If you are craving a dish that’s both easy to whip up and packed with irresistible smoky and savory flavors, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheeses bubbling over a crispy prebaked flatbread, and the bright freshness of red onions and cilantro, this recipe brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it for a casual get-together or a cozy weeknight meal, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute a unique flavor or texture, resulting in a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s break down what you need to gather before you start cooking.
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided, plus extra for drizzling): A smoky and tangy base that gives the dish its signature flavor.
- 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken: Tender protein that soaks up the BBQ sauce to keep every bite juicy and flavorful.
- 1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread (approximately 12×7″): The crispy and chewy foundation that holds all the toppings together.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that wakes up the palate.
- 3 ounces smoked gouda cheese (shredded): Brings a deep, smoky richness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a creamy, gooey layer that balances the bold flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh and vibrant herb finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. While it heats up, stir together ½ cup of the BBQ sauce with the diced or shredded cooked chicken, making sure every piece is nicely coated. This step ensures the chicken becomes infused with that delicious BBQ flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Crisp the Flatbread
Next, place your prebaked flatbread directly on the oven grates and let it cook for about 3 minutes. This brief time crisps up the bottom, adding a delightful crunch that stands up to the juicy toppings you’ll be adding later. Once done, carefully remove the flatbread and set it on a sheet pan for easier assembly.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Layer the Toppings
Brush the entire flatbread with the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce—this double layer of sauce locks in moisture and intensifies the BBQ flavor. Then sprinkle half of the red onions and both cheeses evenly over the flatbread. Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken across the surface, followed by the remaining onions and cheese, creating layers of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection
Return the assembled flatbread to the oven and bake it for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, and the edges of the flatbread have turned a gorgeous golden brown. This final bake melds all the components into one irresistible dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the flatbread out of the oven and immediately cut it into 8 pieces. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the top and, if you like a little extra tang, drizzle on some additional BBQ sauce. Serve it hot to enjoy the best melty, smoky experience.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh chopped cilantro is a must for adding a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce. For an optional twist, you can also add a sprinkle of thinly sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh lime to add a touch of heat and acidity.
Side Dishes
Pair this flatbread with a cool crunchy salad, such as a crisp coleslaw or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the smoky richness of the flatbread without overwhelming your palate. For a heartier meal, classic baked beans or corn on the cob are great choices that keep the BBQ theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the flatbread sliced on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and fresh herbs for added customization. You can also accompany it with small plates and napkins to encourage sharing and casual, festive dining. This presentation makes it perfect for game nights, casual parties, or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks after your main meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover flatbread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen flatbread can last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your flatbread leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy crust and ensures the cheese melts back to its gooey goodness without turning soggy, unlike microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked gouda and mozzarella provide a great balance of smoky flavor and meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement BBQ flavors.
Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for this flatbread?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that’s already cooked and full of flavor, making your BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe even quicker to prepare without compromising taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even vegan BBQ “chicken” substitutes. Just toss your choice of veggies or plant-based protein in BBQ sauce and follow the recipe as usual.
What’s the best type of flatbread to use?
Look for prebaked flatbreads that are about 12×7 inches in size and firm enough to crisp up nicely without becoming too brittle. Store-bought flatbreads or naan work well—as long as they hold up under toppings and heat.
Can I prepare this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken with BBQ sauce and slice the onions ahead of time to save time before baking. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the flatbread just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for a reason: it’s bursting with bold flavors, ridiculously easy to put together, and versatile enough to serve for all sorts of occasions. If you haven’t tried it yet, I really encourage you to give it a shot—once you taste that melty cheese, smoky chicken, and crunchy onion on a crisp flatbread base, I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a quick and delicious meal featuring a crispy prebaked flatbread topped with smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and a blend of smoked gouda and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Sauce and Chicken Mixture
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, divided, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken
Flatbread and Toppings
- 1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread, approximately 12×7 inches
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for crisping the flatbread and melting the toppings.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine ½ cup of the BBQ sauce with the diced or shredded cooked chicken, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated to infuse flavor.
- Start Flatbread Crisping: Place the prebaked flatbread directly on the oven grates and bake for 3 minutes. This initial step crisps the base for a better texture. Carefully remove the flatbread using oven mitts and place it on a sheet pan for easy topping.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Brush the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the flatbread. Sprinkle half of the sliced red onion and half of the shredded cheeses (both gouda and mozzarella) over the sauce. Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken evenly on top, then top with the remaining onions and cheeses to create a deliciously layered effect.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the topped flatbread to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven and cut it into 8 pieces. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Using a prebaked flatbread helps achieve a crispy crust without additional cooking time.
- If you prefer, substitute the chicken with cooked pulled pork or tofu for variation.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright finishing touch but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Keep an eye on the flatbread during baking to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor.
