQ crispy flatbread, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds.

Smart Shortcut Tips for Flatbread Pizza

In addition to using a pre-made flatbread crust, there are a few other shortcuts you can take to streamline the cooking process. If you have leftover chicken and bacon, feel free to use them in this recipe for an even quicker meal prep. It’s an excellent way to repurpose your leftovers!

To save time, opt for shredded cheese instead of grating your own. You can also find pre-shredded vegetables at your local grocery store, allowing you to skip the chopping process. These shortcuts will help you whip up a delicious flatbread pizza in no time.

How to Store Flatbread Pizza

If by some miracle you have any leftovers, here are a few tips for storing your flatbread pizza:

• Store: Keep the leftovers covered and refrigerated, and consume them within three days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the flatbread pizza, but make sure to exclude the green onions and cilantro, as they may become mushy. Double-bag the leftovers to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Microwave the leftovers to warm them up, ensuring they are thawed if frozen.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Flatbread

Once you discover how easy it is to make flatbread pizza at home, you’ll find yourself craving it frequently. Wondering how to elevate your BBQ chicken pizza experience? Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Fresh Salad: The rich and spicy flatbread pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light and zesty lemon vinaigrette.
• Heartier Accompaniments: For a heartier meal, consider serving the flatbread pizza alongside sautéed Brussels sprouts or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in this tantalizing BBQ chicken flatbread recipe. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a delicious homemade flatbread pizza in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re aiming to recreate the mouthwatering flavors of Panera or explore your culinary creativity, this homemade barbecue chicken flatbread is sure to delight your taste buds. So go ahead and give it a try!

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Happy cooking and enjoy your delectable BBQ chicken flatbread adventure!

Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ