Looking for a quick, easy, and customizable pizza option? Try Pita Pizza! This twist on traditional pizza uses whole wheat pita bread as a base, and in just 15 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza with minimal effort. With BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, cooked chicken, and red onions, this recipe is perfect for a fast meal that’s fun for the whole family. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—swap out toppings to suit your preferences!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 10-inch whole wheat pita bread

• 3 tbsp BBQ sauce

• 3 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

• 2 tbsp thinly sliced red onions

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the pita bread on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Spread the BBQ sauce evenly on top of the pita bread.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

5. Add the cooked chicken pieces and sliced red onions on top.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

7. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and slice the pita pizza into wedges.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 436 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 56g

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 1081mg

• Potassium: 370mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 20g

• Vitamin A: 425 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 260mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Pita Bread Makes the Perfect Pizza Base

Pita bread, especially whole wheat pita, is an excellent base for pizza due to its size, texture, and convenience. It offers a thinner, crispier crust compared to traditional pizza dough, which means it cooks faster and has less fat and calories. The whole wheat version adds nutritional benefits, as it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are often lost in refined flour-based crusts.

Using pita bread also simplifies the process of making pizza. There’s no need for dough to rise or long preparation times. Simply use the pita bread as the base, layer on the toppings, and bake. This makes it an ideal choice for a last-minute meal or a quick lunch, without sacrificing the satisfaction of enjoying a homemade pizza.

The texture of pita bread gives the pizza a unique, crispy edge, while the center remains soft enough to hold all your favorite toppings. The slightly chewy quality of the bread contrasts well with the gooey cheese and other savory ingredients, making every bite a delicious experience.

BBQ Sauce: A Flavorful Twist

One of the standout ingredients in this Pita Pizza recipe is the BBQ sauce. While traditional pizzas often use marinara sauce, BBQ sauce brings a unique tangy, smoky flavor to the dish. The sweetness and acidity of BBQ sauce complement the savory toppings, such as the mozzarella cheese and chicken, in a way that’s both unexpected and satisfying.

The BBQ sauce creates a rich, flavorful base for the pizza, giving it a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Whether you’re using store-bought BBQ sauce or making your own, the sauce adds a dimension of flavor that makes this pizza stand out from the typical pizza you might order or make at home. It’s also a great way to add a little extra zest and excitement to a simple, homemade pizza.

Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and Melty Goodness

No pizza is complete without cheese, and mozzarella is the perfect choice for this Pita Pizza recipe. Its mild flavor and smooth, stretchy texture make it a crowd-pleasing option. When melted, mozzarella creates a creamy layer on top of the pizza that helps bind together the BBQ sauce, chicken, and vegetables.

Mozzarella cheese also has the perfect meltability, which means it becomes gooey and bubbly when baked in the oven. The rich and cheesy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust, offering the signature pizza experience without the heavy dough base. For those who love cheese, mozzarella provides just the right balance between flavor and creaminess, making each bite a delicious combination of flavors.

Cooked Chicken: Adding Protein and Heartiness

The addition of cooked chicken makes this Pita Pizza a complete meal, adding a substantial amount of protein that helps fill you up and keeps you satisfied longer. Chicken is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with the BBQ sauce, adding a savory flavor and a meaty texture that balances out the richness of the cheese. The cooked chicken also soaks up some of the BBQ sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.

You can use leftover cooked chicken for convenience, or cook fresh chicken breasts for a leaner option. Whether you use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken, the chicken adds both substance and flavor to the pizza. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate protein into your meal without the need for additional toppings like pepperoni or sausage.

Red Onions: A Pop of Flavor and Color

Red onions provide a sharp, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the richness of the cheese. Thinly sliced red onions cook quickly in the oven, softening and becoming sweeter, while still maintaining their distinctive flavor. The slight crunch of the red onions adds an extra texture to the pizza that complements the other ingredients.

In addition to their flavor, red onions also add a pop of color to the pizza. Their vibrant purple hue contrasts nicely with the golden cheese and brown chicken, making the pizza visually appealing. Red onions are a simple yet impactful topping that elevates the overall taste and appearance of the dish.

A Fun and Customizable Meal for Everyone

One of the best things about Pita Pizza is how easy it is to customize. The basic recipe provides a great foundation, but the toppings can be changed to suit any preference. Whether you want to add more vegetables, switch up the protein, or use a different sauce, the possibilities are endless.

For a vegetarian version, try using grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in place of the chicken. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or feta, for a new twist on the classic recipe. For those who like a little heat, adding some jalapeños or red pepper flakes will give the pizza a spicy kick.

Pita Pizza is also great for families because everyone can personalize their own pizza. Set up a toppings bar with a variety of options, such as spinach, olives, pineapple, and sausage, and let each person create their perfect pizza. This makes the meal both fun and interactive, while ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want.

A Healthy and Quick Meal Option

While Pita Pizza is delicious, it’s also a healthier option compared to traditional pizza. By using whole wheat pita bread, you’re already adding a healthier base, with more fiber and nutrients than refined white flour pizza crusts. Additionally, the toppings can be tailored to suit your dietary needs—whether you’re looking for a low-calorie option, want to reduce sodium intake, or are aiming to eat more plant-based ingredients.

Using BBQ sauce instead of a heavier tomato-based sauce also reduces the calorie count, while still providing plenty of flavor. Opting for lean protein, such as chicken, and incorporating vegetables ensures that the pizza is balanced and filling without being overly indulgent. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a quick meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, Pita Pizza checks all the boxes.

A Quick and Fun Meal for Busy Nights

One of the biggest advantages of Pita Pizza is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you can have a piping hot pizza ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for busy nights when you don’t have the time or energy to make a traditional pizza from scratch. The simplicity of the recipe also means minimal cleanup—just one baking sheet and a few utensils.

Pita Pizza is perfect for nights when you’re craving pizza but want to save time. The whole wheat pita provides a crisp base, and the quick cooking time ensures that the pizza is ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this pizza is a great way to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.

Conclusion: A Quick, Customizable, and Delicious Pizza Option

Pita Pizza offers a quick, easy, and customizable way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the hassle of traditional pizza dough. The whole wheat pita serves as a light and crispy base, while the BBQ chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onions create a delicious combination of flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving pizza but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

What makes Pita Pizza truly special is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, making it an excellent option for everyone in your household. Whether you prefer a classic combination or want to try something new, Pita Pizza is the perfect solution for a quick, satisfying meal. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade pizza that’s both delicious and nutritious, proving that even quick meals can be both tasty and rewarding.