BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe

BBQ Chicken Flatbread delivers the perfect combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and melted Colby Jack cheese on a crispy flatbread crust. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic Tuesday when my daughter had soccer practice at 6 PM and I needed dinner on the table by 5:30.

There’s something magical about the way the cheese bubbles and turns golden while the bell peppers soften just enough to add that perfect crunch. This high protein flatbread has become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when takeout feels too expensive and cooking from scratch seems impossible. The beauty of BBQ Chicken Flatbread lies in its simplicity – just five ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready faster than delivery. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken from Sunday’s dinner or grilled chicken from the weekend meal prep, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Flatbread

I always recommend using high-quality Colby Jack cheese for the best melting results and flavor balance. Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious BBQ Chicken Flatbread:

• 2 flatbread crusts (store-bought naan or homemade pizza dough works great)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Ray’s or a smoky variety for deeper flavor)
• 2 cups diced grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded)
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of red and green for color variety)
• Thinly sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend preheating your oven while you prep the ingredients to save time and ensure the flatbread crust gets properly crispy.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to achieve a crispier crust on your BBQ Chicken Flatbread. The stone needs at least 15 minutes to heat properly.

Step 2: Arrange the flatbread crusts on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Lightly dust the parchment with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add subtle texture to the base.

Step 3: Divide the BBQ sauce evenly between the two flatbreads (about 1/2 cup per flatbread). Using the back of a spoon, spread the sauce across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges for a crisp finish. Don’t oversaturate or the crust will get soggy.

Step 4: Evenly distribute the shredded Colby Jack cheese over both flatbreads (about 1 1/2 cups per flatbread), ensuring full coverage while leaving space near the edges. Press the cheese lightly into the sauce so it stays put during baking.

Step 5: Scatter the diced grilled chicken evenly across the flatbreads (1 cup per flatbread), followed by the chopped bell peppers (1/2 cup per flatbread). Don’t pile toppings too high or they won’t cook evenly.

Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges should be crisp and golden. If using a pizza stone, check at 10 minutes since it cooks faster.

Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes – this prevents the cheese from sliding off when you cut it. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and slice into triangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Perfect Side Dishes and Pairings

The smoky flavors in this BBQ Chicken Flatbread pair beautifully with fresh, crisp accompaniments that cut through the richness.

Fresh Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the rich cheese and balances the BBQ sweetness perfectly. Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the tangy BBQ sauce while adding extra nutrition and fiber to your meal. Season with paprika and garlic powder.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side that enhances the outdoor cooking vibe and adds fresh vegetable crunch. Brush with herb butter for extra flavor.

Crispy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy flatbread while adding probiotics. Use a vinegar-based dressing to keep it light.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making leftovers surprisingly delicious.

For reheating, I recommend using a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes to restore the crispiness – avoid the microwave as it makes the crust chewy and soggy. Place directly on the oven rack for the last 2 minutes for extra crispness.

Pro tip: You can freeze unbaked assembled flatbreads for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

More High-Protein Flatbread Options

This high-protein BBQ chicken flatbread delivers satisfying nutrition without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for pairing with other protein-rich options. For those seeking additional protein variety, our High Protein Cottage Cheese Flatbread offers a lighter alternative with creamy texture, while our Cottage Cheese Flatbread provides another nutritious base for customization.

Create a well-rounded meal by serving this BBQ chicken flatbread with complementary flavors like our herbaceous Pesto Chicken Flatbread for an Italian twist. For those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors, pair it with our Hot Honey Pizza Pepperoni Ricotta Flatbread – the sweet heat creates an exciting contrast to the smoky BBQ flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Weeknight Dinner Hero

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread proves that incredible meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours of prep time. The combination of protein-packed chicken and melted cheese creates a satisfying dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike. With 32 grams of protein per serving, it’s hearty enough to fuel busy families through evening activities. Try this recipe tonight and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen!

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