Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy – BBQ Chicken Flatbread is the kind of recipe that saves the day when you need something quick but crave something satisfying. This flatbread delivers all the comfort of a classic BBQ chicken pizza, but in a faster, more fun format that feels perfect for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or lazy weekend lunches. The base is golden and crisp, layered with tangy barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh herbs that brighten each bite.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just yourself, it hits the mark with minimal effort and maximum flavor. And the best part? You can customize it endlessly with whatever you have on hand—hello, rotisserie chicken hack! Serve it alongside a salad or cut it into small squares for a party appetizer. Either way, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread is bound to make repeat appearances on your menu.
What Kind of Flatbread Should I Use?
Flatbreads come in all forms—naan, pita, lavash, or even pre-baked pizza crusts. For this recipe, you’ll want something sturdy yet soft enough to hold the weight of toppings without going soggy. Naan is a go-to favorite because it has the perfect chew and toasts up beautifully in the oven. But feel free to swap in whatever flatbread you love or have on hand.

Ingredients for the BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Flatbread: Acts as the crisp, golden base. Choose one that bakes well and holds toppings firmly.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or quickly sear and shred some chicken breasts. It’s the heart of the dish.
- Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky—this is the flavor hero that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and mild, mozzarella offers the perfect creamy contrast to the bold BBQ sauce.
- Red Onion: Adds a punchy crunch and sharpness that balances the sweet sauce.
- Cilantro or Parsley: For that fresh finish and pop of green on top. Optional but lovely.
- Olive Oil (optional): Lightly brush the edges for extra crisp and shine.
How To Make the BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Lay your flatbreads on the sheet and set them aside.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. For freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool slightly before shredding. Toss the chicken in a few spoonfuls of barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Flatbreads
Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce on each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add the BBQ-coated chicken. Top with thin slices of red onion for a crisp, zesty bite.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the flatbreads in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden and crisp. Keep a close eye—flatbreads cook quickly!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for brightness and a fresh herbal touch. Slice and serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.
Serving and Storing BBQ Chicken Flatbread
BBQ Chicken Flatbread is best served hot out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the edges are delightfully crisp. It makes a satisfying lunch, easy weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer when sliced into smaller pieces. Pair it with a fresh garden salad, coleslaw, or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes—this helps restore the crisp texture better than the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the flatbread from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the flatbread for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings, and don’t overload with sauce. That extra step helps lock in crispness.
Can I make this flatbread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving so everything tastes fresh.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a sauce that matches your taste—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Homemade or store-bought both work great.
Can I use another cheese besides mozzarella?
Definitely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda bring different flavor profiles that still pair beautifully with BBQ.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, use a gluten-free flatbread or crust and ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.
What toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Jalapeños, pineapple chunks, bacon bits, or bell peppers are all tasty add-ons that complement the BBQ flavors.
Want More Flatbread & Chicken Ideas?
If you’re into easy meals packed with flavor, these recipes are just as satisfying as this BBQ Chicken Flatbread:
- Try the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty pasta option.
- Enjoy the Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving creamy comfort.
- Craving BBQ again? The Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet delivers sweet heat in one pan.
- Keep things cozy with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a no-fuss dinner.
- For a pasta twist, check out the One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta — smoky, sweet, and satisfying!
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s right there next time you’re craving a fast and flavorful meal.
And let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you add a spicy twist or swap in a different cheese? I love seeing all the creative spins on this easy flatbread.
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BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 flatbread (serves 2 as a meal or 4 as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Flatbread / Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a sweet, smoky, and cheesy meal made in under 20 minutes. Using flatbread as the base, it’s loaded with shredded BBQ chicken, melty mozzarella, red onion slices, and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or appetizer that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 flatbread (naan or your choice)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the flatbread on the sheet.
2. Shred the cooked chicken and toss it with a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce until well coated.
3. Spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Add the BBQ-coated chicken and top with red onion slices.
5. Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Pre-bake your flatbread for 2–3 minutes if you want an extra-crisp crust that resists sogginess.
You can prep the entire flatbread in advance and refrigerate until baking—perfect for entertaining.
Swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a bolder flavor combo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 flatbread
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Flatbread, flatbread pizza, easy weeknight dinner




