If you are craving a meal that is bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to throw together, and perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering, the Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and melty cheeses atop crispy flatbreads for a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a delightful way to wow friends, this recipe balances simplicity and taste with such charm, it’s impossible not to fall in love right away.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, coming together to create a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that truly elevate this flatbread. Each plays a role, from the tender chicken to the sharp cheeses, ensuring every bite is a delight.
- 2 flatbreads or naan: The sturdy and chewy base that crisps up beautifully in the oven, holding all the toppings perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked and flavorful, it saves time and adds juicy protein with minimal effort.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The star of the show, bringing a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet kick that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, creamy layer that makes every slice irresistible.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp contrast and depth of flavor alongside the mozzarella.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and a touch of sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish the flatbread perfectly.
- Olive oil for brushing: Helps crisp the flatbread edges and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the flatbreads get delightfully crispy while the cheese melts just right. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brush the Flatbreads with Olive Oil
Place your flatbreads or naan on the prepared baking sheet, then lightly brush them with olive oil. This step is key for creating a golden, crisp crust that holds up well under the toppings and adds a subtle richness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Barbecue Sauce
In a bowl, toss the shredded rotisserie chicken with half a cup of barbecue sauce until every shred is perfectly coated. This infuses the chicken with bold flavor and ensures every bite sings with smoky sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Flatbreads
Divide the sauced chicken evenly between the two flatbreads, spreading it out to cover the surface. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the chicken, layering them so they melt into a luscious blanket. Finish with thin slices of red onion scattered on top for a hint of sharpness and crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaded flatbreads into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling cheese and crispy edges—this is your cue that the flatbreads are ready to come out.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle a little more barbecue sauce on top. Slice your flatbreads, and they are ready to enjoy warm and melty!
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbal note and vibrant green color, making the flatbread pop visually and flavor-wise. If you want a little heat, consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños, which complement the barbecue sauce beautifully and give your dish a fun kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this flatbread with light, crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw, a fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or even roasted vegetables. These sides provide balance by cutting through the richness of the cheese and barbecue flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual lunch, slice the flatbread into small squares to create handheld appetizers. You can also add toppings like avocado slices, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to switch things up and impress your guests with a gourmet twist on a simple recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover flatbread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal later without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save flatbreads for longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap followed by foil and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen flatbreads last up to 1 month and are a fantastic option for busy days when you need a quick and tasty meal.
Reheating
To reheat, place the flatbread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bread soggy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar offer classic flavors and melting properties, cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack can add exciting twists to the recipe, giving it a smoky or spicy edge.
Is it possible to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flatbreads or naan for added fiber, choose a low-sugar barbecue sauce, and reduce the cheese quantity slightly to lighten the calorie load while still keeping the flavors vibrant.
Can I prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time?
Definitely! You can toss the shredded chicken in the barbecue sauce and slice the onions in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and assemble the flatbread just before baking for the freshest results.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand?
If rotisserie chicken is unavailable, cooked and shredded grilled or roasted chicken breast works well. The key is to have tender, shredded chicken so the flavors meld beautifully with the sauce and cheese.
Can I make this flatbread on a grill?
Yes! Grilling the flatbreads adds a lovely smoky depth. Prepare the flatbreads as usual and grill them over medium heat until the cheese melts and the edges crisp up, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together effortlessly. It’s quick to make, wildly delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes or what you have in the fridge. I can’t wait for you to try it at home—once you do, it might just become one of your cherished go-to recipes as it is for me!
Print
Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 flatbreads (2–4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Flatbread is a quick and delicious main course that combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and fresh red onion on crispy flatbreads. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it offers a savory, smoky flavor finished with fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 2 flatbreads or naan
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Flatbreads: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the flatbreads on the baking sheet and lightly brush each with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Mix Chicken with Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, toss the shredded rotisserie chicken with the 1/2 cup barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated and evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Flatbreads: Divide the barbecue-coated chicken evenly over the two flatbreads. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top of the chicken, then scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the cheese layers.
- Bake: Place the assembled flatbreads in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbreads are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top if desired. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Store-bought flatbread, naan, or pita can be used interchangeably based on preference.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Swap out mozzarella and cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack to add a different flavor profile.
