Crispy Chicken Caesar Flatbread

My neighbor knocked on my door one Saturday holding two naan breads and a bag of romaine, asking if I could help her use them up before they went bad. I had leftover grilled chicken in the fridge and a jar of Caesar dressing, so we threw together what became this flatbread without any real plan. It turned out so good we made it again the next week on purpose, and now it's my go-to when I want something satisfying but don't want to spend an hour in the kitchen.

I made this for a small gathering once, slicing the flatbreads into wedges and piling them on a wooden board. People kept coming back for more, and someone said it tasted like the fancy flatbreads from that bistro downtown. I didn't tell them how simple it actually was until later, and even then they didn't believe me.

Ingredients

• Flatbreads: Naan works beautifully because it crisps up without drying out, and pre-baked pizza crusts are great too if you want something sturdier.
• Olive oil: Brushing the flatbread with oil before baking gives it that golden, crispy edge that makes all the difference.
• Chicken breasts: These stay juicy when grilled with a little seasoning, and slicing them thin helps them sit nicely on top without overwhelming the flatbread.
• Garlic powder and Italian herbs: Simple seasonings that add just enough flavor without needing a marinade.
• Romaine lettuce: It stays crunchy even when dressed, and the sturdy leaves don't wilt too fast under the warm chicken.
• Caesar dressing: The tangy, creamy backbone of the whole dish, whether you use store-bought or make your own.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly from the warmth and adds that salty, nutty finish.
• Cherry tomatoes: Optional, but they add a pop of color and a little sweetness that balances the richness.

Instructions

Preheat and prep the flatbreads:

Set your oven to 425°F and brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil. This step ensures they crisp up evenly and don't taste dry.

Season the chicken:

Toss the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until they're well coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and keeps the meat moist.

Grill the chicken:

Cook the chicken on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly so the juices stay inside.

Bake the flatbreads:

Place the oiled flatbreads on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until they're crisp and golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Dress the lettuce:

Toss the chopped romaine with half of the Caesar dressing in a bowl. This keeps the lettuce from getting soggy and distributes the flavor evenly.

Assemble and serve:

Top each warm flatbread with the dressed lettuce, sliced chicken, a drizzle of the remaining Caesar dressing, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes if using. Season with black pepper, slice into wedges, and serve right away.

Save to Pinterest

One evening I made this after a long day and ate it standing at the counter, straight from the baking sheet. The combination of warm flatbread, cool lettuce, and that creamy Caesar dressing felt like exactly what I needed. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you don't overthink.

Shortcuts and Swaps

I've used rotisserie chicken more times than I can count, and it works perfectly if you're short on time or just don't feel like firing up the grill. You can also swap the flatbread for pita, tortillas, or even thick slices of toasted sourdough. If you want to make it heartier, add crumbled bacon or a handful of croutons on top.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, keep the components separate in the fridge so the lettuce doesn't get soggy. The baked flatbread and grilled chicken will last for a couple of days, and you can reheat the flatbread in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up. Assemble fresh when you're ready to eat again.

Serving Suggestions

This flatbread is great on its own, but it also pairs nicely with a simple side salad or a bowl of tomato soup. I've served it at casual dinners, cut into small squares for appetizers, and even packed it for picnics with the lettuce on the side.

• Slice it into small wedges for a party platter.
• Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries for a fuller meal.

Save to Pinterest

This flatbread has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick but still feel like I'm treating myself. I hope it becomes that kind of reliable favorite for you too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the grilled chicken and wash the romaine in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the flatbreads just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

→ What's the best way to grill the chicken?

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before grilling. Season generously with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

→ How do I keep the flatbread crispy?

Brush flatbreads with olive oil before baking at 425°F for 5-7 minutes until golden. For extra crispness, place them directly on the oven rack. Top them immediately after baking while still warm.

→ Are there gluten-free options available?

Yes, substitute traditional flatbreads with gluten-free varieties or whole wheat options. Verify your Caesar dressing ingredients as well, since some store-bought versions may contain wheat-based thickeners.

→ What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?

Try ranch dressing, Greek yogurt-based dressing, or a simple lemon vinaigrette for lighter alternatives. You can also make homemade Caesar dressing with anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

→ How many people does this serve?

This serves 4 people as a main course or 8 as a shareable appetizer. Each flatbread is generously topped and can be sliced into portions depending on serving size preference.