Name: BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 flatbreads (naan or pita, about 8-inch each); 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish; Olive oil, for brushing; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Get ready to fall in love with the bold, smoky-sweet deliciousness of BBQ Chicken Flatbread! This cheesy, saucy masterpiece offers a crispy crust topped with juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, tangy red onion, and a blanket of barbecue flavor in every bite.

It's the ultimate quick-fix dinner-crazy easy, loaded with crowd-pleasing toppings, and on the table in just 30 minutes. Trust me, it'll vanish fast at parties, tailgates, or a family movie night.

Inspired by my favorite BBQ pizza joint, this flatbread packs all the flavors you crave, minus the fuss. Give it a try and see why it's an instant classic!

BBQ Chicken Flatbread topped with gooey cheese and vibrant green onions

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy and lightning-fast: Ready in under 30 minutes for those busy weeknights.
Loaded with bold flavors: Smoky BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and tender chicken make every bite irresistible.
Versatile and customizable: Adapt the toppings to your taste or what you have on hand.
Perfect for sharing: Fantastic as a party appetizer or a fun family meal.

Key Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Flatbread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cooked Chicken Breast

Chicken is the star protein here, soaking up all that smoky barbecue flavor. Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience, but grilled or baked chicken breast is great if you want homemade freshness. If you're short on time, leftover grilled chicken or even shredded store-bought rotisserie are both excellent choices.

BBQ Sauce

This brings the sweet, smoky, tangy base to the flatbread. Use your favorite brand-classic, spicy, or honey BBQ all work. Try a bold, spicy sauce for extra kick! If you love to DIY, a homemade barbecue sauce will make the flavors pop even more.

Flatbread

Flatbreads act as the canvas for all the toppings. Pre-made naan or pita are my go-tos for their sturdy texture and subtle flavor, but you can substitute with store-bought pizza crust, lavash, or even tortillas for a lighter version. Just look for something that'll get crisp and hold up under the sauce and cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mild, melty mozzarella creates that irresistible cheese pull and creamy finish. Pre-shredded mozzarella melts well, but fresh, hand-shredded cheese is best for maximum creaminess. Feel free to blend with smoked gouda, cheddar, or Monterey Jack to mix things up or add extra depth.

Red Onion

Slices of red onion provide bite and a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness. Slice thinly so they lightly caramelize in the oven. If you're not a fan, swap for sliced green onions (scattered on after baking), or caramelized onions for a sweeter twist.

Instructions for BBQ Chicken Flatbread

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the flatbreads on the sheet and lightly brush the tops with olive oil for extra crispness.

Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, toss the cooked chicken with ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. This helps infuse the chicken with barbecue flavor, making every bite mouthwatering.

Assemble the Flatbreads

Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the tops of each flatbread, stopping just shy of the edge. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then scatter the BBQ chicken over top. Add the rest of the mozzarella, followed by the thinly sliced red onion.

Bake Until Golden

Slide the assembled flatbreads into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown around the edges. The crust should be crisp, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and green onions for a burst of flavor and color. Slice into wedges and enjoy immediately while the cheese is still melty!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love some heat? Mix a tablespoon of sriracha or chipotle hot sauce into your BBQ sauce, or sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top before baking for a fiery kick.

Gluten-Free Flatbread

Swap the regular flatbread for your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pizza base. Most major supermarkets now carry tasty options-it's an easy swap with no loss of flavor or texture.

Dairy-Free Option

Omit the cheese and use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. Vegan cheeses melt surprisingly well and will still deliver creamy satisfaction.

Veggie-Packed

Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or sweet corn to the toppings for a delicious veggie boost. Roasted veggies are especially good, adding sweetness and smoky depth.

Pulled Pork or Tofu Swap

No chicken? Use pulled pork for a delicious BBQ twist, or toss cubed baked tofu with BBQ sauce for a tasty vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread with a fresh green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of crisp coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or grilled corn on the cob also complements these flavors beautifully. Garnish each slice with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a drizzle of ranch or extra BBQ sauce for extra flair!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover flatbread slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F. Freezing is possible-wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before reheating for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Flatbread (FAQ)

Q: Can I make BBQ Chicken Flatbread ahead of time?

A: You can prep the chicken and toppings ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for freshest results.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and soaks up BBQ sauce perfectly for this recipe.

Q: How do I keep the flatbread from getting soggy?

A: Brushing with olive oil and preheating the baking sheet both help ensure a crisp, never-soggy crust.

Thanks so much for stopping by! BBQ Chicken Flatbread brings together everything you love about classic pizza and backyard barbecue-quick, fun, and full of bold flavor. Give this easy recipe a try and let me know how your family liked it by leaving a comment and rating below. Happy cooking!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 154 ratings