Pesto Chicken Flatbread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner
Cooking can be a wonderful way to unwind after a long day, and nothing beats a meal that is both delicious and simple to prepare. If you’re looking for a dish that combines fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch, then you should try Pesto Chicken Flatbread. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also offers plenty of room for creativity. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for a casual dinner or a small gathering, this flatbread is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to consider making Pesto Chicken Flatbread. First off, the taste is unbeatable. The rich flavor of basil pesto mingles beautifully with juicy chicken and gooey cheese. Every bite is a delight!
Another great aspect is that this recipe is versatile. You can use store-bought ingredients or make your own from scratch. This means you can save time or get crafty in the kitchen, depending on your mood.
Additionally, the flatbreads are quick to prepare and bake. In around 30 minutes, you can have a tasty meal on your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Finally, it’s an eye-catching dish. The colorful ingredients make it appealing for both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Print
Pesto Chicken Flatbread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and easy flatbread featuring tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil pesto.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Lay out the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over each flatbread.
- Distribute the sliced chicken over the pesto-covered flatbreads.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optionally, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
- 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.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Making Pesto Chicken Flatbread is straightforward and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this tasty dish.
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).
- This important first step ensures that your flatbreads will bake evenly.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian seasoning at this point.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Wait until the oil is hot, then add the chicken.
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
- You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Thin strips are easiest to distribute over the flatbread.
Lay out the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
- Make sure they have enough space so that they cook evenly.
Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over each piece.
- The pesto is the star of the dish, so don’t be shy!
Distribute the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto-covered flatbreads.
- This way, every piece gets a taste of the chicken.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Cheese adds creaminess and binds the toppings together.
Add halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- The tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- This gives a nice flavor and a bit of bite.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the flatbreads are golden brown.
Optionally, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
- This adds a nice crispy top, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Carefully take the flatbreads out of the oven and let them cool for a minute.
Slice into quarters or halves.
- This makes it easy to serve.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Fresh basil adds a beautiful finish.
Serve warm with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Serving Pesto Chicken Flatbread is just as easy as making it! You can cut the flatbreads into smaller pieces for appetizers or serve them whole for a filling meal. Complement the dish with a light side salad made of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette. This balances the richness of the flatbread nicely.
If you enjoy sauces, consider offering dipping sauces like ranch, balsamic glaze, or even more pesto on the side. It’s always a hit to provide choices for your guests or family.
Pesto Chicken Flatbread is also great for casual gatherings or movie nights. Just place them on a large plate, and let everyone help themselves. The colorful ingredients will brighten your table and appetites!
How to Store Pesto Chicken Flatbread
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely, since it is so delicious!), storing your Pesto Chicken Flatbread is simple. Place the flatbreads in an airtight container when they are cool. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap.
Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, just pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to warm them up and get the cheese melty again.
You can also freeze the flatbreads if you want them to last longer. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They can stay good for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge, then bake as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor. Fresh homemade pesto can elevate the dish greatly.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or spinach to customize the flatbreads to your taste.
Cheese Options: If you want, try different cheeses! Feta or Gouda can add nice flavors.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes on top.
Variation
If you want to switch up your Pesto Chicken Flatbread, consider using different proteins. Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different bases, such as pizza dough or naan bread, instead of flatbread for a unique twist.
If you’re short on time, substitute the chicken with pre-cooked deli chicken or rotisserie chicken. It’s a quick and easy option to save time without sacrificing flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes! Homemade pesto is a great way to add fresh flavors to your flatbread. Just be sure to blend it to a smooth consistency so it’s easy to spread.
2. How can I make the flatbread crust crispier?
To achieve a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the flatbreads for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This gives a wonderful texture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the flatbreads and toppings ahead of time. Assemble them and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This is perfect for meal prep or when entertaining.
Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a delightful recipe to try. It brings together easy preparation with incredible taste, making it a sure hit for any meal!