Chicken Pesto Flatbread: The Ultimate Quick & Flavorful Meal Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pesto Flatbread is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and melty mozzarella on a crisp flatbread, it’s both satisfying and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 2 flatbreads or naan (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating for an extra crispy crust.
2. Step 2: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pizza pan. Brush lightly with olive oil to help achieve a golden finish.
3. Step 3: Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges to create a flavorful base.
4. Step 4: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the pesto-covered flatbreads. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Add Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the flatbread edges are golden and crisp.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade pesto for the best flavor, or enhance store-bought pesto with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Try swapping mozzarella for burrata or goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add other toppings like olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers to customize your flatbread.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.

Storage

Store any leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use tortilla wraps instead of flatbread?

Yes, tortilla wraps can be a convenient substitute, but they may bake faster and crisp up more thinly, so watch them closely while baking.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the flatbreads up to step 4 and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours. Bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, melty cheese and crispy edges.

Chicken Pesto Flatbread: The Ultimate Quick & Flavorful Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 759 reviews

This Chicken Pesto Flatbread recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal combining tender cooked chicken, vibrant basil pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese on crispy flatbread. Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner, it’s a delightful fusion of fresh and savory ingredients baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 flatbreads or naan (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven during preheating if you want an extra crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Flatbreads: Arrange the flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a lightly greased pizza pan. Lightly brush the top of each flatbread with olive oil to promote a beautiful golden finish while baking.
3. Add the Pesto: Spread a generous layer of basil pesto evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges to create a flavorful base for the toppings.
4. Layer the Toppings: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces over the pesto. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then add halved cherry tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Bake: Place the flatbreads in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted thoroughly and is bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread appear golden and crisp.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Slice and serve the flatbreads hot for the best flavor.

Notes

• For a crispier base, use a preheated pizza stone while baking.
• You can substitute flatbread with naan or pita bread as desired.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Adjust the amount of pesto and cheese according to taste preferences.
• Optional Parmesan cheese adds a richer, nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
• For a vegan version, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables and use vegan cheese and pesto.

Keywords: Chicken Pesto Flatbread, Pesto Flatbread, Quick Dinner, Easy Flatbread Recipe, Chicken Flatbread, Basil Pesto, Mozzarella Flatbread