Grilled Chicken Flatbread Pizzas: A Backyard BBQ Reinvention

The smell of charcoal smoke always takes me back to summer evenings at my family’s home, the air thick with anticipation. While burgers and dogs were staples, my dad, ever the innovator, loved experimenting with leftovers. One evening, after a particularly successful barbecue, he unveiled these incredible grilled flatbread pizzas, transforming leftover grilled chicken into something truly special. The smoky char of the grill, the melty mozzarella, and the burst of fresh basil – it was a revelation! These pizzas became a beloved tradition, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and creative reuse.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 flatbread pizzas
• Dietary Type: Varies depending on flatbread (can be gluten-free)

Ingredients

• 4 flat breads (you can use thin pita bread)
• 1 1/2 cups of sliced leftover grilled chicken
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, coarsely chopped
• 6 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment Needed

• Grill
• Mixing Bowl
• Pizza Cutter (or large knife)
• Bread board or large platter

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your grill. You’ll want a medium heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread. If your grill has multiple burners, consider using only one or two to create a cooler zone.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced leftover grilled chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, grated mozzarella cheese, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. This ensures even distribution of flavors and prevents clumping of the cheese.

3. Once the grill is heated, reduce the heat to low. This is crucial to prevent the flatbread from burning before the cheese has a chance to melt. If your grill has a high rack, position it to provide some distance between the flatbread and the flame.

4. Carefully place the flat breads directly onto the grill grates.

5. Immediately mound the chicken and cheese mixture evenly onto each flat bread, spreading it to the edges. Don’t overload the flatbreads, as this can make them difficult to handle and may prevent the cheese from melting evenly.

6. Close the grill lid and cook for just a minute or two, checking frequently to prevent burning. The pizzas are done when the mozzarella cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the flat bread is lightly toasted around the edges. It’s a delicate balance – you want the cheese melted and gooey, but the bread shouldn’t be charred.

7. Remove the grilled chicken flatbread pizzas from the grill and transfer them to a bread board or large platter.

8. Use a pizza cutter or a large knife to cut each flatbread into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Flavor Boost: To enhance the smoky flavor, add a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce to the chicken mixture before assembling the pizzas.

• Cheese Selection: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes the grilling process even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

• Grill Maintenance: Make sure your grill grates are clean before you start grilling. This will prevent the flatbreads from sticking and ensure even cooking. Lightly oiling the grates can also help.

• Dealing with flare-ups: If you experience flare-ups while grilling, simply move the flatbread pizzas to a cooler part of the grill or briefly lift the lid to reduce the heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these grilled chicken flatbread pizzas immediately while the cheese is still melted and bubbly. They are perfect as a quick lunch, a casual appetizer, or a light dinner. Garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Leftover flatbread pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven, a conventional oven, or even the grill again. For best results, reheat at a low temperature to prevent the bread from becoming too hard or burnt. These are best consumed fresh but can be reheated with good results. They do not freeze well.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	371 kcal	N/A
Fat	22.7g	34%
Saturated Fat	11.9g	59%
Cholesterol	111mg	36%
Sodium	1183.8mg	49%
Carbohydrate	5.7g	1%
Fiber	1.1g	4%
Sugars	0.9g	3%
Protein	35.7g	71%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the grilled chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra spicy kick.

• Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese and add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flatbread pizza.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbreads or pita bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Different Herbs: If you don’t have fresh basil, try using other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of leftover grilled chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great substitute and adds a delicious flavor. Just shred the chicken and use it in the recipe as directed.

Q: How do I prevent the flatbread from burning on the grill?
A: The key is to use low heat and keep a close eye on the flatbreads. If your grill tends to run hot, consider using indirect heat by turning off one of the burners.

Q: Can I make these pizzas in the oven instead of on the grill?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the flatbread pizzas on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q: What can I do if my sun-dried tomatoes are not packed in oil?
A: If your sun-dried tomatoes are dry, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before chopping.

Q: Can I add other toppings to these flatbread pizzas?
A: Definitely! Feel free to customize the pizzas with your favorite toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are more than just a recipe; they are a delicious way to transform leftovers into something extraordinary. The combination of smoky grilled flavor, melty cheese, and fresh basil creates a truly unforgettable dish. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with these easy and delicious flatbread pizzas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique masterpiece. Share your creations with friends and family, and let them experience the joy of simple, delicious food!