BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a truly delightful dish that seamlessly brings together savory flavors and quick preparation, making it perfect for busy weekdays or casual gatherings. This crowd-pleaser boasts a unique blend of tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese, satisfying cravings whether you’re hosting a game night or simply looking for a satisfying lunch. It’s a versatile, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Crafting this delicious flatbread is incredibly straightforward. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry. If they’re large, consider cutting them in half for more even cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together dried oregano, dried tarragon, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over both sides of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This resting period is crucial for juicy chicken!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Flatbreads: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your flatbreads on a large baking sheet. Generously brush each flatbread with BBQ sauce and sprinkle minced garlic over them.
- Assemble and Bake: Layer mozzarella cheese first on each flatbread, then add the cooked chicken pieces, chopped red onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the flatbread are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the flatbreads to cool for a few minutes. Finish them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and, if you like, additional drizzles of barbecue sauce or Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Slice with a pizza cutter and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Flatbread!
Tips for the Perfect Flatbread
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and a high-quality BBQ sauce will significantly enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too many can make the flatbread soggy. Stick to recommended amounts for the best crispy results.
- Rest Your Chicken: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before cutting prevents it from drying out, ensuring tender bites.
- Preheat Fully: Always preheat your oven thoroughly. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve those desirable crispy edges on your flatbread.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil after baking can brighten up the dish.
Variations to Try
- Cheese Play: Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Veggies Galore: Add other vegetables such as corn, jalapeños for a kick, or even thinly sliced pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Protein Swap: While chicken is classic, you could use leftover pulled pork, cooked ground turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Different Flatbreads: No flatbreads on hand? Pita bread, naan, or large tortillas can work well as substitutes.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or sliced fresh jalapeños before baking.
Benefits of BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Quick to Prepare: With only about 30 minutes of cook time, it’s a great solution for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce, garlic, and fresh vegetables creates an explosion of flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, a hearty lunch, or an easy appetizer for gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your favorite toppings or what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Kids often love the cheesy goodness and fun format, making it a great dinner win.
Essential Tools
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for even cooking.
- Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken.
- Knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Cutting board: For safe and clean prep.
- Pizza cutter: For easy slicing of the cooked flatbread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I make BBQ Chicken Flatbread spicier?
A: You can easily add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh jalapeños to the flatbread before baking to increase the heat.
Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought BBQ sauce is a quick and convenient option that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Q: What kind of flatbreads work best?
A: Pita bread, naan, or any large tortilla can work well as substitutes for traditional flatbreads.
Q: Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Flatbread?
A: Yes, it’s highly customizable! Feel free to add different vegetables or cheeses based on your preference.
Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: This recipe typically takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, making it excellent for busy weeknights.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe Card
An irresistible dish combining tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and melted cheese, all piled high on a crispy flatbread. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a quick solution to satisfy your cravings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 flatbreads
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried tarragon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 Tbsp Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat dry and season chicken with olive oil, oregano, tarragon, and salt. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until fully cooked to 165°F. Let rest, then dice.
- Preheat & Prep Flatbreads: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place flatbreads on a baking sheet; generously brush with BBQ sauce and sprinkle minced garlic.
- Assemble Flatbreads: Layer mozzarella cheese first, then add the cooked chicken pieces, chopped red bell pepper, and sliced red onion on top of each flatbread.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the flatbread are golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro and, if desired, additional drizzles of BBQ sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve warm.
