BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza: A Quick, Easy, and Flavor-Packed Meal!

Craving pizza but short on time? Or maybe you’re looking for a fun and easy way to use up leftover BBQ chicken? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza! This recipe is incredibly simple, quick to make, and packed with flavor. Using tortillas as the base makes it a lighter alternative to traditional pizza crust and allows for endless customization. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a quick lunch, this BBQ chicken tortilla pizza will become a new favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Use any type of BBQ sauce, cheese, or toppings you like to customize your pizza.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Tortillas are inexpensive and readily available.
* **Great for Leftovers:** A fantastic way to use up leftover BBQ chicken.
* **Fun for the Whole Family:** Kids will love helping assemble their own pizzas.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tortillas:** Use large flour tortillas for the best results. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
* **BBQ Sauce:** Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy – the choice is yours!
* **Cooked BBQ Chicken:** Shredded or diced. Leftover BBQ chicken works perfectly, or you can quickly grill or bake chicken and shred it.
* **Cheese:** Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Provolone can also work well.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.
* **Cilantro:** Freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness.
* **Optional Toppings:** Diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, jalapeños, bacon bits, pineapple.
* **Olive Oil:** For brushing the tortillas (optional, but helps with crisping).

## Equipment

* Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
* Pizza Cutter or Knife
* Grater (if using block cheese)
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Small Bowl (for BBQ sauce)
* Spoon or Spreader

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own delicious BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. This will help create a crispier crust. While the oven is preheating prepare the other ingredients.
* Shred or dice your cooked BBQ chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have leftover chicken, season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it.
* Thinly slice the red onion. You can soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out its sharpness if you prefer.
* Chop the fresh cilantro. Set aside a small amount for garnish.
* Grate your cheese if you’re using a block. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
* Gather any other toppings you’d like to use, such as diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or jalapeños.

**Step 2: Assemble the Pizza**

* Place a tortilla on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
* Brush the tortilla lightly with olive oil (optional). This will help it crisp up in the oven. Be careful not to use too much oil, or the crust will become soggy.
* Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge. Don’t overdo the sauce, or the crust will become soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
* Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the BBQ sauce. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.
* Top with the shredded or diced BBQ chicken. Distribute the chicken evenly over the cheese.
* Arrange the sliced red onion and any other toppings you’re using over the chicken and cheese.
* Add another light sprinkling of cheese on top to help hold the toppings in place. This is optional but recommended.

**Step 3: Bake the Pizza**

* Place the baking sheet or pizza stone with the assembled pizza in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy around the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep a close eye on the pizza.
* If you want the cheese to be extra browned, you can broil the pizza for the last minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

**Step 4: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing.
* Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
* Cut the pizza into wedges with a pizza cutter or knife.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
* **Add Some Sweetness:** Diced pineapple or a drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Gouda, or fontina.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Skip the chicken and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Try using a ranch dressing base or a pesto sauce instead of BBQ sauce.
* **Crispy Tortilla Tip:** For an extra crispy tortilla, pre-bake the tortilla for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This will help it crisp up even more.
* **Make it a Meal Prep:** Prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to make the pizza, simply assemble and bake.
* **Grill it:** You can also grill the tortilla pizza for a smoky flavor. Place the assembled pizza directly on the grill grates over medium heat and cook for a few minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

## Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment.
* **Coleslaw:** The creamy coleslaw complements the BBQ flavor of the pizza.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A classic summer side dish that pairs well with BBQ chicken.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries.
* **Chips and Dip:** A casual and easy appetizer to serve alongside the pizza.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a crispier crust. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the crust soggy.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza**

A quick, easy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknights!

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 2-4

**Ingredients:**

* 2 large flour tortillas
* 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
* 1 cup cooked BBQ chicken, shredded or diced
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite)
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
* Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, jalapeños, bacon bits, pineapple
* Olive oil (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
2. Place a tortilla on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Brush the tortilla lightly with olive oil (optional).
4. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the BBQ sauce.
6. Top with the shredded or diced BBQ chicken.
7. Arrange the sliced red onion and any other toppings you’re using over the chicken and cheese.
8. Add another light sprinkling of cheese on top (optional).
9. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two.
11. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
12. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
* For a sweeter pizza, add diced pineapple or a drizzle of honey.
* Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* For an extra crispy tortilla, pre-bake the tortilla for a few minutes before adding the toppings.

## Enjoy!

This BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy a pizza night without all the fuss. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a satisfying lunch. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy this delicious and customizable recipe!