Save The smell of barbecue sauce hitting a hot flatbread still takes me back to Tuesday nights when cooking felt like too much work but ordering delivery felt like giving up. I started making these on a whim after staring at a leftover rotisserie chicken and some sad naan that needed to be used. Something magical happens when bubbly cheese meets tangy sauce and crispy edges.
My neighbor leaned over the fence one summer evening and caught me burning the edges on my first attempt. We both laughed and ate the charred pieces anyway while standing in the backyard. Now I always keep the oven light on so I can catch that perfect moment when the cheese turns golden brown.
Ingredients
- 2 large flatbreads or naan: Naan bubbles up beautifully and develops those irresistible crispy pockets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from making the bottom soggy
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves so much time on busy nights
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Toss half with the chicken and spread the rest as your base layer
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melt that stretches beautifully when you take that first bite
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds the sharp flavor that cuts through the sweet barbecue sauce
- 1/4 small red onion: Thin slices mellow out in the oven and add just the right bite
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Sprinkle this on after baking so it stays bright and fresh
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Crank it to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Prep the foundation:
- Brush both flatbreads with olive oil so they crisp up instead of getting soggy underneath all those toppings
- Coat the chicken:
- Toss your shredded chicken with half the barbecue sauce until every piece is nicely coated
- Build the base:
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining barbecue sauce over each oiled flatbread
- Layer it all on:
- Pile on the sauced chicken followed by both cheeses and scatter those red onion slices on top
- Watch it transform:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and those edges turn golden brown
- Finish with freshness:
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot flatbread and add an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce
Pin it These flatbreads have become our Friday night tradition while we watch movies and let the week fade away. Even my picky eater asks for seconds and reaches for the last piece before anyone else can claim it.
Making It Your Own
Switch up the cheese blend with smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile or pepper jack for extra heat. Sometimes I add thinly sliced bell peppers when they are sitting in the crisper drawer needing to be used.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp lager cuts through the richness while a light Pinot Noir brings out the smoky notes. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance everything out.
Timing Tricks
You can assemble these ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time if you are baking them cold.
- Chop all your toppings while the oven preheats
- Use a pizza cutter for clean slices
- Let it rest for 2 minutes before cutting
Pin it Hope this becomes your go-to for those nights when you want something comforting but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Large flatbreads or naan are ideal as they provide a sturdy base that crisps nicely when baked.
- → Can I use leftover chicken for the topping?
Yes, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly when shredded and tossed with barbecue sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes before baking increases the heat level.
- → What cheeses complement the barbecue chicken best?
A mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar adds creamy meltiness and a sharp flavor balance.
- → How should I serve the flatbread once baked?
Slice it while hot and garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for enhanced flavor.