Pin It This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Melts recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but a step above takeout pizza. It combines tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies on a crisp flatbread for an easy meal the whole family will devour.
I first made these when I had leftover grilled chicken and not much else in the fridge. Now they are my go-to for movie nights and casual gatherings because they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
- Flatbreads: look for sturdy ones like naan or store-bought pizza crust so they hold up under toppings and bake up crisp
- Cooked chicken: use rotisserie or any leftovers shredded or chopped finely for even coverage
- BBQ sauce: smoky and tangy try to pick one with balanced sweetness and no artificial aftertaste
- Shredded cheese: mozzarella melts creamily but a bit of sharp cheddar sneaks in extra flavor and color
- Red onion: sliced thin for zesty crunch and color
- Fresh cilantro: rough chopped adds clean herby finish select bunches with even green leaves and avoid wilted spots
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Set a rack in the middle. This high heat makes the flatbread crisp up perfectly without drying out the toppings.
- Assemble the Flatbreads:
- Lay the flatbreads on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms crisp and cleanup easy. Brush each flatbread lightly with barbecue sauce to the edges.
- Layer on the Good Stuff:
- Scatter shredded chicken evenly over the sauced flatbreads. Drizzle on a little extra sauce for more flavor. Sprinkle shredded cheese over everything so it melts into all the nooks. Add thinly sliced red onions across the top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling:
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are deeply golden. Watch closely since ovens vary.
- Finish and Serve:
- Carefully remove from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over while still hot so the flavors bloom. Slice into wedges and serve immediately for best results.
Pin It I am obsessed with the tang of fresh cilantro here. Once my brother bet he could eat an entire pan by himself after soccer practice and he came pretty close. This is the family’s most requested game day treat.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on a sheet pan in a low oven so the crust stays crisp rather than microwaving which can make everything soggy. If stacking slices place a piece of parchment between layers.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping the flatbread with gluten free options or even pita for a thicker base. Buffalo sauce instead of barbecue gives a spicy kick and works great with shredded rotisserie turkey too. Smoked gouda blends nicely with mozzarella for a woodsy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these melts with a crunchy green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. For parties cut the flatbread into strips for dippable finger food. Pair with coleslaw and kettle chips for a quick and complete dinner.
Cultural and Historical Context
Flatbread pizza in all its forms is found globally but this mashup is a straight nod to American barbecue and busy weeknight cooking. BBQ chicken pizza was supposedly invented in California in the nineteen eighties and this simple flatbread riff brings all that flavor home without kneading dough or ordering out. It is a true weeknight classic.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer add grilled corn or sliced cherry tomatoes before baking for a burst of color. In fall caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms are rich toppers. Top with thin slices of pickled jalapeños anytime you want a touch of heat.
Success Stories
Last Fourth of July I fed a whole crowd by tripling this recipe and the kids made their own melts. Not a scrap left and now everyone requests the melty BBQs when they visit. Even picky eaters dig the sweet and savory combo.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the flatbreads up to the baking step then freeze flat wrapped very well in foil and a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit but give them about ten to twelve minutes until golden. I keep a couple ready for surprise guests.
Pin It Slice up, pile on plates, and dig in while the melts are piping hot for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Which cheeses pair best with BBQ chicken flatbread melts?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone are excellent choices for their melting qualities and flavor.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works well and saves prep time.
- → What toppings add freshness?
Sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, or fresh tomatoes contrast well with smoky BBQ notes.
- → How do I make the flatbread crispier?
Brush with olive oil and bake in a hot oven until the edges turn golden and slightly crisp.
- → Can these melts be made vegetarian?
Substitute BBQ jackfruit or grilled vegetables for chicken to create a plant-based version.