The aroma of basil and garlic wafting through the kitchen instantly transports me to a charming Italian café, tucked away in a sun-drenched alley. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Pesto Chicken Flatbread, a dish that seamlessly marries juicy grilled chicken with the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto on a crispy flatbread base. This easy dinner option is perfect for those weeknight cravings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spare. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable—whether you’re whipping up a vegetarian version or trying out different toppings, you can make this meal your own. What toppings would you choose to elevate your flatbread experience? Why You’ll Love This Flatbread Recipe Simplicity at Its Best: This Pesto Chicken Flatbread comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights! Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of homemade or store-bought pesto and grilled chicken ensures each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Adaptable for Everyone: Whether you prefer a meat-laden delight or a vegetarian masterpiece, this recipe caters to all dietary preferences. Crispy Texture Delight: Enjoy a perfect balance of crunch from the flatbread paired with gooey, melted mozzarella that elevates the entire experience. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish will impress guests and keep everyone coming back for more. Looking for more easy meal ideas? Try my Fiery Chicken Ramen or classic Butter Chicken Comfort for delicious alternatives! Pesto Chicken Flatbread Ingredients • Elevate your flatbread with these fresh, vibrant ingredients! For the Flatbread Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein source; feel free to swap in grilled veggies or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Fresh Basil Pesto – Offers a rich flavor and moisture; either homemade or store-bought will work wonders. Flatbread – Serves as the base; choose store-bought for convenience or go homemade for a personalized touch. For the Toppings Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully to create a creamy texture; you can’t go wrong here! Cherry Tomatoes – Adds bursts of freshness and beautiful color; halved for even distribution on your flatbread. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances overall deliciousness and helps with browning. For Cooking & Seasoning Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken, adding richness and a touch of decadence. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to ensure your chicken is bursting with flavor. For Garnishing Fresh Basil Leaves – Optional, but these lovely leaves add a pop of color and fresh aroma just before serving. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pesto Chicken Flatbread Step 1: Preheat Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your Pesto Chicken Flatbread cooks evenly, resulting in a crispy base. While the oven warms, gather your cooking equipment, including a baking sheet and a skillet, to streamline the process ahead. Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pat dry the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a paper towel to help the seasonings adhere. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Step 3: Rest & Slice Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken strips. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, ready to adorn your flatbread. Step 4: Prepare Flatbread Take your choice of flatbread and lay it on a baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread a generous layer of fresh basil pesto over the flatbread. Make sure to cover the entire surface to infuse every bite of your Pesto Chicken Flatbread with delightful flavor. Step 5: Assemble Flatbreads Begin layering your Pesto Chicken Flatbread by arranging the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto-covered surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create that gooey, melty texture that everyone loves. Add the halved cherry tomatoes next, distributing them evenly for sweet bursts of flavor throughout the dish. Step 6: Bake Place the assembled flatbreads into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are lightly golden. This step is essential for achieving that desired crispy texture while ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully. Step 7: Broil for Crispiness For an extra touch of crispiness, switch your oven to broil and keep a close eye on the flatbread for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step is key in achieving a beautifully browned top, but watch carefully to prevent burning. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen as it broils! Step 8: Cool & Slice Once broiled to perfection, carefully remove the Pesto Chicken Flatbread from the oven. Allow it to cool for a brief moment to make slicing easier, then cut it into quarters or halves, depending on your serving preference. This cooling step helps maintain the crusty base while making it easier to handle. Step 9: Garnish & Serve Finally, garnish your Pesto Chicken Flatbread with fresh basil leaves, adding a bright pop of color and a fresh aroma just before serving. This final touch enhances both presentation and flavor. Serve warm and watch as everyone delights in your delicious creation! Make Ahead Options Making Pesto Chicken Flatbread in advance is a game changer for busy weeknights! You can prep the chicken by seasoning and cooking it up to 3 days in advance, then refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its juicy flavor. The flatbreads can be topped with pesto, sliced chicken, cheese, and tomatoes ahead of time—just assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the flatbread directly from the fridge; you may need to add a couple of extra minutes for baking. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade dinner ready to go with minimal effort, ensuring every bite of your Pesto Chicken Flatbread is just as mouthwatering! Variations & Substitutions for Pesto Chicken Flatbread Feel free to get creative with your Pesto Chicken Flatbread! The delightful flavor combinations await you. Vegetarian Swap: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu for a satisfying meatless option that still hits the spot. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flatbreads to ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty meal without worrying about dietary restrictions. Dairy-Free Delight: Try using dairy-free cheese substitutes to keep this recipe vegan-friendly while still enjoying that warm, melty goodness. Flavor Boost: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top after baking to add a sweet and tangy finish that elevates each bite. Zesty Addition: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a little heat that will awaken your taste buds! Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh arugula or spinach on top before serving for a boost of freshness and a colorful presentation. Extra Umami: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an added depth of flavor that complements the pesto beautifully. Dip It Good: Serve with a creamy dip or marinara sauce on the side for an extra layer of deliciousness with every bite. With countless variations, your Pesto Chicken Flatbread is sure to become a personal favorite! Looking for more chicken recipes? Don’t miss my delicious Bang Bang Chicken or the savory Orange Chicken for unending inspiration! What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Flatbread Nothing brightens up weeknight dinners like discovering perfect side dishes to complement your meal. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, cucumbers, and citrus dressing adds a refreshing crunch that balances the savory flatbread. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted seasonal veggies provide a delightful sweetness and deepen the flavor experience with their caramelized edges. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs beautifully, offering a deliciously crunchy contrast to the soft cheese and pesto. Caprese Skewers: Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tied together with balsamic drizzle bring out the Italian flair in your meal. Creamy Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers a tangy, crunchy contrast that complements the warmth of the flatbread beautifully. Sparkling Lemonade: A zesty lemonade refreshes the palate, providing a crisp and bright finish to the savory bites. These sides will elevate your Pesto Chicken Flatbread experience and delight your family or guests! Expert Tips for Pesto Chicken Flatbread Chicken Prep: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the flavors adhere better, enhancing the overall taste of your Pesto Chicken Flatbread. Broiling Alert: Keep a close eye while broiling. The cooking time is short; watch to prevent burning and ensure a golden-brown finish. Flatbread Choice: Feel free to experiment with different flatbreads like whole wheat or gluten-free options for a unique twist on the classic Pesto Chicken Flatbread. Topping Ideas: Add extra veggies like arugula or spinach. They not only boost nutrition but also add flavor contrasts that can elevate your dish. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, as this retains the crispy goodness. How to Store and Freeze Pesto Chicken Flatbread Fridge: Store any leftover Pesto Chicken Flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will help maintain its flavor and freshness. Freezer: If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze the flatbread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep it protected. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the flatbread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll restore its crispy texture and warm the toppings evenly. Serving Tips: If freezing, consider storing the cooked chicken separately to preserve its moisture, then assemble and bake once thawed for the best Pesto Chicken Flatbread experience! Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully for this Pesto Chicken Flatbread. They’re easy to cook and absorb the flavors of the pesto beautifully. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, grilled vegetables or tofu can also work as a delightful substitute, offering a different yet equally satisfying flavor profile. How should I store leftovers? Very! To keep your Pesto Chicken Flatbread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness. Can I freeze Pesto Chicken Flatbread? Yes, you can! If you want to prepare ahead, wrap the unbaked flatbread tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble and bake as directed. If you’ve already cooked it, you can freeze leftovers; just remember to store them in airtight containers for the best results. What should I do if the cheese doesn’t melt properly? If you find that the cheese isn’t melting as you’d like, ensure you’re using fresh shredded mozzarella, as pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Additionally, try broiling for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking—a quick watch is essential here to avoid burning! Is this recipe suitable for someone with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! This Pesto Chicken Flatbread can be customized to accommodate various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flatbread. If you’re managing dairy allergies, opt for vegan cheese alternatives. Plus, making it vegetarian by swapping out chicken for vegetables or tofu is super simple without losing any taste! How do I choose ripe ingredients, like cherry tomatoes? When selecting cherry tomatoes, look for ones that are firm, glossy, and vibrant in color. Avoid any that have indentations, dark spots, or wrinkly skin. Freshness guarantees they’ll burst with natural sweetness when baked atop your Pesto Chicken Flatbread! Delicious Pesto Chicken Flatbread for Quick Weeknight Dinners Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a quick and easy dinner that combines grilled chicken with fresh pesto on a crispy flatbread base. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Flatbread2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Feel free to swap in grilled veggies or tofu for a vegetarian twist.1 cup Fresh Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought will work.2 pieces Flatbread Choose store-bought or homemade.For the Toppings1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully.1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for even distribution.1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Enhances flavor and browning.For Cooking & Seasoning1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for cooking the chicken.to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.For Garnishinga few Fresh Basil Leaves Optional, for garnish. Equipment ovensSkilletBaking sheet Method Cooking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side.Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.Spread pesto over the flatbread on a baking sheet.Layer sliced chicken, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes on the pesto-covered flatbread.Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.Cool slightly, then slice into quarters or halves.Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, watch carefully while broiling to prevent burning. You can store leftovers for up to two days in the refrigerator or freeze uncooked flatbread for up to two months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
