Why Make This Recipe

Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and colors that makes it an ideal weeknight dinner. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a meal for your family, or enjoying a quiet evening by yourself, this flatbread is sure to impress. With the fresh taste of basil pesto, juicy chicken, and melted cheese all on a warm flatbread, it truly is comfort food at its best.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread

Making Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a breeze and involves just a few simple steps. You’ll begin by cooking the chicken, which becomes tender and flavorful when seared in olive oil. Once the chicken is ready, it’s layered on top of flatbread slathered with aromatic pesto. The finishing touch is the generous layering of cheeses and tomatoes. After a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a delicious flatbread ready to be enjoyed.

Ingredients:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
4 pieces of flatbread (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper (add garlic powder or Italian seasoning if desired).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Lay out the flatbreads on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over each piece.
Distribute the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto-covered flatbreads.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, followed by halved cherry tomatoes.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Optionally, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a crispy top, watching closely to prevent burning.
Carefully take the flatbreads out of the oven and let them cool for a minute.
Slice into quarters or halves and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve warm with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Flatbread

Pesto Chicken Flatbread is best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Pair it with a crisp salad or a side of your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables or a light soup for a more hearty dinner. For gatherings, consider slicing the flatbreads into smaller pieces for easy sharing.

How to Store Pesto Chicken Flatbread

If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s delicious enough you might not!), storing Pesto Chicken Flatbread is simple. Allow the flatbread to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the flatbread.

Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread

Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your flatbread will greatly depend on the quality of the pesto and cheese you use. If possible, opt for fresh basil pesto or a high-quality store-bought version.
Add Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes along with the tomatoes.
Customize Your Protein: While chicken is suggested, this recipe works well with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even vegetarian options like roasted mushrooms.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with the recipe! Switch up the protein by using grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version, or use different cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique flavor. You can also tailor the pesto to your liking, using sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of flatbread?
Yes! You can use pita bread, naan, or even a pizza crust if you prefer a thicker base.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the flatbreads with pesto and cheese ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust. Always check the labels on your ingredients for hidden gluten.