Pin Last summer, my neighbor brought over an extra batch of smoked chicken from his weekend barbecue, and we ended up throwing these flatbreads together on a Tuesday night with whatever we had in the fridge. The way the barbecue sauce caramelized in the hot oven made the whole kitchen smell like a backyard cookout, and now it is the fastest dinner I can make when everyone is already hungry.
My daughter started requesting these for her birthday dinner instead of pizza, and the first time I made them for a crowd, I watched three grown men stand around the baking sheet as they came out of the oven, picking at the edges. The combination of sweet barbecue sauce, sharp cheddar, and that bite of fresh red onion somehow works even better than I expected it to.
Ingredients
- 2 large flatbreads or naan: Naan gives you a softer, pillowy bite while traditional flatbread bakes up extra crispy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Creates that golden, crunchy bottom that does not get soggy under the toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, or use leftover grilled chicken for even more flavor
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Toss half with the chicken and spread a thin layer on the flatbread so every bite has that smoky sweetness
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into those classic cheese pulls and holds everything together
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds the sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweet barbecue sauce
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: The raw bite of red onion balances the richness and adds a pop of color
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Sprinkle this on after baking so it stays bright and fresh
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Heat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep the Flatbreads:
- Brush both flatbreads lightly with olive oil on both sides, then place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Sauce the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss your cooked chicken with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
- Layer the Base:
- Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over each oiled flatbread, going almost to the edges.
- Add the Toppings:
- Distribute the sauced chicken evenly between the flatbreads, then top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Add Fresh Elements:
- Scatter the red onion slices over the cheese, and add jalapeño or tomatoes if you are using them.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot flatbreads, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, and slice into pieces.
Pin My friend Dave makes these every time we watch the big game, and he discovered that brushing the edges with a little extra olive oil makes them even crispier. I have started doing that too, and it really does make a difference.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you like or what you have in the fridge. Swap the chicken for sliced pork or make it vegetarian with roasted peppers and mushrooms.
Perfect Pairings
A cold lager cuts through the richness, or pour a light Pinot Noir if you want wine. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the heavy, cheesy elements.
Make Ahead Strategy
Shred the chicken and mix it with barbecue sauce up to two days in advance. Slice the onions and cilantro and store them separately in the refrigerator so you can assemble and bake in minutes.
- Grill the flatbreads outdoors in summer for even more barbecue flavor
- Cut into smaller strips for an easy party appetizer instead of a main dish
- Double the recipe because these disappear faster than you expect
Pin These flatbreads have become my go to when I want something fun and satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of flatbread works best?
Large flatbreads or naan are ideal as they hold toppings well and crisp nicely in the oven.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly when tossed in barbecue sauce.
- → How spicy can I make it?
Adding sliced jalapeños or chili flakes boosts heat according to your preference.
- → What cheeses complement this dish?
Mozzarella provides meltiness while cheddar adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
- → How should I serve it?
Slice while warm and optionally pair with a crisp lager or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.