If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes of smoky, tangy, and cheesy, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It blends tender, saucy chicken with melty smoked gouda and mozzarella on a crispy flatbread crust, all topped off with fresh red onions and vibrant cilantro. It’s the perfect quick meal or crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers, delivering satisfying layers of flavor without a complicated prep. Once you try this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe, it’s going to become a staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the sticky-sweet BBQ sauce to the creamy cheeses and bright herbs, every item boosts the overall flavor profile and texture, making this flatbread irresistibly tasty.
- BBQ sauce (¾ cup, divided): The star of the show, lending that tangy, smoky goodness that coats the chicken beautifully and flavors the flatbread.
- Cooked chicken (1 cup, diced or shredded): Provides tender, protein-rich bites that soak up the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Prebaked flatbread (7-ounce, approx. 12×7″): The sturdy yet crisp canvas for all the toppings, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds subtle sharpness and a bit of crunch to balance the richness.
- Smoked gouda cheese (3 ounces, shredded): Introduces a mellow smokiness that complements the BBQ flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (3 ounces, shredded): Melts beautifully to create that gooey, stretchy texture that flatbreads are loved for.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten up each bite.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is perfect for crisping the flatbread while melting the cheese to golden, bubbly perfection without drying it out.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce
While the oven warms up, mix ½ cup of the BBQ sauce with your cooked chicken. This ensures each piece is nicely coated and full of that classic tangy, smoky flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Flatbread
Place the flatbread directly on the oven grates and bake it for 3 minutes. This quick step crisps the base just enough to prevent sogginess once the toppings go on, setting the stage for a perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Layer Your Toppings
Carefully remove the flatbread and transfer it to a baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the remaining BBQ sauce for extra saucy goodness. Next, sprinkle half of the sliced onions and both cheeses over the flatbread. Scatter the BBQ-coated chicken evenly, then top with the remaining onions and cheeses. Pop it back in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your flatbread emerges from the oven, slice it into eight pieces. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and if you like, add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for that luscious finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best combination of crispy, saucy, and cheesy delight.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro are essential, giving a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the rich, smoky BBQ sauce. Some thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Pairing this flatbread with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a bowl of baked beans create a classic BBQ vibe that complements the flatbread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the flatbread on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also offer toppings like avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream on the side, letting everyone customize their own slices for a fun, interactive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain the flatbread’s texture and keeps those BBQ flavors fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover flatbread by placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For best quality, use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese oily.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese besides smoked gouda and mozzarella?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even fontina work wonderfully. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the BBQ flavor.
Is it okay to use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken is perfect here and a great way to reduce waste. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded or diced before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken with grilled veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even tofu marinated in BBQ sauce to keep the smoky, savory vibe alive.
What type of BBQ sauce is best to use?
Choose your favorite style, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. Each will give the flatbread a slightly different personality, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect match.
Can I prepare this flatbread on a grill instead of an oven?
Yes, grilling the flatbread adds fantastic smoky flavor. Just be sure to monitor closely and use indirect heat to melt the cheese without burning the crust.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on this easy, vibrant BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe, you’re all set to bring something deliciously different to your table. It’s a simple, satisfying meal brimming with flavor, color, and texture to please everyone at any gathering. Give it a try soon and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen rotation!
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a quick and flavorful dish featuring a prebaked flatbread topped with smoky BBQ chicken, a blend of smoked gouda and mozzarella cheeses, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a casual meal or appetizer, it combines savory, tangy, and smoky flavors with a crisp crust in just about 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 to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the flatbread and melt the cheese properly.
- Mix BBQ Sauce and Chicken: In a bowl, stir together ½ cup of the BBQ sauce with the diced or shredded cooked chicken until well coated. This will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Par-Bake Flatbread: Place the flatbread directly on the oven grates and bake for 3 minutes. This step helps to crisp the flatbread base before adding toppings. Carefully remove it using oven mitts and place it on a sheet pan for easy handling.
- Add Toppings: Brush the flatbread with the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce. Then sprinkle half of the sliced red onions and half of both cheeses over the flatbread. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on top, then add the remaining onions and cheeses to create balanced flavor and texture.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the flatbread to the oven on the sheet pan and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven and cut into 8 pieces. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Using prebaked flatbread helps achieve a crispy crust in a short time.
- Feel free to substitute the smoked gouda with another smoky cheese like smoked cheddar for variation.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- For added heat, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
