Save My neighbor handed me a takeout menu once and pointed to a flatbread topped with Caesar salad. I squinted at the picture, skeptical that lettuce belonged on anything baked. But curiosity got the better of me, and I tried making my own version at home using leftover naan and rotisserie chicken. The contrast between the warm, crisp base and the cool, tangy greens surprised me in the best way. Now it's my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but comes together in under half an hour.
I made this for a casual Friday dinner with friends who were expecting something heavier. When I brought out the flatbreads topped with glossy greens and golden chicken, they hesitated for a second before diving in. One friend ate three slices and asked if I'd taught a class on this. I laughed because it felt almost too simple to call a recipe, but that's exactly why it works.
Ingredients
- 2 large flatbreads or naan: These form the sturdy, golden base that holds everything together, and using store-bought saves you from any dough stress.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for flatbread): Brushing both sides ensures even crisping and prevents sogginess once the salad goes on top.
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, quick-cooking protein that stays juicy if you don't overcook it.
- 1 tsp olive oil (for chicken): Just enough to get a nice sear without making the skillet smoke.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that plays well with Caesar flavors.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Seasons the chicken so it doesn't taste flat next to all that Parmesan.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A gentle warmth that doesn't overpower the dressing.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Crisp, sturdy leaves that don't wilt immediately under the warm chicken.
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing: The creamy, tangy heart of this dish, whether you make it or buy a good bottle.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly on the warm flatbread and adds that nutty, salty bite.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional): A pop of sweetness and color that balances the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Finish with this for a little extra sharpness right before serving.
- Extra Parmesan shavings: Because more cheese is rarely a mistake.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze brightens everything up if the dressing feels too heavy.
Instructions
- Warm the Flatbreads:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush both sides of the flatbreads lightly with olive oil, then bake for 5 minutes until they're warm and just starting to crisp at the edges.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the flatbreads bake, heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Toss the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with Caesar dressing until every leaf is lightly coated. Don't drown it, you want it glossy, not soggy.
- Assemble the Flatbreads:
- Remove the flatbreads from the oven and arrange the sliced chicken evenly over each one. Top generously with the Caesar salad mix, sprinkle with Parmesan, and add cherry tomatoes if you're using them.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add more Parmesan shavings and a few grinds of black pepper on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants a bright squeeze.
Save The first time I served this, my kids picked off the lettuce and ate the chicken separately. The second time, I let them help assemble their own flatbreads, and suddenly the greens disappeared without complaint. Sometimes the magic is just in letting people feel like they had a hand in making it.
Making It Your Own
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it and skip the skillet step entirely. Grilling the chicken instead of pan-cooking adds a smoky depth that makes the whole dish taste like summer. For extra crunch, toss in some croutons or crispy bacon bits right before serving. A yogurt-based Caesar dressing lightens things up if you want to keep it a bit fresher.
What to Serve Alongside
This flatbread is filling on its own, but a simple tomato soup or a light vegetable broth works if you want something warm on the side. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon feels right for a casual dinner. If you're feeding a crowd, cut the flatbreads into smaller squares and serve them as appetizers.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are tricky because the lettuce wilts quickly once it sits on the warm flatbread. If you know you'll have extras, keep the components separate and assemble fresh portions as needed. The cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for up to three days, and you can reheat the flatbread in a toaster oven to bring back some crispness.
- Store the dressed salad separately if you plan to eat leftovers the next day.
- Reheat flatbreads in the oven, not the microwave, to avoid sogginess.
- Slice the chicken ahead of time and keep it covered so it stays moist.
Save This flatbread has become one of those easy wins that feels special without any fuss. It's proof that you don't need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something people remember.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, grilling adds excellent flavor to the chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook seasoned chicken breasts 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- → What flatbread alternatives work best?
Naan and pita bread are excellent substitutes. Both work with the same baking time and technique. Choose based on your preference for thickness and texture.
- → How can I add more crunch?
Crispy bacon bits and croutons are great additions. Sprinkle them on just before serving to maintain their crispness. You can also toast the flatbread longer for extra crispness.
- → Is there a lighter version?
Substitute traditional Caesar dressing with a yogurt-based version to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining creamy flavor. This works particularly well with fresh romaine.
- → What allergens are present?
This contains wheat from flatbread, milk from Parmesan and dressing, and eggs from traditional Caesar dressing. Always check Caesar dressing ingredients for anchovies and other potential allergens.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Prepare components separately: cook chicken and store in the refrigerator, wash lettuce, and assemble just before serving. This ensures the flatbread remains crispy and fresh ingredients stay optimal.