Pesto Chicken Flatbread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner

Why Make This Recipe

Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a fantastic choice for dinner because it combines the rich flavors of basil pesto with the juicy goodness of chicken and melted cheese. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it as a main meal or a snack. With minimal ingredients and easy instructions, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread

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:

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

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Flatbread

You can serve Pesto Chicken Flatbread as a main dish for dinner or as a shared appetizer. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for a balanced meal. It’s also great with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for dipping.

How to Store Pesto Chicken Flatbread

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the flatbreads in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the flatbread soggy.

Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread

• Customize the toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try using different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes if you like some heat in your dish.

Variations

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust. You can also swap chicken for grilled shrimp or a plant-based alternative for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto adds a fresher taste.

2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

3. Can I freeze the flatbread?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled flatbread before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Pesto Chicken Flatbread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner

This pesto chicken flatbread is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and melted mozzarella on a crispy flatbread.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 2 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 Flatbreads
• 1 cup Cooked Chicken Breast shredded or diced
• 1/4 cup Pesto
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
• 1/4 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped

Optional Garnishes

• Parmesan Cheese
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Balsamic Glaze

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread the pesto evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border for the crust.

Assembly and Baking

• Evenly distribute the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese over the pesto-coated flatbreads.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion to the flatbreads.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, and optional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or balsamic glaze.

Serving

• Slice and serve immediately for a delicious and easy dinner.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the flatbreads before adding toppings. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.