How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread in 20 Minutes (Better Than Takeout)
Need dinner ready in just 20 minutes? This bbq chicken flatbread is your answer to those hectic weeknight meals when takeout seems like the only option.
Surprisingly, this delicious chicken flatbread recipe is more substantial and satisfying than regular pizza, yet incredibly simple to prepare. You can easily assemble these bbq chicken flatbread recipes in about 10 minutes with minimal prep. Additionally, they’re perfect for using up leftover chicken, making them both practical and economical.
What makes our bbq chicken flatbread recipe special is its versatility. Using flatbread instead of traditional pizza crust not only cuts down cooking time but also makes each portion easier to personalize. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or want to experiment with different flavors, this easy bbq chicken flatbread recipe has you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, share our favorite topping combinations, and provide tips to ensure your homemade flatbread turns out better than any takeout version. Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients
First and foremost, gathering the right ingredients ensures your bbq chicken flatbread turns out perfectly every time. Let’s explore the essential components that make this quick meal a standout success.
Flatbread options: naan, pita, lavash
The foundation of any good bbq chicken flatbread recipe starts with selecting the right base. Naan offers a plush texture with small bubbles due to its yogurt-based dough and traditional tandoor cooking method. This makes it ideal for soaking up sauces while maintaining structure. Pita provides a more pliable quality, perfect for stuffing and rolling. Some varieties come with pockets while Greek-style pita doesn’t. Lavash, originating from regions near the Black and Caspian Seas, offers a thin, flexible alternative that can be either leavened or unleavened. Each flatbread brings unique characteristics to your recipe, so choose based on your texture preference.
Best chicken types: grilled, rotisserie, or leftover
The beauty of chicken bbq flatbread lies in its flexibility with protein options. Rotisserie chicken shines as a time-saver, requiring zero preparation beyond shredding. Furthermore, leftover grilled, roasted, or baked chicken works wonderfully, making this recipe perfect for reinventing yesterday’s meal. Simply shred or chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces before combining with BBQ sauce.
Choosing the right BBQ sauce
Your BBQ sauce selection significantly impacts the overall flavor profile of your flatbread. Sweet, smoky, or spicy – the choice is yours. Popular brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubb’s are frequently recommended, with the latter offering lower-sugar options. Specifically, Stubb’s Original receives praise for balancing flavor without excessive sweetness. Homemade BBQ sauce works equally well if you prefer controlling the ingredients.
Cheese choices: mozzarella, cheddar, gouda
While mozzarella remains a classic choice for its superior melting properties, many chefs recommend trying different cheese combinations. Gouda, especially smoked varieties, pairs exceptionally well with BBQ chicken due to its nutty, slightly caramel-like flavor notes. Sharp cheddar adds depth, while manchego, colby, and even blue cheese offer interesting alternatives. For best results, shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Optional toppings: red onion, bell pepper, corn, cilantro
To elevate your easy bbq chicken flatbread recipe, consider adding thinly sliced red onion for sharpness, bell peppers for crunch and sweetness, or fresh corn kernels for texture. Fresh cilantro provides brightness that beautifully complements BBQ flavors. Other creative additions include jalapeños for heat, mushrooms for earthiness, or even pineapple for a sweet-savory contrast. These toppings not only enhance flavor but also add vibrant colors to your creation.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Step-by-Step
Creating your own bbq chicken flatbread at home requires just a few simple steps. Throughout this process, focus on timing to achieve that perfect balance between a crispy base and melty toppings.
1. Preheat the oven for a crispy base
Start by preheating your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C). Some recipes suggest going as high as 450°F for an extra crispy result. For optimal crispiness, place your oven rack in the middle position to ensure even heat distribution. Moreover, preheating your baking sheet or tray before placing the flatbread can help achieve that restaurant-quality crisp base.
2. Cook or shred the chicken
If using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then cook until it reaches 165°F internally. Subsequently, allow it to cool slightly before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. For convenience, toss your cooked chicken with about ¼ cup of BBQ sauce in a bowl until thoroughly coated. This step infuses the chicken with flavor before it even hits the flatbread.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly on the flatbread
Place your chosen flatbread directly on a lined baking sheet. Next, brush or spread 2-3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly across the surface, leaving about ¼-inch around the edges sauce-free. This creates a “crust” that stays crisp. For extra flavor, some recipes recommend mixing minced garlic into your BBQ sauce beforehand.
4. Add cheese, chicken, and toppings
Layer your flatbread strategically for the best results. Begin with a light layer of cheese, followed by the BBQ-coated chicken. After this, add your toppings such as red onion slices, bell peppers, or corn. Finish with another sprinkle of cheese on top – this helps hold everything together.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly
Place your assembled flatbread in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes. Watch carefully as flatbreads can burn quickly at high temperatures. The flatbread is done once the cheese has completely melted, started to bubble, and the edges have turned golden brown.
6. Slice and serve hot
Once your bbq chicken flatbread is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Finally, cut into triangles or squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and serve immediately while still hot and bubbly.
Tips to Customize Your Chicken Flatbread Recipe
The beauty of making bbq chicken flatbread at home lies in its endless customization possibilities. With just a few creative tweaks, you can transform the basic recipe into something uniquely yours.
Add heat with jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Kick up the spice level by adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your flatbread. For controlled heat, consider adding jalapeño pickles or mix crushed red pepper directly into your BBQ sauce. Although everyone has different spice preferences, start with a small amount and adjust accordingly.
Make it vegetarian with roasted veggies or tofu
Extra firm tofu makes an excellent chicken substitute when combined with BBQ sauce. Simply press the tofu, cube it, and toss with BBQ sauce before baking. Alternatively, create a veggie-packed flatbread with mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower. Essentially, whatever vegetables you have on hand can work – just ensure they’re cut into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.
Use ranch or garlic drizzle for extra flavor
Elevate your flatbread by serving with a side of ranch for dipping or drizzling. Homemade garlic aioli likewise adds incredible depth to the finished product. Primarily, these complementary sauces balance the tangy BBQ flavors perfectly.
Try different cheese blends for variety
Experiment beyond basic mozzarella by combining it with sharp cheddar for more complex flavor. Meanwhile, gouda, provolone, manchego, and even blue cheese offer interesting alternatives. Ultimately, mixing two or three cheese varieties creates the perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Properly stored and reheated bbq chicken flatbread can taste nearly as good as fresh. Here’s how to handle leftovers and plan ahead for maximum convenience.
How to store leftovers properly
After enjoying your bbq chicken flatbread, allow any leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, separate individual slices with parchment paper prior to storing to prevent sticking. Consequently, this method ensures each piece remains intact for later enjoyment.
Best ways to reheat without losing crispiness
Avoid the microwave whenever possible as it makes flatbread rubbery. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat for 5-10 minutes. For superior results, use a skillet over medium heat with a lid, cooking for about 5 minutes until the bottom crisps and cheese melts. The air fryer offers another excellent option—heat at 375°F for 7-10 minutes.
Make-ahead prep for busy nights
Cook and shred chicken up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated. Thereafter, you can slice vegetables and store separately. For completely assembled flatbreads, store refrigerated for up to 24 hours, increasing baking time by 4-5 minutes.
Freezing tips for longer storage
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen flatbread maintains quality for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating, or bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken flatbread truly stands out as a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something substantial yet simple. This 20-minute meal delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Above all, the versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for families with different taste preferences or anyone looking to transform leftover chicken into something extraordinary.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored numerous ways to personalize your flatbread creation. From selecting your preferred base—whether naan, pita, or lavash—to choosing complementary toppings, the possibilities seem endless. Additionally, the storage and reheating tips ensure you can enjoy this delicious meal even on your busiest days through smart meal prepping.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its adaptability. You can easily transform it into a vegetarian delight with tofu or roasted vegetables. Likewise, heat lovers can add jalapeños while cheese enthusiasts might experiment with different blends for unique flavor profiles.
The next time takeout temptation strikes, remember how quickly you can assemble this satisfying flatbread instead. Your family will undoubtedly appreciate the homemade touch, and you’ll love the time and money saved. Best of all, you’ll have complete control over ingredients and portions—something takeout simply can’t offer.
Give this BBQ chicken flatbread a try tonight and discover why it deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. After all, few recipes offer this perfect balance of convenience, customization, and deliciousness in just 20 minutes!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make BBQ chicken flatbread? You can prepare BBQ chicken flatbread in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
Q2. What type of flatbread is best for this recipe? You can use various flatbread options such as naan, pita, or lavash. Each type brings unique characteristics to the recipe, so choose based on your texture preference.
Q3. Can I make BBQ chicken flatbread vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with extra firm tofu or using roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower.
Q4. How do I ensure a crispy base for my flatbread? Preheat your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. For extra crispiness, you can also preheat your baking sheet before placing the flatbread on it.
Q5. How should I store and reheat leftover BBQ chicken flatbread? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or a skillet over medium heat with a lid for about 5 minutes. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the flatbread rubbery.