Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas: A Summer Delight

Summer is the perfect time for grilling, and what could be better than combining the smoky flavor of the grill with the creamy deliciousness of Alfredo pizza? These Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. They offer a delightful twist on traditional pizza, swapping out tomato sauce for a rich, savory Alfredo that will leave your taste buds singing. This recipe uses pre-made flatbreads for convenience, but you can certainly make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Using pre-made flatbreads drastically cuts down on prep time.
* **Grilled Flavor:** The grill adds a smoky char that elevates the entire pizza.
* **Creamy and Delicious:** The Alfredo sauce provides a rich, satisfying base.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
* **Perfect for Summer:** Light enough for warm weather, but filling enough for a complete meal.

## Ingredients

Before you fire up the grill, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 4 flatbread pizzas. Adjust quantities as needed based on the size of your flatbreads and the number of servings you desire.

### For the Grilled Chicken:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

### For the Alfredo Sauce:

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

### For the Flatbread Pizzas:

* 4 pre-made flatbreads (Naan bread also works well)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

## Equipment

* Grill
* Grill brush
* Small bowl (for mixing spices)
* Medium saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for creating these mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas.

### Step 1: Prepare the Grilled Chicken

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better on the grill. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will ensure they cook evenly.
2. **Make the Spice Rub:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a paste.
3. **Season the Chicken:** Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and create a delicious crust on the grill.
4. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates and then lightly brush them with olive oil.
5. **Grill the Chicken:** Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Rotate the chicken halfway through each side to get even grill marks.
6. **Rest and Slice:** Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

### Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Use a good quality butter for the best flavor.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep stirring constantly.
3. **Add the Cream:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not boil the cream, as it can curdle.
4. **Stir in the Parmesan Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese will help thicken the sauce.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste.
6. **Keep Warm:** Keep the Alfredo sauce warm over low heat while you prepare the flatbread pizzas. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.

### Step 3: Assemble the Flatbread Pizzas

1. **Prepare the Flatbreads:** Lightly brush the flatbreads with olive oil. This will help them to crisp up on the grill and prevent them from sticking.
2. **Add the Alfredo Sauce:** Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edge. Don’t overload the flatbreads with sauce, as they can become soggy.
3. **Add the Mozzarella Cheese:** Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the Alfredo sauce.
4. **Add the Grilled Chicken:** Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the mozzarella cheese.
5. **Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken and cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to the pizza.

### Step 4: Grill the Flatbread Pizzas

1. **Preheat the Grill (Again):** Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
2. **Grill the Pizzas:** Carefully place the assembled flatbread pizzas directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 3-5 minutes, or until the flatbreads are heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom is lightly charred. Watch closely to prevent burning. You can close the grill lid to help the cheese melt faster.
3. **Remove from Grill:** Use a spatula to carefully remove the grilled flatbread pizzas from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board.

### Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. **Garnish:** Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil leaves over the grilled flatbread pizzas. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the flatbread pizzas into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the pizza. Use good quality Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** If you are making multiple pizzas, don’t overcrowd the grill. Grill them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the grill temperature to prevent the flatbreads from burning. If the grill gets too hot, reduce the heat or move the pizzas to a cooler part of the grill.
* **Use a Pizza Stone:** If you prefer, you can use a pizza stone on the grill. Preheat the pizza stone on the grill for about 15-20 minutes before adding the pizzas. This will help to create a crispy crust.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Some other great options include: sliced mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or different types of cheese.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the grilled chicken and Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to make the pizzas, simply assemble and grill.
* **Storing Leftovers:** Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for best results. Microwaving can make the crust soggy.

## Variations

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle them over the finished pizza.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or Gorgonzola.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Add extra garlic to the Alfredo sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
* **Pesto Alfredo:** Stir a spoonful of pesto into the Alfredo sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich pizza.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions to a summer meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to end the meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 600-800 per pizza (depending on toppings and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 40-50 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

*Note: This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Conclusion

These Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizzas are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and flavorful toppings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a pizza experience like no other!

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Grilled Chicken Alfredo Flatbread Pizza. Happy grilling!