BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist

Name: BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2 store-bought flatbreads or naan; 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup pineapple chunks, drained; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish; Jalapeño slices; Crumbled feta or goat cheese; Drizzle of ranch or chipotle mayo

Author: rodrigo Stone

Published: July 28, 2025

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Looking for a quick yet flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even as a fun party appetizer? This BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread is the answer. With its smoky BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, caramelized pineapple, and gooey melted cheese on a crisp flatbread crust, it’s a recipe that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

Inspired by classic Hawaiian pizza but elevated with a gourmet twist, this flatbread is ideal for those who love the combination of tangy barbecue and tropical pineapple. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer or baking indoors during cooler months, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make it, tips for perfecting the crust, and creative variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Flatbread

2 store-bought flatbreads or naan (or homemade flatbread)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
½ cup BBQ sauce (choose a smoky or spicy blend)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Toppings

Jalapeño slices for heat
Crumbled feta or goat cheese for tang
A drizzle of ranch or chipotle mayo for extra flavor

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread

1. Preheat the Oven or Grill

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, heat it to medium-high. This ensures a crispy crust while melting the cheese perfectly.

2. Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over the flatbread later.

3. Assemble the Flatbread

Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet or grill-safe pan.
Brush lightly with olive oil to help crisp the base.
Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly across both flatbreads.
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken, pineapple chunks, and red onion slices on top.

4. Bake or Grill

Oven method: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Grill method: Place directly on the grill for 5–7 minutes, covered, until the crust is toasted and cheese melted.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven or grill. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle with ranch or spicy BBQ sauce. Slice and serve immediately while warm.

Why This Flatbread Works

This recipe hits all the right notes—smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory—making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The crisp flatbread acts as a perfect canvas for bold flavors, while pineapple adds a burst of juiciness that balances the smoky BBQ sauce and melted cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized endlessly, ensuring it never feels repetitive.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread

1. Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce

The sauce is the backbone of this recipe. Choose a BBQ sauce with a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and smokiness. If you prefer spicy, try a chipotle-infused sauce.

2. Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple

Fresh pineapple delivers a more vibrant and less sugary flavor compared to canned. If using canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid soggy flatbread.

3. Cheese Variations

Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in a bit of smoked gouda or cheddar adds depth to the flavor.

4. Crispy Crust Technique

Brush the flatbread with olive oil and pre-bake for 2 minutes before adding toppings to achieve extra crispiness.

5. Grill for Smoky Flavor

If you have access to a grill, it enhances the smoky profile of the BBQ chicken and creates beautiful char marks.

Creative Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can customize it:

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Hawaiian-Inspired: Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces over the top.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
Buffalo Twist: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and top with a drizzle of ranch.
Cheesy Delight: Layer with multiple cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella for a richer profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This flatbread is excellent for meal prep:

Make-Ahead: Assemble flatbreads and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Freezing: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cook time.
Storing Leftovers: Store cooked slices in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.

Perfect Pairings

This BBQ Chicken Pineapple Flatbread pairs beautifully with refreshing sides and beverages:

Salads: A crisp coleslaw or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer complements the smoky-sweet flavors.
Dips: Serve with a side of ranch, chipotle mayo, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Easily adapt to different diets and flavor preferences.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids alike.
Restaurant-Quality: Crispy crust, melty cheese, and bold flavors without leaving your kitchen.