Pesto Chicken Flatbread

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Craving a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion? This Pesto Chicken Flatbread combines the rich taste of basil pesto, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella on a crispy flatbread, making it an irresistible dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Grab the ingredients and make these easy flatbreads for your next pizza night!

Sweet Basil

I feel pressured to make the most of my abundant basil plants when August rolls around. With so much basil still thriving in the garden, I know the clock is ticking before the cooler weather sets in.

If you’re in the same boat with a garden full of fresh basil, it’s important to harvest it sooner rather than later to preserve its vibrant flavor. One of the best ways to do this is by making homemade pesto, which can be easily stored in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy the taste of summer all winter long.

I hope you’ll search around while you are here and check out more basil pesto recipes, such as pesto chicken flatbread, pesto pasta tuna salad, pesto meatballs, creamy pesto salmon pasta, and a delicious potato salad with pesto. Both are perfect for your next potluck get-together!

Why you’ll love pesto flatbread pizza

Quick and Easy Gourmet Meal: This Pesto Chicken Flatbread recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a short baking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Flavor-Packed and Versatile: The combination of savory basil pesto, juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s easily customizable.

Perfect for Entertaining: This flatbread is a crowd-pleaser and a visually stunning dish. The vibrant colors from the fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic glaze make it an impressive appetizer or main course for gatherings, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal dinner party.

Ingredients

• Flatbread – The store-bought flatbreads serves as the perfect base for the toppings. Its thin, crispy texture allows the flavors of the toppings to shine while holding everything together without becoming soggy. You could also use naan bread or premade pizza crusts from the grocery store.
• Basil Pesto – The basil pesto is the star ingredient, providing a fresh, herby flavor that ties the whole flatbread together. It also adds a beautiful green color contrasting nicely with the other toppings. Don’t hesitate to buy store-bought pesto for quick and easy dinners.
• Shredded Chicken Breast – I have a great way for you to cook up shredded chicken and it’s in the Instant Pot! Check out how quick and easy it is to turn chicken breasts into shredded chicken here.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella cheese is essential for that irresistible melty texture. Its mild flavor pairs well with the bold pesto and other toppings, creating a balanced bite. I used shredded cheese, but you could use fresh mozzarella too.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Any tomatoes will do, but I love the natural sweetness that cherry tomatoes bring to the flatbread. I’ve also used grape tomatoes for this flatbread.
• Italian Seasoning: Optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the flatbread.
• Crushed Red Pepper: A little kick goes a long way, and it pairs beautifully with the garlic pesto.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each elevates the ingredients’ natural flavors, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have any glaze on hand, no worries. The pizza is still absolutely delicious, but it’s hard for me to resist adding! It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a sweet, tangy, irresistible depth.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Not only do they add a burst of freshness, but they also make the flatbread look as good as it tastes.
• Optional: Pine Nuts – For a little crunch, add toasted pine nuts to the flatbread.

Variations – Flatbread recipes

What’s great about flatbread pizzas is you can add any of your favorite toppings. Here are some fun ways to create a completely different flavor profile.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Swap the pesto for barbecue sauce, and top with shredded chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro after baking.

Mediterranean Veggie Flatbread: Replace the chicken with a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, and red onions. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil before baking.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Use buffalo sauce in place of pesto, and top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. Finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking.

BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread: Spread a layer of barbecue sauce over the flatbread, then top with tender pulled pork, thinly sliced red onions, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. After baking, garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy treat.

How to make Pesto Chicken Flatbread with step-by-step pictures

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Line with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up.

Step 2: Evenly spread pesto over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges (about 2 tablespoons of pesto each). Top each flatbread with the small pieces of chicken, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and add the cherry tomato halves. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Place flatbreads in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the flatbread edges are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Remove the flatbread from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Using a pizza cutter, slice the pizza into four pieces and serve immediately.

Tips for making the perfect flatbread

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using leftover chicken or use rotisserie chicken. This speeds up the prep and ensures your flatbread is topped with tender, flavorful chicken.

Don’t Overload the Toppings: Keep your toppings balanced to avoid soggy flatbread. A light hand with the cheese and toppings ensures a crispy, golden crust every time.

Bake on a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy flatbread, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone. This helps distribute heat evenly and gives your flatbread that perfect crunch.

Storage

To store leftover flatbread, allow it to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

What to serve with basil chicken flatbread

Basil chicken flatbread is a dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas:

Classic Wedge Salad – This salad or a simple mixed green salad is the perfect fit.

Feta Orzo Salad – This light salad will have your guests buzzing asking for the recipe.

Tzatziki Sauce – A cool and creamy sauce can be a refreshing dip for the flatbread adding a tangy contrast.

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