Save to Pinterest This vibrant flatbread offers a blend of smoky BBQ sauce, juicy chicken breast, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses layered on a warm flatbread base. Fresh red onions, optional jalapeños, and chopped cilantro add brightness and a touch of heat. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish comes together quickly—a perfect choice for easy dinners or casual gatherings. Variations can include adding bell peppers, corn, or swapping smoked gouda for an additional smoky depth.
The smell of BBQ sauce hitting a hot crust still pulls me back to Friday nights when cooking felt like an adventure, not a chore. I started making these flatbreads when I needed something faster than pizza but more exciting than a sandwich. Now they have become my go to when friends drop by hungry and I want to impress without disappearing into the kitchen for hours.
My sister was skeptical about jalapeños on flatbread until she tried the accidental version I made when I misread the recipe. Now she requests the spicy version every time she visits, and we have settled into a comfortable rhythm where she chops the onions while I handle the sauce spreading. Something about cooking together makes the food taste better.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
- 2 large flatbreads or naan: Naan gives you those lovely pillowy edges and authentic chew
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose one you love since you will really taste it
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that irresistible cheese pull in every slice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth that mozzarella alone cannot provide
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion: The sweetness balances the tangy BBQ perfectly
- 1/3 cup sliced fresh jalapeños: Optional but they add brightness and a gentle heat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: This finishing touch brings everything to life
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet
- Hot ovens create crispy edges while keeping the center tender, and parchment paper makes cleanup effortless
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly on each flatbread
- Leave about a half inch border around the edges so the crust can get golden and crisp
- Layer on the chicken and both cheeses
- Distribute everything evenly so every bite gets the perfect ratio of toppings
- Add the onions and jalapeños before baking
- The oven heat mellows the onions and just barely softens the peppers
- Bake until bubbly and golden
- Watch closely after 12 minutes because ovens vary and you want that cheese perfectly melted
- Finish with extra sauce and fresh cilantro
- The fresh herbs add a bright contrast to the rich, melty flatbread
Save to Pinterest This recipe saved me during a chaotic week when my oven timer died and I had to rely entirely on smell and sight. The confidence I gained checking for golden cheese has translated into better instincts for everything else I bake.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of flatbread is how forgiving it is. I have added sliced bell peppers for sweetness, corn for texture, and once even pineapple when I was feeling adventurous and curious.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp chilled lager cuts through the richness beautifully. On nights I want something lighter, a zesty Sauvignon Blanc brings out the smoky notes in the BBQ sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store surprisingly well in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust will soften slightly but the flavors actually deepen and meld together nicely.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes to recrisp the crust
- Air fryers work wonders for bringing back that freshly baked texture
- Microwaving is faster but you will lose the crispy edges entirely
Save to Pinterest Hope these flatbreads find their way into your regular rotation. They have become part of my kitchen story and I bet they will become part of yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flatbread works best for this dish?
-
Large, soft flatbreads or naan work perfectly as a sturdy base that crisps nicely in the oven.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for convenience?
-
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
- → How do the cheeses affect the flavor profile?
-
Mozzarella adds creamy meltiness while cheddar contributes sharpness; together they balance the smoky and tangy elements.
- → What are optional toppings to customize this flatbread?
-
Sliced jalapeños provide heat, while fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness; bell peppers or corn can add color and sweetness.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
-
You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
