5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread is the ultimate quick and delicious meal that combines smoky barbecue flavors with melty cheese and tender chicken on a crispy flatbread. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or casual gatherings with friends. I whipped this up one evening when I was short on time but craving something hearty, and it instantly became a family favorite—my kids still ask for it weekly! Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or slicing it up for appetizers, this 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a lifesaver that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ready in just 20 minutes with only five ingredients, this flatbread is as easy as it gets. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Bold, Smoky Flavor: Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with savory chicken and cheese.
- Super Quick: Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just five pantry staples for a meal that feels gourmet.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or party snack.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the familiar BBQ pizza vibe.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The flatbread base gets perfectly crisp while the cheese melts to gooey perfection.

Ingredients for This 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful flatbread, with tips for choosing the best ingredients:
- Flatbread (2 pieces, naan or pre-baked): Naan or store-bought flatbread works great for a soft yet sturdy base. Look for ones about 8–10 inches long.
- Cooked Chicken (1 cup, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or pre-cooked strips for convenience.
- BBQ Sauce (½ cup): Choose a sweet and smoky sauce for classic flavor. Adjust the amount for your preferred sauciness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture. Pre-shredded saves time, but fresh-grated melts better.
- Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch. Slice thinly for even distribution.
Pro Tip: If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, balance it with a pinch of chili powder or a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
How to Make 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread – Step-by-Step
This 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a breeze to prepare. Follow these steps for a quick, delicious meal.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat up for a crispier crust. Mini-Tip: A hot baking surface mimics a pizza oven for better texture.
- Prep the Chicken: Shred or dice 1 cup of cooked chicken. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with ¼ cup BBQ sauce to coat evenly. Mini-Tip: Warm the chicken slightly if using cold leftovers to help it blend with the sauce.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Place 2 flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or directly on the hot baking sheet/stone). Spread 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border. Mini-Tip: Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce smoothly.
- Add Toppings: Divide the sauced chicken evenly between the flatbreads. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella over each flatbread, then scatter 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion on top. Mini-Tip: Don’t overload the flatbread to keep it crispy.
- Bake the Flatbread: Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Mini-Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Slice into wedges or strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve hot. Mini-Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Helpful Tips for 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Meal Prep: Shred the chicken and slice the onion up to a day ahead, storing them in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Reheating: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the flatbread soggy. Use an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. It’s also great with a cold beer or lemonade.
- Creative Twists: Add diced pineapple for a sweet-savory twist, swap mozzarella for cheddar, or sprinkle on bacon bits for extra smokiness.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use grilled veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or add plant-based chicken strips.
FAQs About 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Q: Can I make 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread on the grill?
A: Yes! Grill over medium heat (350–400°F) for 5–7 minutes, placing the flatbread directly on the grates. Close the lid to melt the cheese.
Q: Can I use a different type of flatbread?
A: Absolutely! Pita, lavash, or even homemade pizza dough works. Just adjust baking time if the base is thicker or thinner.
Q: How do I make this flatbread spicier?
A: Use a spicy BBQ sauce, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce, or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Q: What’s a good substitute for red onion?
A: Try green onions for a milder flavor or caramelized onions for extra sweetness. You can also skip them for an even simpler version.
I make this 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Flatbread at least once a month—it’s my go-to for quick dinners or game-day snacks. My favorite trick is to add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce after baking for a bold finish. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you customize it or what you pair it with! What’s your favorite quick meal for busy nights?

5-Ingredient 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the flatbreads: Place the flatbread crusts on a baking sheet.
- Add BBQ sauce: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over each flatbread.
- Top with chicken: Distribute 1½ cups of diced grilled chicken over each crust.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the chicken.
- Add bell peppers: Evenly distribute the chopped bell peppers on top.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with sliced green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
- Feel free to use naan or pita bread as an alternative to flatbread crusts.
- Customize the toppings by adding ingredients like red onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.