Name: BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 flatbreads (naan, or flatbread crusts); 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover); ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional); ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion; Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped (for garnish)); Optional: sliced jalapeños (bacon bits, crispy onions, extra BBQ sauce drizzle); Olive oil or melted garlic butter (for brushing, optional)

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Discover the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors with this BBQ Chicken Flatbread. It’s a quick and delicious option that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or serving up a crowd-pleaser at your next party, this flatbread offers a satisfying and flavorful twist on classic pizza.

The combination of tender shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, melted cheeses, and zesty toppings creates a harmony of taste and texture. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite extras, making it an adaptable recipe you can revisit time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
Delicious smoky BBQ flavor paired with gooey melted cheese.
Customizable toppings to suit any taste preference.
Uses versatile flatbread bases for a crispy, satisfying crust.

Ingredients

Flatbreads or naan: Use 2 flatbreads or naan as a convenient base, easy to crisp up in the oven.
Cooked shredded chicken: About 1 cup of rotisserie or leftover chicken; provides tender protein rich in flavor.
BBQ sauce: ½ cup of your favorite smoky and tangy barbecue sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup for excellent meltability and creamy texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup adds a sharp, tangy bite that complements the mozzarella.
Thinly sliced red onion: ¼ cup adds subtle crunch and mild pungency.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: Chopped for garnish to brighten flavors with fresh herbaceous notes.
Olive oil or melted garlic butter (optional): For brushing the flatbread base to achieve a crispier crust.
Sliced jalapeños (optional): Adds heat and extra flavor if desired.
Bacon bits (optional): Offers smoky, crispy texture boosts flavor complexity.
Crispy fried onions (optional): For crunch and enhanced savory notes.
Extra BBQ sauce drizzle (optional): Enhances saucy richness when serving.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220 °C (approximately 425 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A hot oven is essential to quickly melt the cheese and crisp the flatbread, ensuring a perfect texture.
Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken thoroughly with the BBQ sauce so every piece is coated. This infuses the protein with smoky, tangy flavor, making every bite delicious and moist.
Prepare the Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each flatbread with olive oil or melted garlic butter if you want a crispier, more flavorful crust that enhances the overall experience.
Assemble the Flatbreads: Optionally spread a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce over the flatbread bases to boost flavor. Then sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly, add the BBQ chicken and red onion slices, and finish by topping with the remaining cheese for a gooey, golden finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled flatbreads in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the flatbread edges are golden for the best texture and flavor.
Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Add any optional toppings such as jalapeños, bacon bits, or crispy onions to add extra layers of flavor. Slice while hot and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

You Must Know

Use BBQ sauce sparingly to avoid soggy flatbread; a light layer works best.
Mozzarella melts beautifully while cheddar adds a sharp edge to every bite.
Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or roasted veggies.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a toaster oven or conventional oven to retain the crispy crust and melted cheese texture.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crunchy coleslaw for a balanced meal. Serve it alongside your favorite dipping sauces or a chilled beverage for a complete casual dining experience.

Professional Tips

For extra smoky flavor, try mixing chipotle powder into the BBQ sauce before tossing the chicken.
Using naan instead of flatbread elevates texture with a slightly chewy, flavorful base.
Brush with garlic butter to add a rich savory note and beautifully browned crust.
Adding thinly sliced jalapeños just before baking provides gentle heat without overpowering the dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?: Homemade cooked chicken is fine but must be shredded and pre-cooked beforehand to ensure safety and even flavor coating.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?: A smoky, moderately sweet BBQ sauce works excellent, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?: Yes, substitute BBQ chicken with BBQ jackfruit or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is it possible to freeze this flatbread?: It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked flatbread wrapped tightly. Reheat in the oven to crisp before serving.
Can I add other cheeses?: Absolutely. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheeses work well to complement the BBQ flavors.
How do I prevent the flatbread from getting soggy?: Applying a thin layer of olive oil or garlic butter under the sauce helps create a moisture barrier, keeping the crust crisp.
Can I prepare this in advance?: Assemble the flatbreads but wait to bake them until ready to serve for best texture and freshness.