Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads—a fabulously modern twist on a classic Caesar salad, all cozied up on warm, pillowy flatbreads. Juicy, herby chicken mingles with crunchy chickpeas, crisp lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and golden bacon for a handheld flavor explosion you’ll want to put on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of staple ingredients stand between you and Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads bliss! Each one is thoughtfully chosen to deliver fresh flavor, vibrant crunch, and bold Caesar-inspired magic in every bite.

• Chicken thighs (1 lb/500g, boneless, skinless, free-range): These stay extra juicy and soak up all that herby marinade like a sponge—perfect for charring.
• Olive oil: The gold standard for infusing both chicken and chickpeas with rich moisture and flavor.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade and gives a subtle tang to the chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Crushed for powerful, aromatic punch that shouts Caesar.
• Salt & black pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning is essential for layering in flavor at every step.
• Dried thyme: Earthy, fragrant, and adds lovely savory notes to the chicken.
• Canned chickpeas (14 oz/400g): Roasted until impossibly crisp—they’ll be your new favorite salad crunch!
• Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle, addictive smokiness to the chickpeas.
• Streaky bacon (4 slices): The salty, crispy contrast that ties the whole flatbread together.
• Romaine lettuce: Classic Caesar crunch—choose the freshest leaves you can find.
• Scallions (3, finely sliced): For gentle onion-y lift and a splash of green.
• Large flatbreads (4): The supremely satisfying base—warmer and softer than tortillas, sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
• Aioli or mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy canvas for our bold, from-scratch Caesar dressing.
• Grated parmesan (1/4 cup plus extra to serve): Nutty, salty, and completely essential for that unmistakable Caesar richness.
• Fish sauce: Delivers craveable umami depth (skip anchovies—this is way easier and just as punchy).
• White miso paste: The “secret ingredient” for next-level tang and savory complexity in the dressing.

Variations

One of the best things about Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads is just how flexible they are. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply using what’s on hand, it’s super simple to put your own spin on this crowd-pleaser.

• Swap for Chicken Breast: Prefer a leaner bite? Chicken breast works beautifully—just keep an eye on cook time to avoid drying it out.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon, double up on crispy chickpeas, and add roasted mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Gluten-Free Flatbreads: Use your favorite gluten-free wraps or flatbreads—everything else is naturally gluten-free.
• Extra Greens: Toss in arugula, baby kale, or even shredded red cabbage for extra flavor and color in your Caesar salad topping.
• No Fish Sauce? Swap for Worcestershire sauce or just use extra miso or dijon mustard if you like.

How to Make Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, crushed garlic, salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Add your diced chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Marinate in the fridge anywhere from 30 minutes (if you’re short on time) to 24 hours (for max flavor infusion).

Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 480°F (250°C) and line a tray with baking paper. Pour the drained chickpeas onto the tray, sprinkle with salt, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil, then toss to coat. Roast for 15 minutes until crisp, golden, and ready to add pop to your flatbreads.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a lined baking tray. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn beautifully golden and slightly charred. The high heat locks in all those herby juices and caramelizes the exterior just right.

Step 4: Make the Caesar Dressing

As the chicken and chickpeas cook, quickly mix up your Caesar dressing. Combine aioli (or mayo), parmesan cheese, miso paste, fish sauce, and a grind of black pepper in a bowl until smooth, creamy, and irresistibly savory.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad Topping

While everything’s roasting away, cook your bacon in a frying pan over high heat until super crispy, about 5 minutes. Combine the bacon, shredded romaine, scallions, and half the crispy chickpeas in a mixing bowl. Add half the Caesar dressing and toss until everything is glossy and coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Flatbreads

Lay out your flatbreads and divide the dressed salad evenly. Add generous helpings of charred chicken, scatter the rest of the chickpeas, dollop extra Caesar dressing, and shower the whole thing with more parmesan and cracked black pepper. Dinner is served—Caesar style!

How to Serve Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads

Garnishes

Garnish your Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads with an extra handful of freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of scallions, and a few whole crispy chickpeas for irresistible bite and color. A final crack of black pepper makes the flavors sing!

Side Dishes

Balance the richness with something fresh and zingy—try a simple tomato salad, a bowl of seasonal fruit, or griddled corn with a squeeze of lime. If you want to go all-in, crispy sweet potato fries are divine alongside these flatbreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads sliced into “pizza” wedges for a crowd, wrap them up picnic-style in parchment for lunch on the go, or turn them into an epic build-your-own flatbread bar—just lay out the salad, chicken, and toppings for DIY fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the chicken, salad, chickpeas, and dressing stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Wait to dress the salad until right before serving to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

The cooked chicken freezes beautifully! Cool completely first, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Flatbreads also freeze well, but wait to add salad, bacon, or chickpeas until ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken pieces and flatbreads in the oven or air fryer for just a few minutes to warm through—avoid microwaving, which can make the flatbreads chewy. Add fresh salad and toppings after reheating for the ultimate texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both irresistible and full of personality, Charred Chicken Caesar Flatbreads are just the ticket. I can’t wait for you to dig in and experience all that crunchy, creamy, boldly seasoned goodness—don’t be surprised if they become your new weeknight staple!

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