How to Make Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: A Quick 20-Minute Recipe
Looking for a delicious buffalo chicken flatbread that’s both quick to make and full of flavor? We’ve got you covered!
This spicy, tangy buffalo chicken flatbread is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile – serving as either a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer or a satisfying main course. For health-conscious eaters, one serving
(1/5 of the recipe) contains just 340 calories, making it a reasonable option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
What makes this recipe especially perfect for busy moms is that it’s balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Even a 5-minute meal can make a significant
difference when built with the right ingredients. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make buffalo chicken flatbread with simple, accessible
ingredients, customization options for dietary needs, and tips for perfect results every time.
Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before diving into the cooking process, I’ll first walk you through all the essential components for your buffalo chicken flatbread. Getting everything ready
beforehand makes the assembly process quick and smooth.
Flatbread, chicken, and cheese options
For the base, you have several options. Pre-made flatbreads work perfectly – naan bread, pita, or store-bought pizza crusts all make excellent foundations [1]. If
you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a game-changer since it comes pre-cooked and just needs shredding [2]. Furthermore, leftover grilled or roasted chicken
works wonderfully too.
For cheese, a combination provides the best flavor and texture. Shredded mozzarella (about 1-1.5 cups) creates that perfect melty base [2], while crumbled blue
cheese adds traditional buffalo wing flavor. Not a blue cheese fan? Simply substitute with more mozzarella or try pepper jack for extra heat [3].
Choosing the right buffalo sauce
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor [1]. For a creamier base, mix your hot sauce with blue cheese or ranch dressing [1]. If you prefer a
thicker consistency, Primal Kitchen buffalo sauce works well [3]. The amount varies based on preference – typically 1/3 to 1/2 cup for two flatbreads [2].
Optional toppings and dressings
To elevate your flatbread, consider these add-ons:
• Sliced green onions for freshness and color
• Diced red onion for crunch and bite
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
•
•
Celery pieces for authentic buffalo wing experience [4]
Fresh cilantro or even arugula for a peppery finish [2]
Ultimately, this recipe is highly adaptable – empty your fridge and use what you have on hand [5].
Kitchen tools to speed things up
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Nevertheless, these tools will streamline your process:
•
Baking sheet or pizza stone (a stone helps crisp the crust beautifully) [3]
• Spatula for spreading sauce
• Pizza cutter for serving
•
Small mixing bowl for combining ingredients [5]
• Cutting board and knife for prepping toppings
To save even more time, consider this shortcut: use a stand mixer to shred rotisserie chicken in under a minute [3]. This trick alone can significantly reduce your
prep time, making this truly a 20-minute meal from start to finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Now let’s dive into the actual cooking process! With your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s transform them into a delicious buffalo chicken flatbread in just a
few simple steps.
Preheat and prep the flatbread
First, preheat your oven to 400-450°F (200-230°C), with the exact temperature depending on your oven type. For pizza stones, aim for 450°F, and for baking
sheets, 425°F works best [6]. Once heated, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking [7].
Many recipes recommend pre-baking your flatbread for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings. This crucial step creates a crispy base that won’t get soggy [8]. During
this initial bake, you can mix your buffalo chicken – simply toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and seasonings like garlic powder until well coated [7].
Add sauce, chicken, and cheese
After pre-baking, it’s time for layering. Start by spreading a thin layer of buffalo sauce or ranch dressing (or a mixture of both) on your flatbread, leaving about ¼
inch around the edges for a proper crust [9]. Next, sprinkle a base layer of mozzarella cheese before adding your buffalo-coated chicken. This cheese layer helps
prevent the bread from becoming soggy [6].
For authentic buffalo flavor, add thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even celery slaw on top of the chicken layer [10]. Finally, top with another sprinkle of
mozzarella and optional blue cheese crumbles [6].
Bake and broil for perfect texture
Place your assembled flatbread back in the oven and bake for approximately 7-10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and bubbles [11]. For extra
crispiness, some recipes suggest a final broil for 1-2 minutes – but watch carefully as flatbreads can burn quickly [2]!
The edges should turn golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned when done [7]. If using multiple flatbreads, you might need to rotate
them halfway through cooking for even browning [11].
Final toppings and presentation
Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding final touches [6]. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch
dressing for extra flavor and visual appeal [12]. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley for color and freshness [2].
For serving, slice into squares or triangles using a pizza cutter while still warm. This easy buffalo chicken flatbread makes a striking presentation when arranged
on a cutting board with extra dipping sauces on the side.
Customize Your Flatbread
The versatility of buffalo chicken flatbread truly shines when you start customizing it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. One flatbread can transform into
countless variations with just a few simple swaps.
Substitute ingredients for dietary needs
Your buffalo chicken flatbread can easily accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor. For gluten-free diets, swap traditional flatbread for gluten-free
options like Udi’s pizza crust [13]. Dairy concerns? Replace regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives or simply omit cheese entirely [13]. To boost protein content,
add extra chicken or try a high-protein flatbread [13]. Those watching sodium intake can create their own homemade buffalo sauce with less salt—a significant
improvement considering restaurant buffalo wings can contain upwards of 500mg sodium per wing [14].
Make it vegetarian or low-carb
Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by substituting chicken with canned chickpeas [13], cauliflower [15], crumbled tofu/tempeh [16], or jackfruit [17]. Vegans
can use plant-based mozzarella—though if that’s not your preference, regular cheese works perfectly [17].
For low-carb enthusiasts, Joseph’s Flax Lavash Bread offers just 6 grams of net carbs per half sheet [18]. Mission Carb Balance tortillas pack an impressive 15
grams of fiber with only 19 grams total carbs [14]. These low-carb versions deliver substantial nutrition—half a flatbread contains approximately 28 grams of
protein and merely 12 grams of net carbs [19].
Turn it into a buffalo chicken flatbread pizza
Craving something more substantial? Use a traditional pizza crust instead of flatbread [16]. Add crispy bacon [20], bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, mushrooms, or
garlic slices [13] for extra flavor dimensions. Consider a drizzle of hot honey [13] or blue cheese dressing as finishing touches to create a more pizza-like experience
that still maintains all the buffalo chicken flavor you love.
Store, Reheat, and Serve
Made too much buffalo chicken flatbread? No worries! Proper storage and reheating techniques will keep your leftovers tasting as delicious as when freshly
made.
How to store leftovers properly
Wrap your buffalo chicken flatbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container for optimal freshness. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4
days [6]. For longer preservation, freeze it for up to 2-3 months [6]. However, avoid freezing flatbreads drizzled with dressing as they may become soggy when
thawed [1]. Moreover, wait until the flatbread reaches room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation [13].
Reheating tips for crispy results
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm [8]. In a hurry? Air fryers work wonderfully – just 3-5 minutes at 400°F will restore
crispiness [21]. Microwave reheating (30-60 seconds) is quickest but sacrifices some crispiness [8]. To refresh your flatbread, sprinkle a little fresh cheese before
reheating [21].
Serving ideas for meals or parties
This buffalo chicken flatbread tastes great both hot and cold, making it perfect for quick lunches [1]. For gatherings, serve alongside green vegetables like roasted
brussels sprouts or a simple side salad [3]. Consequently, cutting into smaller squares creates perfect appetizers for game day celebrations.
Buffalo chicken flatbread calories breakdown
Nutritional content varies by recipe and portion size. On average, one serving (1/5 recipe) contains approximately 340 calories [22]. More detailed breakdowns
show 384 calories with 35g carbs, 32g protein, and 12g fat per serving [8]. In other variations, half a flatbread pizza contains about 279 calories with 18g protein
[23].
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken flatbread truly stands out as a versatile, delicious option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how
this simple dish combines convenience with flavor while requiring minimal effort. Additionally, at just 340 calories per serving, it fits perfectly into a balanced
eating plan without sacrificing taste.
What makes this recipe especially valuable is its adaptability. Whether you prefer gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or low-carb options, this flatbread welcomes
customization while maintaining its signature buffalo chicken appeal. The basic formula remains straightforward – flatbread, buffalo-coated chicken, melty cheese,
and your favorite toppings.
Remember to store any leftovers properly for quick meals later in the week. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavor
combinations. Your perfect buffalo chicken flatbread might include bacon, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot honey!
This recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. Therefore, next time you need a quick dinner solution or party appetizer,
grab some flatbread, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce – dinner will be ready before anyone can ask “what’s to eat?”
FAQs
Q1. What are the key ingredients for making buffalo chicken flatbread? The key ingredients include flatbread (such as naan or pita), shredded chicken,
buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and optional toppings like blue cheese, green onions, and ranch dressing.
Q2. How long does it take to make buffalo chicken flatbread? This quick and easy recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for
busy weeknights or last-minute meal preparations.
Q3. Can I make buffalo chicken flatbread vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with alternatives like
chickpeas, cauliflower, crumbled tofu, or jackfruit. Use plant-based cheese for a vegan option.
Q4. How do I store and reheat leftover buffalo chicken flatbread? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at
350°F for 5-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes for best results.
Q5. Is buffalo chicken flatbread a healthy meal option? Buffalo chicken flatbread can be a balanced meal option. One serving (1/5 of the recipe) contains
approximately 340 calories and provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. You can further customize it to fit various dietary needs.