Quick Lebanese flatbread

Featured in Delicious Homemade Bread and Muffin Recipes.

Upgrade your meals with this speedy and tasty 8-minute Lebanese-style flatbread, taking cues from manakish and lahmacun. Start with thin flatbread spread with zesty chicken mince, cook it up in a hot skillet, and finish with toppings like feta, olive oil, or chili flakes for a twist. It’s flexible—use lamb or any flatbread you like. Great for quick dinners with lots of room for your own ideas.

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Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 16:12:50 GMT
Flatbread topped with cheese and meat, garnished with herbs. Pin it
Flatbread topped with cheese and meat, garnished with herbs. | chefmelt.com

This filling Middle Eastern flatbread has become my go-to dinner hack, packing amazing taste in just 8 minutes. It's perfect when you're too busy to cook but don't want to order in.

I stumbled on this dish during a super hectic week when I wanted something quick but still tasty. These Middle Eastern flatbreads are now requested by my family twice monthly, and I'm always happy to make them because they're so simple.

Ingredients

How To Create 8 Minute Lebanese Flatbreads

A slice of pizza with cheese and tomatoes. Pin it
A slice of pizza with cheese and tomatoes. | chefmelt.com

I'm crazy about the Baharat spice mix in this dish. Those sweet cinnamon and allspice notes seem weird in a meaty meal, but they add this incredible richness that turns basic stuff into something amazing. When my mom tried it, she instantly wanted to know how to make it, calling it a game-changer for quick dinners.

Storage And Reheating

Ingredient Variations

A pizza with cheese and herbs on top. Pin it
A pizza with cheese and herbs on top. | chefmelt.com

Cultural Context

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I try another kind of meat?

Sure! Swap chicken with lamb, turkey, or beef. Each one gives the dish a new twist in taste.

→ Which bread works best here?

Use thin Lebanese bread if you can, but pita or tortillas work great too. Just keep it soft and thin.

→ Could I make this without meat?

Totally! Replace the meat with sautéed veggies, beans, or plant-based mince. It’s delicious either way.

→ Is Baharat spice a must?

Not at all! You can replace it with Moroccan blends, harissa, or mix your own spices like cinnamon and allspice.

→ What other toppings can I toss on?

Add-ons like pine nuts, fresh parsley, chili flakes, feta, or just a squeeze of lemon work great. Pick what you love!

Fast Lebanese flatbread

Grab this fast Lebanese bread topped with herbed chicken, feta, and fresh toppings. Ready in a flash—8 minutes flat!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Minutes
Total Time
8 Minutes

Category: Breads and Muffins

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 1 Servings (One 30cm/12-inch pizza)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 30cm/12" Lebanese bread or any thin flatbread of a similar size
02 1/4 tsp table salt (or use 1/2 tsp cooking salt)
03 125g / 4 oz ground chicken (minced)
04 2 tsp thick tomato paste
05 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, preferably extra virgin, though regular works too
06 1 tbsp finely chopped herbs like parsley or coriander (or swap with 1 tsp oregano, dried)
07 1 tsp spice mix called Baharat or Lebanese 7-spice
08 1/2 tsp paprika (can be sweet or smoked)
09 1 garlic clove, crushed until smooth
10 Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
11 2 tbsp crumbled Danish feta, goat cheese, or regular feta
12 Squeeze of lemon juice if you like (optional)
13 A sprinkle of dried chili or red pepper flakes (optional)
14 1 tbsp chopped toasted pine nuts or substitute with almonds, pistachios, or sesame seeds
15 1 tsp finely chopped herbs like parsley or coriander (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

If needed, trim the Lebanese bread with scissors to fit neatly into a large non-stick pan about 30cm/12" wide.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix together minced chicken, tomato paste, spice mix (Baharat), paprika, crushed garlic, your choice of herbs, salt, and olive oil. Give it a good stir until evenly combined.

Step 03

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across one side of the bread, making sure to use all of it.

Step 04

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in your pan over high heat. Place the bread in with the meat side facing down. Press gently, and let it cook for around 90 seconds, giving the meat a chance to stick.

Step 05

Using tongs, carefully flip the bread so the plain bread side faces down. Let it toast for 90 seconds, reducing the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Step 06

Slide the cooked bread onto a cutting board. Top with crumbled feta, a little more olive oil, and any extras like chili, nuts, lemon juice, or herbs if you want. Cut into 8 slices and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Lebanese bread is thin and double-layered. If using smaller flatbreads, adjust toppings as needed.
  2. Ground chicken can be swapped with lamb for a more authentic flavor or any meat you prefer.
  3. If Baharat isn't on hand, use any Middle Eastern spice blend or try Harissa paste as a substitute.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large 30cm/12-inch non-stick pan
  • A sturdy mixing bowl
  • Scissors for trimming bread
  • Tongs for flipping
  • A cutting board for slicing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • The bread contains gluten, so this isn't gluten-free.
  • Feta or goat cheese adds dairy to this dish.
  • Optional toppings like nuts may introduce allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 25 g