Sam There’s something about the smoky char of the grill that makes summer meals taste so much better. And when you pair that with melty cheese, tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp flatbreads, you get these irresistible grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads. They’re one of my favorite easy dinners for warm evenings—perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a fun, satisfying meal.
I turn to these grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads all season long. They’re quick to prep, highly customizable, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, a lighter twist on traditional pizza, or an easy BBQ chicken flatbread with rotisserie chicken, this recipe delivers. Plus, the grill gives the flatbread that perfect crispy-yet-chewy texture you can’t get in the oven.
When the sun is shining and the patio is calling, nothing beats gathering around the grill with friends and family. These grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads are one of my top picks for those spontaneous outdoor meals. They’re easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner, yet festive enough to serve at backyard barbecues and summer parties. I love that they come together so quickly—you can prep all your toppings ahead of time and then let everyone build their own flatbread right on the grill.
Another reason I love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile. You can make it for a casual weeknight dinner, as an appetizer for a summer cookout, or even as part of a tailgate recipe lineup. The grilled chicken flatbread pizza vibe makes it universally loved by both kids and adults. And because you can grill the flatbreads in just a few minutes, this meal is ideal for those hot days when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbreads | Quick & Easy Grilled Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled or rotisserie)
- 4 flatbreads or naan
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Olive oil for brushing flatbreads
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using grilled chicken, season and grill the breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, then let rest and slice thinly.
- Step 2: Brush both sides of the flatbreads lightly with olive oil.
- Step 3: Grill the flatbreads for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to char and crisp.
- Step 4: Spread a layer of barbecue sauce over each flatbread.
- Step 5: Top with sliced chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and red onions.
- Step 6: Return the flatbreads to the grill (indirect heat side if using a gas grill). Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from grill, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
- Choose the Right Flatbread: For the best grilled flatbread pizza recipe, use naan or thicker flatbreads that can hold up to grilling without becoming too crispy or brittle. If you prefer a gluten-free option, many stores now carry sturdy gluten-free flatbreads perfect for grilling.
- Pre-Grill for Texture: One of my best tricks for crispy grilled flatbreads is to pre-grill both sides of the flatbread for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings. This helps lock in that signature crisp-chewy texture while ensuring the flatbread doesn’t get soggy from the BBQ sauce.
- Use a Flavorful BBQ Sauce: Not all BBQ sauces are created equal! Look for one with a smoky-sweet profile and fewer added sugars (WebMD). This makes all the difference in your grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads. Don’t be afraid to experiment—spicy, mustard-based, or bourbon BBQ sauces can create delicious variations.
- Shred or Slice Chicken Strategically: For easy BBQ chicken flatbread with rotisserie chicken, shred the chicken finely and toss it lightly in BBQ sauce before topping the flatbreads. If you’re using grilled chicken breasts, thinly slice them so they heat through quickly and evenly on the grill.
- Control the Heat: When making flatbread pizza on the grill, use indirect heat for the final cooking phase after adding toppings. This ensures that the cheese melts beautifully without burning the bottom of the flatbread.
- Play with Cheese Combos: I love combining mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for flavor depth. For an elevated twist on your BBQ chicken flatbread pizza, add smoked gouda or fontina cheese.
- Make It a Party: Set up a grilled flatbread pizza bar at your next summer cookout or tailgate recipe gathering. Offer a variety of cheeses, BBQ sauces, veggies, and proteins so everyone can build their ultimate grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads.
- Layer Fresh Ingredients Last: Always add fresh cilantro, arugula, or a squeeze of lime after grilling for a burst of brightness that balances the rich flavors of the cheese and BBQ sauce.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Main
Cuisine: American / Grill
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 10g
Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flatbreads if needed)
Chicken breast is a lean protein source that helps support muscle health and satiety (National Institutes of Health). Pairing it with a moderate amount of cheese and antioxidant-rich red onions offers balance, while choosing a barbecue sauce low in added sugars is a smart option (NHS).
Budget Breakdown
Grilled chicken (2 breasts): ~$6.00
Flatbreads or naan (4): ~$4.00
BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): ~$2.00
Mozzarella & cheddar cheese: ~$4.00
Red onion & cilantro: ~$2.00
Total Cost: ~$18.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$4.50
For more tips on balancing healthy eating with your budget, visit CDC.
Behind the Recipe
I first made grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads for a backyard cookout years ago, when I wanted something fun and fast that wasn’t burgers or hot dogs. I had naan, leftover grilled chicken, and a jar of barbecue sauce—and the rest is history.
Since then, they’ve become a staple at our summer gatherings. Everyone can personalize their own flatbread pizza on the grill with different cheeses and toppings. The recipe is endlessly flexible—you can use rotisserie chicken for a super quick version or marinate and grill chicken breasts if you have a little more time.
Over the years, this simple recipe has evolved into one of our favorite summer traditions. We often host Friday night grilling parties when the weather’s nice, and these grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads are always on the menu. They’re a great way to feed a crowd without a lot of fuss, and I love how easily they adapt to different tastes. Some guests pile theirs high with extra cheese and red onions, while others prefer adding bell peppers or spicy jalapeños.
I also love that this recipe can scale up easily for a crowd. Just set up a little grilled flatbread pizza bar with toppings, and let everyone build their own. It’s always a hit!
One of the things that surprised me was how much my kids love this family-friendly grilled flatbread recipe. They think it’s fun to help assemble their own pizzas, and I love knowing that they’re getting some lean protein and veggies along with their cheesy goodness. And when we host friends, this dish disappears faster than anything else on the table!
Even when it’s just my family of four, we often make a double batch so we have leftovers for the next day. The flatbreads reheat beautifully and make an excellent quick lunch. If you haven’t tried grilling flatbreads before, you’re in for a treat—once you taste that smoky flavor and crisp texture, you may never go back to oven baking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy to prep
- Perfect for grilling season
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Great for casual entertaining
- Family-friendly and fun to make
- Delicious way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
Perfect For
- Summer Cookouts
- Weeknight Grilling
- Family Pizza Nights
- Tailgate Recipes
- Backyard BBQ Menus
(Explore more yummy recipes in our Easy Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food Dinner, and, One-Pan Dinner meal prep ideas.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or rotisserie)
- 4 flatbreads or naan
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil, for brushing flatbreads
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken: I often grill chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, but rotisserie chicken works great too—perfect for an easy BBQ chicken flatbread recipe.
Flatbreads: Naan is my go-to for its chewy texture and ability to crisp up nicely on the grill. Use gluten-free flatbreads if needed.
BBQ Sauce: Look for a sauce with lower added sugars and real ingredients. The smoky-sweet flavor makes these grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads shine.
Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives you both meltiness and flavor depth.
Red Onion & Cilantro: Thinly sliced red onion adds crunch and sweetness, while cilantro brings a fresh finish.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using grilled chicken, season and grill the breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, then let rest and slice thinly.
Step 2: Brush both sides of the flatbreads lightly with olive oil.
Step 3: Grill the flatbreads for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to char and crisp.
Step 4: Spread a layer of barbecue sauce over each flatbread.
Step 5: Top with sliced chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and red onions.
Step 6: Return the flatbreads to the grill (indirect heat side if using a gas grill). Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from grill, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use indirect heat for the final grilling step to avoid burning the bottom.
- Grilled flatbreads cook fast—keep an eye on them!
- If using rotisserie chicken, toss it in a little BBQ sauce before adding to flatbreads.
- Add more veggies like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms if you like.
- Serve with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Easy Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Add smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for extra richness.
- Veggie Boost: Top with thinly sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Twist: Use a spicy BBQ sauce and add red pepper flakes.
- Kid-Friendly: Let kids build their own with favorite toppings.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free naan or flatbreads.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Store leftover flatbreads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the grill or in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crisp.
Make It a Meal
Pair your grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Grill or use rotisserie chicken, grill flatbreads briefly, then top with BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese, and onions. Return to grill to melt cheese.
A mix of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor. You can also add smoked gouda for richness.
Yes! Grilling flatbread gives it a delicious char and crispy texture that’s perfect for flatbread pizza.
Brush naan lightly with oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until slightly charred. Then top and return to grill to finish cooking.
Absolutely! Store-bought naan is ideal for this recipe and grills up perfectly.
Red onions, cilantro, mozzarella, cheddar, bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños—the possibilities are endless.
Once topped, grill for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Yes! Grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads are fun and interactive—perfect for letting everyone customize their own.
You can prep the toppings and grilled chicken in advance. Grill the flatbreads and assemble when ready to serve.
Reheat on the grill or in the oven to keep the flatbreads crispy and delicious.
Definitely! Grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads are one of my favorite summer grilling recipes with flatbread because they’re quick, customizable, and always a hit.
Final Thoughts
When you want a fast, flavor-packed dinner that screams summer, these grilled BBQ chicken flatbreads deliver every time. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and always a hit at the table.
I love that this recipe works just as well for a quick weeknight meal as it does for entertaining friends and family. Plus, using the grill keeps the kitchen cool and adds that irresistible smoky flavor.
Whether you’re planning your next backyard barbecue, a family pizza night, or just craving something new, give these grilled chicken flatbread pizzas a try. With endless topping possibilities and that unbeatable charred flatbread base, they’re bound to become a staple in your summer cooking lineup.
📌 Pin & Share the Love
Love these Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbreads? Pin them to your Grilled Recipes or Easy Dinner Ideas board and tag us @readyprepmeals!
📌 Pin This Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Crispy grilled flatbreads topped with juicy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, red onions, and fresh cilantro—a quick and fun dinner perfect for summer nights!
