Save to Pinterest My neighbor brought over a flatbread like this after a long Saturday of yard work, and I swear I ate three slices before even saying thank you. The crunch of the crust against the sweet tang of BBQ sauce and that pull of melted cheese—it was exactly what I didn't know I needed. I asked for the recipe immediately, scribbling it on the back of a receipt while still chewing. Now it's my go-to when I want something fast but impressive enough that people think I tried harder than I did.
I made this for a casual Friday night with friends who showed up hungry and impatient. I sliced the flatbreads straight on the baking sheet, drizzled extra sauce over the top, and watched them disappear in minutes. Someone asked if I'd ordered it from a restaurant, and I just smiled. That's the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for nights when you want to look like a hero without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast: Diced or shredded, this adds hearty protein and soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully—rotisserie chicken works just as well and saves you time.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced so it softens just enough in the oven while keeping a little bite and sweetness that balances the tangy sauce.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but worth it for a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection and creates those crispy, golden edges everyone fights over.
- BBQ sauce: The star flavor here—use your favorite brand or homemade, and don't skimp on the drizzle at the end.
- Thin flatbreads: Look for sturdy ones that can handle toppings without getting soggy, usually found near the deli or bakery section.
- Olive oil: A light brush keeps the flatbread from drying out and helps it crisp up in the oven.
- Black pepper: Just a crack or two adds subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze. This high heat will crisp the flatbread edges while melting the cheese perfectly.
- Brush with Oil:
- Lightly coat both flatbreads with olive oil using a pastry brush or your fingers. This step creates a golden, crispy base that holds up under all the toppings.
- Spread the Sauce:
- Spoon BBQ sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. The border crisps up nicely and gives you a perfect handle for each slice.
- Layer the Cheese:
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella directly over the sauce to create a melty foundation. This helps the toppings stick and adds that irresistible cheese pull.
- Add Chicken and Onions:
- Scatter the grilled chicken and sliced onions evenly across both flatbreads. Don't overload—you want every bite balanced, not soggy.
- Top with More Cheese:
- Add the remaining mozzarella over everything so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. This final layer locks in the toppings and creates those bubbly, golden spots.
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for melted, bubbly cheese and crisp edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible.
- Finish and Serve:
- Pull the flatbreads out, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using. Slice immediately and serve hot while the cheese is still stretchy.
Save to Pinterest The first time I served this at a backyard gathering, I cut it into small squares and watched people come back for seconds and thirds. Someone said it tasted like summer on a plate, and I realized that's exactly what simple, satisfying food should do—bring people together without any fuss. It's become my favorite thing to make when I want to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.
Choosing Your Flatbread
I've tested this with naan, pita, and store-bought flatbreads, and they all work as long as they're sturdy enough to hold toppings. Thinner flatbreads get crispier, which I love, but thicker ones give you more of a pizza-like chew. If you're gluten-free, swap in a gluten-free flatbread and keep everything else the same—it bakes up just as nicely. Whatever you choose, make sure it's not too soft or it'll turn soggy under the sauce.
Customizing Your Toppings
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and loves a little improvisation. I've added sliced jalapeños when I wanted heat, swapped red onion for caramelized onions when I had extra time, and even tossed on some crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. If you're not a cilantro fan, try green onions or skip the herbs entirely—the BBQ sauce carries plenty of flavor on its own. The key is balancing the sweet, tangy, and savory elements so every bite feels complete.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
I usually slice these into squares for appetizers or into larger wedges for a main dish with a simple side salad. They pair beautifully with something crisp and refreshing—think coleslaw, a cucumber salad, or even just pickles on the side. A cold lager or chilled rosé cuts through the richness perfectly, though iced tea works just as well for a casual weeknight.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if you want extra indulgence.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy.
- Double the recipe and freeze unbaked flatbreads for a quick meal anytime.
Save to Pinterest This flatbread has saved me more times than I can count—busy weeknights, last-minute guests, and those moments when I just need something delicious without the drama. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you'll always have a crowd-pleaser ready to go.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the flatbread up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving to maintain crispiness and optimal cheese melt.
- → What's the best way to keep it crispy?
Use parchment paper on your baking sheet and bake at 425°F. Don't over-sauce the flatbread, and serve immediately after baking for maximum crispiness.
- → Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time. You can also use pulled pork, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or swap your BBQ sauce for a spicy variety. Drizzle with hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to taste.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flatbread. Check all sauce labels for gluten and verify your mozzarella doesn't contain any gluten additives.
- → What beverages pair well with this?
A crisp lager complements the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully. Alternatively, chilled rosé or iced tea works nicely as refreshing accompaniments.