BBQ Chicken Flatbreads are a total game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine—crispy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and on the table in 30 minutes flat! Each bite brings smoky barbecue sauce, tender spiced chicken, and vibrant veggies together for a seriously satisfying meal that everyone at the table will fight over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Wonder: From fridge to table in half an hour, these BBQ Chicken Flatbreads make dinner feel effortless—perfect for busy evenings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combo of smoky chicken, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike.
- Satisfyingly Versatile: Use whatever flatbread or veggies you have on hand—it’s a fantastic blank canvas for your favorite flavors.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan for the chicken, one tray for baking—hello, easy cleanup and more time to relax!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these BBQ Chicken Flatbreads is in their simple yet bold ingredients. Each piece, from the spiced chicken to the bubbling cheese and crunch of veggies, has its own role in creating that crave-worthy bite.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and the perfect sponge for those smoky spices. Thighs work great too for extra juiciness!
- Olive Oil: Helps the spice mix cling to the chicken and encourages rich browning in the pan.
- Sweet Paprika & Smoked Paprika: This duo delivers both deep color and layers of subtle smokiness to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These alliums are your shortcut to all-day flavor (no chopping required).
- Sea Salt Flakes & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the bolder flavors.
- Flatbreads: Store-bought or homemade, naan, pita, Turkish, or even pizza bases—use whatever inspires you!
- BBQ Sauce: The soul of these flatbreads! Sweet and tangy, it ties everything together. Go classic or try a smoky or spicy variety.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts to gooey perfection for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and sweet crunch after baking—slice it fine for best results.
- Bell Pepper (Capsicum): A fresh, colorful boost and subtle sweetness in every bite.
- Chopped Coriander (Cilantro): Optional, but a sprinkle adds garden-fresh lift and beautiful contrast just before serving.
Variations
The beauty of BBQ Chicken Flatbreads is how easy they are to make your own! If you love to experiment in the kitchen or have particular dietary needs, here are a few delicious twists to try.
- Plant-Based: Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, jackfruit, or your favorite plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian take.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar or smoked gouda for a stronger cheesy punch—or add crumbled feta after baking for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce or chili flakes into the BBQ sauce, or layer on some pickled jalapeños before baking for an extra pop.
- Pizza Vibes: Add a thin swipe of tomato sauce beneath the BBQ sauce, and throw on olives or mushrooms for even more loaded goodness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with olive oil, both paprikas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Make sure every bit is nicely coated—this builds the foundation of flavor! Heat a heavy pan over medium-high and sear the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point.
Step 2: Prep and Layer the Flatbreads
While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment. Lay the flatbreads out on the tray and swipe each with a generous layer of BBQ sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, then scatter on the cooked chicken, red onion slices, and bell pepper strips for lots of movement and color.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling, golden cheese and crispy edges on the flatbread. If you’re using two trays, remember to swap them halfway for even baking. Just before serving, sprinkle over chopped coriander or your favorite fresh herbs.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
- Flatbread Flexibility: Turkish bread, naan, pita—they all work! Just adjust the baking time if your bread is thick or thin for ideal crispiness.
- Warm Chicken, Happy Cheese: Layer warm chicken on the flatbread to help the cheese melt evenly and create juicy pockets of flavor.
- Veggie Slices Are Key: Slice your onion and pepper thinly so they roast quickly and get beautifully caramelized without overwhelming the flatbread.
- Finishing Touch: Add fresh herbs after baking for a pop of flavor and color—cilantro is classic, but basil or oregano also shine beautifully here.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch on your BBQ Chicken Flatbreads, sprinkle over a handful of fresh chopped coriander or parsley as soon as they come out of the oven. If you’re feeling bold, a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a swirl of creamy ranch brings gorgeous color and cools the spice. Crumbled feta or thinly sliced spring onions also make tasty and eye-catching toppers!
Side Dishes
Keep things casual with a giant green salad, creamy coleslaw, or even hand-cut oven fries — they all complement the smoky, cheesy flatbreads without overpowering them. For a summer party, serve with grilled corn, or set out bowls of pickles and crunchy veggie sticks for a playful, colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
BBQ Chicken Flatbreads are perfect for sharing, so slice them into wedges or squares for a party platter vibe. For a hands-on dinner, let everyone build their own with bowls of toppings on the table. Or cut small rounds with a cookie cutter for seriously cute appetizers—think of them as BBQ Chicken Flatbread bites, ideal for game day or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (good luck!), simply store any extra flatbreads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually get even smokier and richer, making these a lunchbox favorite the next day.
Freezing
While BBQ Chicken Flatbreads are at their best fresh, you can absolutely freeze unbaked, fully assembled flatbreads. Wrap tightly and freeze; bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 4–5 minutes. The cheese might not be quite as gooey, but the flavor still shines through!
Reheating
To reheat, pop flatbreads in a hot oven (180°C/350°F) until crisp and heated through—about 12–15 minutes. The edges will regain their crunch and the cheese will be melty again. For a quick fix, microwave briefly, though the bread will be softer rather than crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or any leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut here. Just toss it with the spice blend and a drizzle of oil before layering on the flatbreads so every bite is just as flavorful.
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What other types of flatbread can I use?
You can use Turkish bread, naan, pita, pizza bases, or even focaccia—you can’t go wrong! Thinner breads will crisp up faster, while thicker breads offer a softer, chewier bite. Choose what makes your tastebuds happiest.
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Can I prepare the BBQ Chicken Flatbreads in advance?
Yes, you can fully assemble the flatbreads up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add 4–5 minutes to the baking time straight from cold for perfectly bubbly, hot flatbreads.
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How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
For more heat, add chili powder, hot BBQ sauce, or sliced jalapeños before baking. To keep things milder, stick with sweet BBQ sauce and skip the smoked paprika or swap it for extra sweet paprika.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something easy, bold, and sure to please a crowd, BBQ Chicken Flatbreads are your answer. There’s nothing quite like pulling a crispy, cheesy flatbread out of the oven and digging in with friends or family—so don’t wait. Give this recipe a try and make your next meal one to remember!
Print
BBQ Chicken Flatbreads Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These BBQ Chicken Flatbreads are a mouthwatering combination of tender, seasoned chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crisp vegetables on a crispy flatbread base. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 300 g/10.5 oz), cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
FLATBREADS
- 4 flatbreads
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) store-bought BBQ sauce
- 1 cup (150 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 small capsicum (bell pepper), finely sliced
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (cilantro), to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Chicken: Place the chicken in a medium bowl and add the olive oil, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Cook in a frying pan until browned and cooked through.
- Flatbreads: Preheat oven. Spread BBQ sauce on flatbreads, sprinkle with mozzarella, top with chicken, onions, and capsicum. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with coriander and serve.
Notes
- You need about 300 g (10.5 oz) of chicken breast for this recipe.
- Any type of flatbread can be used, such as Turkish bread, pizza bases, or naan.
- If you don’t like coriander, substitute with another herb like oregano or basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
