Craving BBQ Chicken Flatbread? You’re not alone.
This sweet, smoky, cheesy flatbread is one of the fastest-growing comfort food trends, and for good reason.
It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like something you’d order at a trendy gastropub.
The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes from the comfort of your own kitchen.
If you love quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor, you’ll definitely want to check out these 28 quick dinner recipes for even more inspiration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk ingredients. What you choose here can make or break your flatbread experience.
Flatbread Base:
- Store-bought flatbread, naan, or pita work great
- Homemade flatbread if you have extra time
BBQ Chicken:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken
- Tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, spicy—it’s up to you)
Cheese:
- Mozzarella for that perfect melt
- Sharp cheddar for a tangy punch
- Smoked gouda for extra richness
Toppings:
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Pickled jalapeños (optional for heat)
- Bacon bits or crispy fried onions for texture
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Step-by-Step
This recipe is all about building layers of flavor quickly and easily.
- Preheat Your Oven:
Set it to 425°F. A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and bubbly cheese. - Prepare the Chicken:
Shred or chop cooked chicken, then mix it with a generous amount of BBQ sauce in a bowl. - Assemble the Flatbread:
Lay the flatbread on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or garlic butter.
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the base.
Sprinkle half the cheese, then add BBQ chicken, red onion slices, and top with remaining cheese. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Finish:
Remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro, extra sauce drizzle, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Want to elevate your flatbread from good to unforgettable? Here are some pro tips:
- Go light on sauce: Too much can make the flatbread soggy. Just enough to coat the chicken and base is perfect.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle cornmeal under the flatbread before baking or use a baking steel for maximum crisp.
- Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Fresh herbs last: Add greens like arugula, parsley, or cilantro after baking so they stay bright and vibrant.
- Optional finishing touch: A light drizzle of ranch or garlic aioli after baking adds a creamy contrast.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about BBQ Chicken Flatbread is how flexible it is. You can change up almost anything and still get a delicious result.
- Spice It Up: Add chipotle peppers in adobo, hot BBQ sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Go Vegetarian: Use BBQ jackfruit, roasted mushrooms, or plant-based chicken.
- Meat Swaps: Try pulled pork, grilled steak, or even turkey.
- Regional Flavors: Use Kansas City-style sauce for sweetness, Carolina gold for tang, or Texas-style for bold smoke.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Flatbread is filling on its own, but a few easy sides and pairings can turn it into a full meal.
- Salads: Try a fresh arugula salad, tangy coleslaw, or corn and avocado salad.
- Dips & Drizzles: Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Drinks: Sparkling water, cold beer, or sweet iced tea all pair beautifully.
Hosting a casual get-together? Slice the flatbread into small squares and serve as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? BBQ Chicken Flatbread reheats surprisingly well if you do it right.
- Storage: Place slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled flatbread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen at 400°F for 10–15 minutes.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or provolone also work wonderfully.
What if I don’t have flatbread?
You can substitute pita bread, naan, or even pre-baked pizza crust.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze baked flatbread. Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F for 10–15 minutes.
Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 flatbreads or naan store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works best
- ½ cup BBQ sauce plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or garlic butter optional, for brushing base
Optional toppings:
- pickled jalapeños, bacon bits, crispy fried onions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ½ cup BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Prep the Flatbreads
- Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or garlic butter to help crisp the base and add flavor.
Layer the Base
- Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread (optional, for more flavor).
Assemble the Flatbreads
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the base.
- Top with the BBQ chicken, red onion slices, and remaining cheese.
Bake
- Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Garnish
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add any additional toppings like jalapeños or a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
Serve
- Slice and serve immediately while hot and melty.