Among their mouthwatering offerings at Taco Bell, the Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread promises a delightful fusion of texture and taste that is hard to resist. But what if you could recreate this fast-food favorite right at home, adding a personal touch to every savory bite?
Table of Contents
How to make Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread
The Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread is a menu item that has evolved over time. It features grilled chicken, cheeses, and sauces wrapped in a soft flatbread.
Ingredients
For the Flatbread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
For the Cheese Blend:
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flatbread
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until the dough forms. Knead it for 5–8 minutes to get a smooth, elastic texture.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small portions, roll each into a flat round shape (6–7 inches in diameter).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the flatbreads on each side for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned and puffed.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well until smooth. Adjust the chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick!
Step 4: Assemble the Flatbread
- Take one flatbread and spread a generous layer of the chipotle sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken evenly across the flatbread surface.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese blend over the chicken.
- Place the assembled flatbread in a preheated oven or broiler at 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add a touch of hot sauce to the chipotle sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the assembled flatbread.
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the most authentic flavor, marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours before cooking with a little olive oil, garlic, paprika, and lime juice.
- Shortcut Options: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store and your favorite bottled chipotle sauce.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of mozzarella after broiling for that gooey, stretchy texture!
What to serve with
Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread is a flavorful dish, but pairing it with complementary sides, appetizers, desserts, and drinks can make your meal a satisfying feast.
1. Mexican Rice
A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the flatbread. The seasoned rice adds warmth and spice to your meal.
Ingredients: Long-grain rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, garlic, onion powder, and cumin.
Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
2. Refried Beans
Serve a spoonful of creamy refried beans for a traditional Tex-Mex touch.
How to prepare: Pan-fry pinto beans with a little olive oil and season with garlic and cumin, then mash until creamy.
Tip: Add shredded cheese as a topping for extra flavor.
3. Loaded Nachos
Crispy nachos topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo complement the flatbread perfectly.
Tip: To add variety, prepare loaded nachos using a side of the same chicken filling from the flatbread for consistency in flavors.
4. Corn Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
This flavorful side dish consists of grilled corn brushed with mayonnaise, sprinkled with chili powder, cotija cheese, and a splash of lime juice.
Tip: Serve it individually on the cob or as a corn salad for an easier eating experience.
5. Chips and Guacamole
Pair crispy tortilla chips with fresh guacamole as a starter or side dish.
How to prepare guacamole: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, garlic, and salt.
Tip: Add an optional jalapeño for a spicy kick!
Ingredients Substitutes
When trying to recreate a Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread at home, you might need to find substitutes for certain ingredients, either because of dietary preferences or availability.
Flatbread:
Substitutes: You can use pita bread, naan bread, or even a tortilla. If gluten-free is a concern, consider using gluten-free flatbread or wraps.
Grilled Chicken:
Substitutes: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use grilled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based chicken alternative. For different flavours, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey.
Cheese:
Substitutes: The typical cheese used is a shredded blend, like cheddar or Monterey Jack. For a non-dairy option, use vegan cheese shreds available in various flavors. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Avocado Ranch Sauce:
Substitutes: You can make your own with mashed avocado combined with a bit of ranch seasoning or use a store-bought avocado ranch dressing. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan ranch dressings or make your own with plant-based ingredients.
Lettuce:
Substitutes: You can use spinach, arugula, or any leafy green you prefer. Mixed greens can add a variety of flavors and textures.
Tomato:
Substitutes: If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, you can use sun-dried tomatoes or salsa for a tangy twist. Canned diced tomatoes can also work in a pinch.
Jalapeños:
Substitutes: You might opt for banana peppers or bell peppers for a milder spice. Try serrano peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want something hotter.
Spices & Seasonings:
If the chicken is seasoned, consider using taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, or simply a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Final Thoughts
Once prepped, your homemade Taco Bell Chicken Flatbreads are ready to serve. Pair them with some nachos or a side of Mexican rice for a full restaurant-style meal.
More Chicken Recipes:
- Copycat KFC Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Bamboo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe
- Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe
- Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For the Flatbread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
For the Cheese Blend:
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flatbread
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until the dough forms. Knead it for 5–8 minutes to get a smooth, elastic texture.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small portions, roll each into a flat round shape (6–7 inches in diameter).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the flatbreads on each side for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned and puffed.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well until smooth. Adjust the chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick!
Step 4: Assemble the Flatbread
- Take one flatbread and spread a generous layer of the chipotle sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken evenly across the flatbread surface.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese blend over the chicken.
- Place the assembled flatbread in a preheated oven or broiler at 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
