If you love that smoky, tangy flavor of grilled chicken but want something quick and irresistibly tasty, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded chicken smothered in barbecue sauce with gooey mozzarella cheese and a crispy, warm flatbread base. Every bite bursts with savory goodness and fresh, vibrant toppings, making it a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend snack that feels special. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you can satisfy those BBQ cravings anytime without firing up the grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s adding a saucy punch, melty texture, or a fresh bite. With just a handful of simple components, you’ll create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Flatbread (naan or your choice): This serves as the sturdy, crisp base that holds all the toppings together perfectly.
- Cooked shredded chicken (1 cup): A tender protein that soaks up the barbecue sauce, bringing richness and heartiness.
- Barbecue sauce (1/3 cup): The star flavor, providing tang, sweetness, and a lovely smoky vibe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup): Melts into creamy, stringy perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy blanket.
- Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Adds a bright crunch and mild sharpness to balance the richness.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A sprinkle of greenery to brighten and add freshness at the end.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon, optional): For brushing the crust if you want an extra golden, crisp finish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Placing the flatbread on the lined sheet ensures it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Grab your cooked, shredded chicken and toss it with a few tablespoons of the barbecue sauce until every piece is gloriously coated. This step infuses the chicken with the BBQ flavor, making every bite tangy and juicy.
Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Now, spread the remaining barbecue sauce generously over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. This saucy layer forms the delicious base under the cheese and chicken, so don’t be shy here!
Step 4: Assemble Your Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced flatbread, then scatter the barbecue-coated chicken on top. Add thin slices of red onion for that perfect bite of crunch and slight sharpness that complements the sweet and smoky flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled flatbread into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly, melted cheese and golden crispy edges on the flatbread—a sure sign it’s ready to come out!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of green and a fresh herbal note. Slice it up and get ready to dive in while it’s warm and gooey.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley aren’t just for color; they brighten up each bite and cut through the richness with their lively aroma. For an extra kick, try a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
Side Dishes
This flatbread pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or coleslaw. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries add warmth and texture, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe into party-friendly appetizers by slicing it into smaller squares or strips. Serve on a wooden board with small bowls of extra barbecue sauce or ranch for dipping. It’s a sure hit when you want to impress without stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover flatbread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked flatbread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your flatbread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic stringy texture, you can experiment with cheddar or a blend for a sharper flavor.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken ensures your flatbread cooks quickly without drying out the meat. You can use leftover rotisserie, grilled, or even shredded baked chicken.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely try it with barbecue jackfruit or marinated tofu in place of chicken for a tasty vegetarian twist that keeps all the bold BBQ flavors.
What type of flatbread is best?
Naan works beautifully because of its soft, pliable yet sturdy texture, but pita or other artisan flatbreads can be delicious choices too.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe?
The level of spice depends on your barbecue sauce; choose mild, sweet, or spicy varieties based on your preference and even add chili flakes for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. Whether you need a quick weekday dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles and happy tummies. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time!
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring a crispy flatbread base topped with tangy barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh red onions, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, this flatbread offers an easy way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors in a handheld pizza-style meal.
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 1 flatbread (naan or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
BBQ Chicken Topping
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the flatbread on the prepared baking sheet to get ready for topping and baking.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken and toss it with a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce until the chicken is well coated in the sauce, enabling rich flavor in every bite.
- Spread BBQ Sauce: Evenly spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent sogginess and create a nice crust.
- Assemble Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced flatbread, then add the barbecue-coated chicken on top. Distribute the thinly sliced red onions evenly across the flatbread to add a sharp, fresh contrast.
- Bake the Flatbread: Place the assembled flatbread in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden and the edges of the flatbread are crisp and golden browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish. Slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use naan, pita, or any flatbread of your choice as the base.
- For extra crispiness, brush the edges of the flatbread with olive oil before baking.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time; rotisserie chicken works great.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding sliced jalapeños, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
