BBQ Chicken Flatbread
It’s 5 PM. You’re tired, everyone’s hungry, and the last thing you want to do is cook a big meal. We’ve all been there.
That’s when you need a back-pocket recipe that’s fast, easy, and feels like a treat. This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is that recipe.
It uses simple stuff you might already have, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Let’s make dinner easy tonight.
Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread
This recipe is more of a guide than a strict rulebook. Feel free to play around with the toppings and make it your own.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large flatbread or naan
- 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
- 1/3 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 red onion, sliced very thin
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)
- A little olive oil
Required Tools
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or brush for spreading sauce
How to Make It Step-By-Step
Step 1: Get your oven ready. Heat it up to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Brush a very thin layer of olive oil over your flatbread. This helps it get nice and crispy.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix your shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece is coated.
Step 4: Spread the saucy chicken evenly over the flatbread. Leave a small border around the edge.
Step 5: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses all over the chicken.
Step 6: Add the thin slices of red onion on top of the cheese.
Step 7: Place the flatbread on the baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Step 8: You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are golden brown.
Step 9: Carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro before cutting and serving.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Making this is simple, but a few small tricks I’ve learned over the years make a big difference.
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Don’t Drown It: It’s easy to go overboard with the sauce and toppings. Too much will make your flatbread soggy. A thin, even layer is all you need.
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The Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Don’t bother cooking chicken just for this. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend for quick meals like this.
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Crispy Crust Secret: For an extra crispy bottom, skip the baking sheet. Place the flatbread directly on the oven rack. Just put a pan on the rack below to catch any drips.
Possible Swaps & Fun Twists
Don’t have something on the list? No problem. This recipe is hard to mess up.
| Ingredient | Try This Instead | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbread | Pizza Dough / Tortilla | Creates different crust textures |
| Chicken | Pulled Pork / Chickpeas | Changes protein source |
| Red Onion | Green Onion / Shallots | Offers milder onion flavor |
| Cilantro | Parsley / None | Fresh herb swap |
You can also add things like corn, black beans, or even some pineapple for a sweet and savory kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep everything a day or two ahead of time.
Shred your chicken and slice your onions. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake. This turns a 20-minute meal into a 10-minute one.
What to Serve With It
This flatbread is great on its own, but a simple side dish makes it a full meal.
| Serve With | Perfect For |
|---|---|
| Simple Green Salad | A light, fresh balance |
| Coleslaw | Adds a creamy, crunchy side |
| Celery & Carrot Sticks | A super easy, healthy option |
| Corn on the Cob | Great for a summer feel |
A Quick Look at Nutrition
This is just an estimate, and it will change based on your exact ingredients.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Leftovers and Storage
Got some left? It’s just as good the next day.
Let the flatbread cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes. The microwave will make it soft, so avoid that if you want it to be crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use pizza dough instead of flatbread?
Ans: Yes, for sure. Roll out the pizza dough thin and pre-bake it for 4-5 minutes before adding toppings. This stops it from getting soggy in the middle.
Q2. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
Ans: The one you like the most! A sweet and smoky sauce like a hickory or honey BBQ works really well. If you like a kick, try a spicy one.
Q3. Can I make this on the grill?
Ans: Absolutely. Grilling gives it a great smoky flavor. Heat your grill to medium. Grill the flatbread for a minute on each side, then add your toppings, close the lid, and cook until the cheese is melted.
Wrapping Up
See? Dinner doesn’t have to be a huge production. Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights and a crowd-pleaser when you have friends over.
Give it a try this week. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment below with any changes you made or questions you have
