BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread features tender grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melted mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, and fresh red onions atop a thin, crispy flatbread crust, delivering a savory and smoky flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Basting brush or spoon
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 flatbread crust
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken breast
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
The combination of shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses offers a balanced creamy and smoky taste essential to the BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza's signature flavor. Using cooked grilled chicken breast ensures tender, flavorful protein that complements the tangy barbecue sauce. Thinly slicing fresh red onions adds a sharp yet sweet contrast that enhances the overall taste profile. You should choose a thin, crispy flatbread crust to achieve the ideal texture with the perfect crunch. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread copycat menu brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Place flatbread crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over flatbread using basting brush or spoon.
- Evenly distribute cooked grilled chicken breast over sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses over chicken.
- Scatter thinly sliced red onion on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and edges are crispy.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over pizza.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Substitution
The BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread copycat recipe combines smoky barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and melted cheeses over a crispy flatbread crust, capturing the dish's signature bold flavors. If you don't have smoked gouda, substituting with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese maintains the smoky richness without overpowering the other ingredients. When grilling chicken is inconvenient, using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken strips works just as well, saving prep time. Your flatbread crust can be swapped for naan or pita bread for a slightly different texture but similarly satisfying crunch. Be sure to add fresh cilantro just before serving to preserve its bright, herbal notes and enhance the overall freshness.
Tips
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425degF before baking to achieve the perfect crispy crust and melted cheese. Use a pizza stone if possible, as it retains heat better than a baking sheet, resulting in a crunchier flatbread. When spreading barbecue sauce, avoid over-saturating the flatbread to prevent sogginess while maintaining balanced flavor. After baking, add fresh cilantro just before serving to preserve its vibrant aroma and taste, enhancing your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza experience.
Nutritions
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, with grilled chicken delivering a high-quality protein source essential for muscle repair and growth. The combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses adds calcium and healthy fats, supporting bone health and satiety. Barbecue sauce and flatbread crust contribute carbohydrates that supply quick energy, while red onions and fresh cilantro offer antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C. To maintain a nutritious meal, consider controlling portion size and pairing your pizza with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet or pizza stone to restore the crispy crust and melty cheeses.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap grilled chicken breast with pulled pork or smoked sausage for a different smoky flavor profile. Try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to add a sharper and creamier taste. For a twist on the cooking process, grill the assembled flatbread directly on the grill for a charred crust and enhanced smoky aroma. Consider adding thin slices of jalapeno or a drizzle of honey for extra heat or sweetness that complements the barbecue sauce.
Allergies
The BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread contains dairy from mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The barbecue sauce may contain soy or gluten ingredients, posing a risk for those with soy or wheat allergies. If you have any food allergies, carefully review the ingredient list or consult with Panera Bread staff before ordering to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza from Panera Bread combines tender grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crisp flatbread crust, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal option. The balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, making it a popular choice among customers. You can replicate this delicious combination at home using fresh ingredients, allowing for customization and cost savings compared to ordering at the restaurant. Making the copycat version also offers the opportunity to enjoy a healthier, homemade alternative without compromising on taste.