This cheesy BBQ Chicken Flatbread recipe is loaded with flavor, comes together in a flash, and is guaranteed to be a hit with your crew. Think crispy flatbread, juicy rotisserie chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and a melty cheese combo that will have everyone raving.

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If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that tastes like it came straight from your favorite pizza place, you'll want to make this BBQ Chicken Flatbread. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes of your time, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for parties or game-day gatherings.
Add some Bacon Wrapped Smokies and this tangy Green Olive Dip and you have an appetizer spread worthy of any occasion!
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Why you'll love this flatbread
✔︎ Fast & Easy: Rotisserie chicken and pre-baked flatbread are your secret weapons for a super quick prep time. We're talking 20 minutes, tops!
✔︎ Flavor Explosion: The smoky gouda is the real MVP here. It adds a depth of flavor you won't find in your average pizza.
✔︎ Versatile: Whether it’s a party appetizer, a light dinner, or a game-day snack, this flatbread fits the bill perfectly. Easily doubled for a crowd!
Ingredients & Substitutions
You only need 7 ingredients for this chicken flatbread pizza:
A few ingredient notes:
Pre-baked flatbread: The perfect base for a quick and crispy crust. Can’t find prebaked flatbread? Use naan bread, pita bread, or even a thin pizza crust. Gluten-free options work great, too!
Rotisserie chicken: Shredded and ready to go, it’s a lifesaver on busy days. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great, too.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite bottled brand - classic, smoky, or spicy, whatever you prefer.
Cheeses: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy goodness. Smoked gouda cheese is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor. Swap smoked gouda with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack in a pinch, but the smoky flavor truly makes this dish shine.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a just a bit of crunch.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herby finish (optional but highly recommended).
Instructions
Make this flatbread in less than 20 minutes!
Step 1: Parbake the crust for a few minutes while you're prepping the toppings.
Step 2: Brush the warm crust with bbq sauce and top with layers of onion, cheese and chicken.
Step 3: Continue baking until the cheese is melted and warmed through. Slice into pieces, drizzle with extra bbq sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
FAQs
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the flatbread soggy.
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Chop the veggies in similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Slice the flatbread into 8 pieces for easy grabbing. Serve on a platter with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for presentation.
Tips for making the BEST BBQ Chicken Flatbread
✘ Preheat the Oven: A hot oven (around 425°F) ensures the flatbread gets nice and crispy.
✘ Toast the crust: Give the flatbread a crispy jumpstart by briefly toasting it in the oven before adding any toppings.
✘ Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: The better the sauce, the better the pizza!
✘ Thin Layers: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly and don’t overload the toppings. This prevents sogginess and ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
✘ Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own mozzarella and smoked gouda for the creamiest, meltiest results.
✘ Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for some heat.
✘ Finish with Cilantro: Add the fresh cilantro after baking for a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor.
More quick & easy appetizer recipes
Party food doesn't have to be complicated. These crowd-pleasing appetizers always get rave reviews.
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Recipe
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, divided, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread, approximately 12x7"
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- While the oven is heating, stir together ½ cup BBQ sauce and chicken.¾ cup BBQ sauce,, 1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken
- Place flatbread directly on the oven grates and cook for 3 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and place on a sheet pan.1 (7-ounce) prebaked flatbread,
- Brush flatbread with remaining BBQ sauce. Sprinkle half of the onions and cheese on the flatbread. Evenly distribute chicken on flatbread along with remaining onions and cheese. Return flatbread to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5-7 minutes.3 ounces smoked gouda cheese,, 3 ounces mozzarella cheese,, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Remove flatbread from the oven and cut into 8 pieces. Sprinkle with cilantro and drizzle if extra sauce, if desired. Serve immediately.2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Notes
- Any prebaked flatbread will work here. You can also substitute naan, pita bread or even a thin pizza crust.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this appetizer come together in minutes, but you can also use any leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- Smoked gouda cheese gives this appetizer its unique flavor, but you can use any combination of cheeses you prefer.
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Preheat the Oven: A hot oven (around 425°F) ensures the flatbread gets nice and crispy.
-
Toast the crust: Give the flatbread a crispy jumpstart by briefly toasting it in the oven before adding any toppings.
-
Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: The better the sauce, the better the pizza!
-
Thin Layers: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly and don’t overload the toppings. This prevents sogginess and ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
-
Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own mozzarella and smoked gouda for the creamiest, meltiest results.
-
Spice it Up: Craving some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or top with sliced jalapeños.
-
Finish with Cilantro: Add the fresh cilantro after baking for a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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