BBQ Chicken Flatbread

BBQ chicken flatbread became my weeknight salvation after I accidentally grabbed the wrong bread at Kroger one Tuesday. My 16-year-old, who usually critiques everything I make, took one bite and declared it “better than Domino’s” – high praise from a pizza snob.

What started as a grocery store mix-up turned into our most-requested dinner. This protein-packed flatbread delivers 32 grams of protein per serving while satisfying that pizza craving we all get around 6 PM. The smoky BBQ sauce paired with tender chicken and melted mozzarella creates flavors that work for both adults and teenagers. I love how it bridges healthy eating with comfort food – nobody feels deprived, and everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Flatbread

I always start with the freshest ingredients available, especially the chicken, since it’s the star of this dish. My preference is to use organic chicken breasts when budget allows, though rotisserie chicken works perfectly for busy nights.

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried tarragon – I usually substitute thyme if tarragon isn’t available
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 flatbreads (naan or cottage cheese flatbread work perfectly too)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce – In my experience, slightly sweet varieties work best
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – I recommend freshly shredded for better melting
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Pro tip: start with less, you can always add more
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese for topping (optional) – I always use freshly grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend preheating your oven first and having all ingredients prepped before starting, as this recipe moves quickly once the chicken is done.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and place a large baking sheet nearby. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels – this ensures better browning. Cut any thick pieces in half horizontally for even cooking. Mix oregano, tarragon, and salt in a small bowl.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season both sides of chicken with spice mixture. Add chicken to hot pan and immediately reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should feel firm and juices should run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each generously with BBQ sauce, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over sauce, then add mozzarella as your base cheese layer.

Step 5: Top with chicken pieces, red bell pepper, and red onion. Bake for 10-15 minutes until flatbread edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding fresh cilantro and extra BBQ drizzles.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Flatbread

The rich, smoky flavors of this flatbread pair beautifully with fresh, light sides that balance the hearty main dish.

Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad: The earthy beets and tangy feta create a perfect contrast to the BBQ sweetness while adding extra protein and fiber for a complete meal.

High Protein Breakfast Bowls (adapted for dinner): Use the base concept with different vegetables to create a protein-rich side that complements the flatbread’s flavors.

Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette cuts through the richness while providing essential nutrients.

Steakhouse Potato Salad: The creamy, protein-rich potato salad makes this meal feel like a complete BBQ experience.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs add color, nutrition, and different textures to round out the meal.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftover BBQ chicken flatbread in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend separating pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.

For reheating, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness – this method works much better than microwaving, which tends to make the flatbread soggy. An air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes also works wonderfully.

This recipe scales easily for meal prep or larger families. Make a double batch and freeze half before baking for future quick dinners. You can also customize with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or even try cottage cheese alfredo as a base instead of BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

High-protein BBQ chicken flatbread with tender seasoned chicken, smoky sauce, and melted cheese on crispy flatbread. Ready in 40 minutes with 32g protein per serving!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts or 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.25 tsp dried tarragon or thyme
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2 pieces flatbreads naan or cottage cheese flatbread work too
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, preferably fresh
• 1 small red bell pepper chopped
• 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese optional, freshly grated

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Instant read thermometer
• Sharp knife
• Pizza Cutter

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and place a large baking sheet nearby. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels and cut any thick pieces in half horizontally for even cooking. Mix oregano, tarragon, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season both sides of chicken with spice mixture. Add chicken to hot pan and immediately reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.
3. Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should feel firm and juices should run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
4. Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each generously with BBQ sauce, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over sauce, then add mozzarella as your base cheese layer.
5. Top with chicken pieces, red bell pepper, and red onion. Bake for 10-15 minutes until flatbread edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding fresh cilantro and extra BBQ drizzles.

Notes

Can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time – just skip seasoning and cooking steps. Try different cheeses like cheddar or goat cheese for variety. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. For food safety, always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.