Save This smoky BBQ chicken flatbread transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and two types of melty cheese creates an irresistible weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat without the fuss of traditional pizza dough.
I first created this recipe when I needed a quick dinner solution after a long workday. My family was so impressed they requested it twice the following week. Now it's our go-to for Friday movie nights when we want something special without ordering takeout.
Ingredients
- Flatbreads or naan: The perfect shortcut base that crisps beautifully in the oven while still maintaining a chewy center
- Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture
- BBQ sauce: The heart of this recipe's flavor profile. Choose a sauce with a balance of sweet and smoky notes
- Red onion: Adds a sharp fresh contrast to the sweet sauce. Slice them extra thin for the best texture
- Fresh cilantro: Brings brightness and color that cuts through the richness of the cheese
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic stretchy pizza texture. Use freshly shredded for best melting
- Smoked gouda or cheddar: Adds depth and complexity. The smoky notes complement the BBQ sauce perfectly
- Jalapeño: Optional but recommended for heat lovers. The spice balances the sweetness beautifully
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature ensures your flatbread gets crispy edges while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without burning.
- Prepare The BBQ Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece is flavored. The chicken should be moist but not swimming in sauce. This step infuses the meat with flavor before it even hits the flatbread.
- Build Your Base:
- Place your flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet and spread a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce across each one, leaving about half an inch around the edges. This border will become your crispy crust handle.
- Create The First Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle half of your combined cheeses evenly over the sauce. This first layer of cheese creates a barrier that prevents the flatbread from becoming soggy from the toppings.
- Add Your Toppings:
- Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer, then scatter the red onion slices and optional jalapeños. The key is even distribution so every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Finish With More Cheese:
- Cover everything with the remaining cheese blend, making sure to get some all the way to the edges. This final cheese layer will bubble and brown beautifully, locking all the toppings in place.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. You want the edges to turn golden brown and crispy while the cheese should be completely melted with some light browning in spots.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh cilantro. If desired, drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce for visual appeal and an extra flavor boost. Slice and serve while still hot for the best cheese pull experience.
Save The smoked gouda cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its magic when I ran out of cheddar one evening and had to improvise. The subtle smokiness it adds complements the BBQ sauce in a way that elevates this simple flatbread to something truly craveable. My husband now insists we always keep smoked gouda in the refrigerator just for this recipe.
Make-Ahead Options
This BBQ chicken flatbread works beautifully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare all components separately up to two days in advance and assemble just before baking. The BBQ chicken mixture actually improves with a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. For busy weeknights, I often prepare the chicken mixture on Sunday, shred the cheese, and slice the onions so I can quickly assemble and bake when needed.
Variations To Try
While the classic version is delicious, this flatbread welcomes creative variations. Try adding caramelized onions instead of raw for a sweeter flavor profile. Pineapple chunks add a tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with the BBQ sauce. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas tossed in BBQ sauce. My family loves a "loaded" version with crispy bacon bits and sliced avocado added after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This flatbread makes a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a tangy coleslaw for textural contrast and to cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a peppery freshness. For casual entertaining, cut into small squares and serve as an appetizer alongside cold beverages. The flatbreads are substantial enough to stand up to both beer and wine pairings.
Perfect Pairings
The sweet and smoky flavors in this BBQ chicken flatbread call for beverages that can complement without overwhelming. A crisp lager or wheat beer works beautifully, cutting through the richness while enhancing the BBQ notes. For wine lovers, try an unoaked Chardonnay or a fruit-forward Zinfandel. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lime or a tart lemonade to balance the sweet BBQ sauce.
Save I learned through many test batches that less is more when it comes to toppings. Overloading your flatbread leads to a soggy center and undercooked base. The perfect balance is a thin layer of each component, allowing every flavor to shine while maintaining that desirable crisp-chewy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this flatbread?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time and delivers tender, flavorful results.
- → What kinds of cheese pair well with BBQ flavors?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while smoked gouda or sharp cheddar add rich, smoky depth that complements the barbecue sauce.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free flatbreads or naan for the base to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What toppings can I customize on this flatbread?
Additions like sweet corn, pineapple, or jalapeño slices offer extra texture and balancing sweetness or heat to the dish.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.