BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a delicious, flavorful dish that combines the rich, smoky taste of barbecue chicken with the crispy, chewy texture of flatbread. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, casual get-togethers, or even as an appetizer for a larger spread. The combination of tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese on a soft yet crispy flatbread is a fusion of savory and satisfying flavors.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste by using different types of cheese, vegetables, or even a gluten-free flatbread if necessary. The preparation time is short, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want a quick, hearty meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or serving it as a party snack, BBQ Chicken Flatbread is sure to be a hit. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, share helpful tips for making the perfect flatbread, and offer fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Flatbread

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The smoky, sweet taste of BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with melted cheese and crispy flatbread, creating a flavorful bite in every piece.
• Quick and Easy to Make: The recipe is simple, quick, and requires minimal ingredients. It’s a perfect meal to throw together when you’re short on time but craving something satisfying.
• Customizable: BBQ Chicken Flatbread is highly adaptable. You can adjust the toppings, choose your favorite type of cheese, or add extra vegetables for additional texture and flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re preparing meals for the week, BBQ Chicken Flatbread makes a great option that can be stored and reheated, maintaining its delicious taste.
• Great for All Occasions: Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, hosting a casual dinner party, or needing a fun dish for a BBQ, this recipe fits perfectly for any event.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Flatbread:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own)
• 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the flatbreads)

Optional Toppings:

• Jalapeños, thinly sliced
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Start by preparing your cooked chicken. If you don’t have leftover chicken, you can cook chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or dice it into small pieces.

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shredded chicken with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce until fully coated. This sauce will add all the necessary flavor to your flatbread. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience or make your own homemade version for a more personalized touch.

2. Prepare the Flatbreads

If you’re using store-bought flatbreads, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the flatbreads lightly with olive oil to give them a crispy texture while baking. If you prefer a homemade version, you can make flatbread dough and roll it out, but store-bought options are much quicker and easier.

3. Assemble the Flatbreads

Once the flatbreads are ready, it’s time to assemble your BBQ Chicken Flatbread. Start by spreading an even layer of the BBQ chicken mixture over each flatbread. Be sure to distribute it evenly to cover the entire surface.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating a gooey, delicious texture that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.

Top with the thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers. The sweetness of the onions and the crunch of the peppers will provide a nice contrast to the rich BBQ chicken. If you’re using corn kernels, scatter them evenly across the flatbread to add a sweet crunch and color to the dish.

4. Bake the Flatbreads

Place the assembled flatbreads in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the flatbread are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the flatbreads while they bake to ensure they don’t overcook. The combination of the melted cheese and the crispy flatbread should create a perfect texture that is both chewy and crunchy.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the flatbreads are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor. For an extra touch, you can add a drizzle of sour cream or a few slices of avocado.

Cut the flatbread into slices, and serve immediately. The warm, savory goodness of BBQ chicken paired with the fresh toppings will make this dish irresistible. You can also serve it with a side salad or a dipping sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Flatbread

• Use Leftover Chicken: BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a great way to use up leftover chicken. You can even use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Choose Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The sauce you use will heavily impact the flavor of your flatbread. Choose one that fits your taste, whether it’s sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy.
• Customize Your Toppings: BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a highly customizable dish. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, or top with cheese varieties like cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños to the flatbread before baking. They’ll add a nice kick that complements the smoky BBQ chicken.
• Bake the Flatbreads on a Preheated Pan: For extra crispiness, you can place the flatbreads on a preheated baking stone or a pizza stone. This will help get the flatbread even crispier on the bottom.
• Watch the Baking Time: Because flatbreads bake quickly, be careful not to leave them in the oven too long. Overbaking can result in dry flatbreads. Aim for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese.

Variations of BBQ Chicken Flatbread

• Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Swap out BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce to give the flatbread a spicy, tangy flavor. You can also add blue cheese or ranch dressing as a topping.
• Vegetarian BBQ Flatbread: Skip the chicken and use grilled vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Top with a BBQ sauce and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Flatbread: Add some sweet pineapple chunks to the flatbread to balance out the smoky flavors with a hint of tropical sweetness.
• BBQ Chicken Breakfast Flatbread: For a fun breakfast twist, add scrambled eggs or a fried egg to your BBQ chicken flatbread, creating a delicious brunch option.
• Spicy BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce to your BBQ sauce for an extra spicy kick that will complement the chicken and cheese.

Storage and Shelf Life

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is best served fresh, but it can be stored for later if you have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover flatbread in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• Freezing: You can also freeze BBQ Chicken Flatbread for later. Wrap each flatbread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen flatbread can be stored for up to 1-2 months. Reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can bake the flatbread in the oven or even reheat it on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to regain some of its crispiness.

Side Dishes and Pairings for BBQ Chicken Flatbread

While BBQ Chicken Flatbread is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate the meal:

• Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of BBQ chicken.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, slightly sweet sweet potato fries are a great side dish to balance the savory flavors of the flatbread.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers add flavor and color to your meal.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp contrast to the warm, savory flatbread.
• Corn bread: Pairing BBQ Chicken Flatbread with cornbread offers a delicious Southern-inspired meal that is hearty and satisfying.

Print

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that can be customized to fit your taste. With its combination of tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and crispy flatbread, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer. The recipe is simple to follow, and with its many variations and topping options, you can make this dish your own.

Perfect for a casual family meal, a weeknight dinner, or a fun dish for your next gathering, BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings to make it truly your own!