BBQ Chicken Flatbread

My weeknight dinner routine shifted completely the evening I tossed leftover chicken onto flatbread instead of reheating it the usual way. The oven was already hot from roasting vegetables, and I spotted half a bottle of BBQ sauce in the fridge door. What started as improvisation turned into something my family now requests by name. That smoky-sweet aroma filling the kitchen while cheese bubbles and crisps at the edges never gets old.

I made this for a last-minute game night once, slicing the flatbreads into small squares and watching them disappear in minutes. Someone asked if I had ordered it from a restaurant. The secret was just good timing and not overthinking the toppings. Sometimes the simplest combinations, when cooked right, outshine anything complicated.

Ingredients

• Grilled chicken breast: Diced or shredded works equally well, and rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver when you need dinner fast without sacrificing flavor.
• Red onion: Slice it thin so it softens in the oven and adds a sweet bite without overpowering the BBQ sauce.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional but worth it for a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates those golden, bubbly edges everyone fights over.
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style, whether smoky, spicy, or sweet, because it sets the tone for the whole dish.
• Thin flatbreads: Look for ones about 10 x 6 inches that crisp up nicely without getting too hard or cracker-like.
• Olive oil: A light brush keeps the base from drying out and adds a subtle richness.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the sauce.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the flatbread while melting the cheese perfectly.

Brush the Base:

Lightly coat both flatbreads with olive oil using a pastry brush or your fingers. This step creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from making the base soggy.

Spread the Sauce:

Spoon BBQ sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. That border crisps up nicely and gives you something to hold onto.

Layer the Cheese:

Sprinkle half the mozzarella directly over the sauce to create a melty foundation. This first layer helps anchor the toppings so they dont slide off.

Add Chicken and Onions:

Scatter the diced chicken and sliced onions evenly across both flatbreads. Distribute them well so every bite gets a little of everything.

Top with More Cheese:

Add the remaining mozzarella over the chicken and onions to lock everything in place. This second layer also creates those irresistible golden bubbles.

Bake Until Golden:

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn bubbly and the edges to crisp up and darken slightly.

Finish and Garnish:

Pull the flatbreads from the oven and drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if youre using it for a pop of color and flavor.

Slice and Serve:

Cut each flatbread into squares or strips with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the base is crisp.

Save

The first time I served this to my kids, they ate it without complaint or negotiation. That alone made it worth keeping in the rotation. Now its the thing I make when I want everyone happy without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Choosing Your Chicken

Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is my go-to shortcut, especially when Im racing against bedtime or unexpected guests. Leftover grilled chicken works just as well, and even plain poached chicken takes on enough flavor from the sauce and cheese. The key is making sure the chicken is already cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces so it heats through evenly in the short baking time.

Customizing Your Toppings

Ive swapped red onion for caramelized onions when I have extra time, and the sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky BBQ sauce. Sliced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even diced pineapple add texture and flavor without complicating the process. If you like heat, scatter sliced jalapeños or banana peppers over the cheese before baking. Just remember to keep the total amount of toppings reasonable so the flatbread stays crisp.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

This flatbread shines as a quick weeknight dinner alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For gatherings, slice it into smaller pieces and serve it warm on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp lager, chilled rosé, or even a tangy lemonade if youre keeping things casual.

• Cut into small squares for appetizers or larger slices for a main course.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for extra richness.
• Leftovers reheat well in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore the crispness.

Save

This flatbread proves that great food doesnt require complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Keep it simple, trust your oven, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare the flatbread ahead of time?

You can assemble the flatbread up to 2 hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated on the baking sheet, covered loosely with plastic wrap. Add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What's the best way to make the flatbread extra crispy?

Preheat your baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes before placing the assembled flatbread on it. This creates immediate heat contact underneath, resulting in a crispier crust. Avoid overloading with sauce to prevent sogginess.

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that saves time and delivers tender, flavorful results. Simply shred or dice it and use the same amount called for in the ingredients list.

→ How do I add spice without overwhelming the BBQ flavor?

Sliced jalapeños work beautifully alongside the BBQ sauce. Layer them lightly so their heat complements rather than dominates. Red pepper flakes sprinkled on top also add gentle heat after baking.

→ What beverages pair well with this flatbread?

A crisp lager cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the smoky BBQ notes. Chilled rosé wine offers a sweeter balance, while iced tea provides a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

→ How do I prevent the mozzarella from burning?

Keep your oven temperature at 425°F and watch closely during the final minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, not dark brown. If browning too quickly, move the baking sheet to a lower rack.