Description
Craving a quick, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for game day, a quick dinner, or a fun appetizer? Buffalo Chicken Flatbread is your ticket to flavor town! This recipe combines shredded chicken tossed in fiery buffalo sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings like celery and green onions, all drizzled with creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a bold, flavorful flatbread. Each component is key to capturing that classic buffalo wing vibe. Here’s the list, with why each matters and substitution ideas.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): The protein star.
- Why it’s important: Shredded chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce, providing a hearty, spicy base.
- Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or shredded turkey. For a vegetarian option, try shredded jackfruit or crumbled tofu.
- Buffalo Sauce (½ cup, adjust to taste): Brings the heat.
- Why it’s important: It delivers the signature spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings.
- Substitutions: Use a milder hot sauce, mix with BBQ sauce for less heat, or try a vegan buffalo sauce.
- Flatbread, Pita, or Naan (4 pieces): The crispy base.
- Why it’s important: Provides a sturdy, chewy platform for the toppings that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Substitutions: Use pizza dough, tortillas, or gluten-free flatbread for dietary needs.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds melty, cheesy goodness.
- Why it’s important: It binds the toppings and adds a rich, savory flavor that balances the spice.
- Substitutions: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Celery (½ cup, diced): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Why it’s important: Mimics the classic buffalo wing side, adding a crisp, cooling contrast.
- Substitutions: Use diced cucumber, bell peppers, or skip for a simpler topping.
- Green Onions (¼ cup, sliced): Adds mild oniony flavor.
- Why it’s important: They bring a fresh, colorful garnish that complements the spicy chicken.
- Substitutions: Use chives, red onion, or parsley for a different twist.
- Ranch Dressing (¼ cup, for drizzling): Provides creamy balance.
- Why it’s important: Its cool, tangy flavor tames the buffalo sauce’s heat, just like a classic wing dip.
- Substitutions: Use blue cheese dressing for a bolder flavor, Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or a vegan ranch.
- Olive Oil (for brushing): Enhances crispiness.
- Why it’s important: It helps the flatbread get golden and crispy in the oven.
- Substitutions: Use melted butter, avocado oil, or skip for a lighter option.
Pro Tip: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice tolerance—start with less and add more if you love heat!
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Tip: Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven while preheating for an extra-crispy flatbread base.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss 2 cups shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup buffalo sauce until well coated. Adjust the sauce amount to your spice preference.
- Tip: Warm the chicken slightly before mixing to help the sauce coat evenly.
- Prep the Flatbreads:
- Place 4 pieces of flatbread, pita, or naan on a baking sheet. Brush each lightly with olive oil for crispiness.
- Tip: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Flatbreads:
- Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over each flatbread, spreading it to the edges.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Tip: Spread the chicken thinly for even cooking, and don’t skimp on the cheese for that melty goodness.
- Bake the Flatbreads:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the flatbread edges are crispy and golden.
- Tip: Check at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking—oven times may vary. For extra crispiness, bake directly on a pizza stone.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with ½ cup diced celery and ¼ cup sliced green onions.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup ranch dressing (or more to taste).
- Slice into wedges or strips and serve hot.
- Tip: Use a squeeze bottle for a neat ranch drizzle, or serve extra dressing on the side for dipping.
Cooking Tip: If you like extra crunch, broil the flatbreads for 1–2 minutes at the end to brown the cheese, but watch closely to avoid burning.