If you’re craving a meal that feels like a celebration in every bite, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce layered on a crispy prebaked flatbread, topped with a melty blend of smoked gouda and mozzarella, and finished with the sweet bite of red onions and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect mix of smoky, savory, and fresh that comes together so quickly you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. This flatbread makes for a fabulous casual dinner, game day snack, or even a hearty appetizer to impress friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe calls for simple, flavorful ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing the sweet, smoky, and fresh notes that make this dish unforgettable.
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided): Use a smoky or sweet variety depending on your preference; it’s the backbone of the flavor profile.
- 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here for tenderness and convenience.
- 1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread (approximately 12×7″): Provides a crisp, sturdy base that won’t get soggy under all those toppings.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to balance the rich cheeses.
- 3 ounces smoked gouda cheese (shredded): Brings a creamy texture with a smoky depth that enhances the BBQ flavors.
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully and adds gooey stretchiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish beautifully.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F so it can reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the toppings. This heat level ensures the flatbread crisps up just right without drying out.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce
While waiting on the oven, mix ½ cup of the BBQ sauce into your diced or shredded cooked chicken. This coating infuses every bite with that signature tangy, smoky flavor that makes this recipe irresistible.
Step 3: Crisp the Flatbread
Place the prebaked flatbread directly on the oven grates for about 3 minutes. This quick step crisps up the base to keep it from becoming soggy once you add the toppings. Use caution when removing it as it will be hot, then transfer it to a sheet pan for the next steps.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Brush the flatbread evenly with the remaining BBQ sauce for an extra hit of flavor. Then sprinkle half of the thinly sliced red onions on top followed by half of each cheese—smoked gouda and mozzarella. Spread the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the flatbread and finish it with the rest of the onions and cheeses. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, cut the flatbread into 8 pieces for easy sharing. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top and drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce if you love that tangy punch. Serve immediately while warm and melty to enjoy every perfect bite.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness, but if you want to get creative, try adding sliced jalapeños for a kick, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty contrast. Even a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing can bring a creamy coolness that balances the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread pairs exceptionally well with fresh, crisp sides like a crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or a light corn on the cob would complement the smoky barbecue flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow guests, serve this flatbread family-style on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and garnishes on the side. You can also turn it into slider bites by cutting into smaller squares—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers where finger food rules!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover flatbread in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Try to keep the toppings intact to enjoy a nearly fresh experience when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to bring your leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread back to life is by warming it in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This crisps the crust again while melting the cheese anew. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
While you could cook fresh chicken, it’s much more convenient and efficient to use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. It saves time and the texture stays nice, making the whole recipe faster to pull together.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
It really depends on your taste. A smoky or slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the gouda and chicken beautifully, but feel free to use spicy or tangy styles to match your flavor cravings.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the prebaked flatbread for a gluten-free flatbread or tortilla option. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can replace the chicken with grilled veggies like mushrooms or zucchini and keep the BBQ sauce and cheeses for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still delivers on BBQ flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and slice your onions ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the flatbread close to serving to keep the crust crisp and cheeses perfectly melted.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is exactly the kind of dish that brings people together effortlessly, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering. Its layers of bold flavors, quick prep, and beautiful presentation make it a favorite worth sharing. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new comfort food obsession right here.
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful BBQ Chicken Flatbread combining smoky gouda and mozzarella cheeses with tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh cilantro on a crispy prebaked flatbread base. Perfect for an easy lunch or casual dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken Mixture
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, divided (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken
Flatbread Toppings
- 1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread (approximately 12×7 inches)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for crisping the flatbread and melting the cheese evenly.
- Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: While the oven heats up, mix ½ cup of the BBQ sauce with the diced or shredded cooked chicken until well coated, enhancing the chicken with smoky and tangy flavors.
- Initial Flatbread Crisping: Place the prebaked flatbread directly on the oven grates and bake for 3 minutes to begin crisping the crust. Then carefully remove it and transfer to a sheet pan for easier topping.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Brush the flatbread surface with the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce. Sprinkle half of the sliced red onions and both cheeses evenly over the flatbread. Top with the BBQ chicken mixture, then distribute the remaining onions and cheese on top to ensure a flavorful melt.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the flatbread on the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, and the flatbread edges are golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, cut into 8 pieces for easy serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, and optionally drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for added zing. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using a prebaked flatbread helps achieve a crispy crust without additional preparation.
- Smoked gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to adjust cheese amounts or types to your preference.
- Extra BBQ sauce can be warmed slightly before drizzling to enhance its flavor.
- Leftover flatbread can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
