This BBQ Chicken Flatbread is loaded with BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, Colby Jack cheese, and crisp bell peppers. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights!
You know that feeling when you’re so close to ordering takeout but also weirdly determined to make dinner with whatever you have? That’s exactly how this BBQ Chicken Flatbread was born.
It was one of those chaotic weeknights—my kid was asking for “something cheesy,” and honestly, I was this close to just tossing chicken nuggets in the oven. But then I spotted some leftover grilled chicken, half a bottle of BBQ sauce, and a pack of flatbreads buried in the freezer (that I had definitely forgotten about).
I thought, Why not make a BBQ chicken pizza thing? So I layered it all up—BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese, peppers—and tossed it in the oven. And you guys… it was perfect. Sweet, smoky, cheesy, crispy—all the good stuff. Plus, my husband went back for thirds, which almost never happens unless it’s tacos.
Since then, it’s become one of those “emergency dinner” recipes I can throw together when I’m low on groceries or energy. It’s easy, fast, and makes you feel like you planned dinner, even when you didn’t.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Recipe?
- Crazy Fast: Ready in 20 minutes—faster than waiting for delivery.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only 5 simple ingredients, and you probably have most of them already.
- Leftover-Friendly: Got leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken? Perfect!
- Cheesy & Crispy: That combo of bubbly cheese with a crispy flatbread crust? Chef’s kiss.
- Customizable: Switch up the cheese, add heat, or even make it vegetarian.
Ingredient Notes:
These ingredients are simple but pack a ton of flavor.
- Flatbread Crusts: A great shortcut for quick dinners. Store-bought works just fine, but homemade flatbread? Next level.
- BBQ Sauce: Go with your favorite brand! Sweet, smoky, spicy—whatever vibe you’re into works here.
- Grilled Chicken: Perfect use for leftovers! Rotisserie chicken works too if you’re really short on time.
- Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and has just the right mix of creamy and sharp. Mozzarella or a Mexican blend would also work.
- Bell Peppers: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the rich BBQ sauce and cheese.
- Green Onions: Don’t skip these! They add a fresh, peppery bite right at the end.
Pro Tip: Want to get fancy? Swap Colby Jack for smoked gouda for a richer, slightly smoky vibe.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread?
This recipe is almost too easy—but let’s break it down so you can get that perfect crispy, cheesy result.
Step 1. Preheat the Oven:
Crank your oven up to 425°F (220°C). If you’ve got a pizza stone, toss it in while the oven preheats—it makes the crust even crispier. No pizza stone? A regular baking sheet works just fine.
Step 2. Prep the Flatbread:
Place your flatbreads on baking sheets dusted with a little cornmeal. Not totally necessary, but it gives the bottom this subtle crunch that feels straight out of a pizzeria.
Step 3. Spread the BBQ Sauce:
Divide the BBQ sauce between both flatbreads, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. Make sure you get close to the edges but leave a little border—crispy edges are everything.
Step 4. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously across both flatbreads. And listen—don’t be shy here. The cheesier, the better.
Step 5. Add the Chicken & Peppers:
Scatter the diced chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by the chopped bell peppers. Try to spread everything out so every slice gets a little bit of everything.
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Step 6. Bake Until Golden:
Slide those flatbreads into the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted and bubbly, and the edges should be beautifully golden brown.
Step 7. Finish with Green Onions:
As soon as the flatbreads come out of the oven, scatter those thinly sliced green onions on top for a burst of freshness.
Step 8. Slice & Serve:
Slice into wedges and serve immediately. Prepare for cheesy, BBQ goodness in every bite.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Flatbread doesn’t freeze great once cooked, but you can freeze the unbaked, assembled flatbread for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: For the best crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it’ll turn the crust soggy.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Protein Ideas: Swap the chicken for leftover pulled pork or even turkey!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, red onion, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha on top before serving.
- Sweet Twist: Try pineapple chunks for a BBQ chicken Hawaiian flatbread vibe.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Flatbread?
This flatbread is already a full-flavor powerhouse, but if you want to make it part of a full meal, here are some easy pairings:
- Side Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
- Potato Wedges: Because crispy potatoes just make everything better.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Slightly sweet, slightly salty—perfect with BBQ flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Classic summer vibes. Butter, salt, maybe a sprinkle of paprika? Perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! Naan bread, pita, or even a regular pizza crust work great here.
Can I prep this in advance?
Totally! Assemble the flatbread (minus the green onions) and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Best BBQ sauce for this?
It’s totally personal! Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, or even a homemade blend all work beautifully.
And there you have it—my go-to BBQ Chicken Flatbread recipe! It’s simple, cheesy, and makes you feel like a dinner hero without actually working that hard.
Try it out this week—seriously, it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers. If you give it a spin, drop a comment or tag me on social. I love seeing your creations!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Ingredients
- 2 flatbread crusts store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups diced grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to help achieve a crispier crust.
Prepare the Flatbread:
- Arrange the flatbread crusts on two baking sheets. Lightly dust the sheets with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a subtle crunch to the base.
Apply the BBQ Sauce:
- Divide the BBQ sauce evenly between the two flatbreads. Using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush, spread the sauce across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for a crisp finish.
Add the Cheese:
- Evenly distribute the shredded Colby Jack cheese over both flatbreads, ensuring full coverage while leaving some space near the edges.
Layer the Chicken and Peppers:
- Scatter the diced grilled chicken evenly across the flatbreads, followed by the chopped bell peppers. Ensure the toppings are distributed for consistent flavor in every slice.
Bake:
- Place the flatbreads in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The edges of the flatbread should be crisp and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to rest for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Slice and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Flatbread: Use a certified gluten-free flatbread crust. Many grocery stores carry excellent pre-made gluten-free options.
- BBQ Sauce: Confirm that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, as some may contain gluten-based thickeners.
- Cornmeal: Ensure the cornmeal used for dusting is also gluten-free.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
