Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe

I absolutely love making this Pesto Chicken Flatbread whenever I need something delicious that’s ready in just 40 minutes. This high-protein recipe combines tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and melted cheese on crispy flatbread for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Last week, I was scrambling to make dinner for unexpected guests when I remembered this recipe. Within minutes, I had these gorgeous flatbreads in the oven, filling my kitchen with the most amazing aroma of garlic and herbs. The best part? Everyone thought I’d spent hours cooking when it only took me 40 minutes from start to finish. This protein-packed flatbread recipe has become my go-to solution for busy evenings when I want restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

Fresh Ingredients That Make the Difference

I always use fresh basil pesto when possible because it truly elevates the flavor profile of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect Pesto Chicken Flatbread:

Equipment needed: Large skillet, baking sheet, sharp knife or pizza cutter, meat thermometer

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 pieces of flatbread (6-8 inch size, store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Pro tip: I prefer using cherry tomatoes over regular tomatoes because they hold their shape better during baking and add perfect bursts of sweetness to each bite.

Simple Steps for Perfect Results

I recommend starting with room temperature chicken for more even cooking. Here’s how to make this delicious Pesto Chicken Flatbread:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Always verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer for food safety.

Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. This resting step is crucial for juicy chicken.

Step 4: Lay out the flatbreads on a baking sheet and spread about ¼ cup basil pesto evenly over each piece using the back of a spoon, leaving a ½-inch border around edges.

Step 5: Distribute the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto-covered flatbreads, then sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese over each flatbread and add halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Optional: Switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 8: Let cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice into quarters using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes

This Pesto Chicken Flatbread pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.

Mixed Green Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a peppery bite that balances the creamy pesto perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color contrast that makes this meal feel more complete.

Caesar Salad: The classic flavors work wonderfully with the Italian-inspired flatbread, creating a cohesive Mediterranean-style dinner.

White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the basil and cheese beautifully for adult entertaining.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Pesto Chicken Flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more overnight, making leftovers incredibly tasty.

For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave to maintain that crispy texture. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes.

Pro tip: If you want to prep ahead, you can cook the chicken and assemble the flatbreads earlier in the day, then just pop them in the oven when ready to serve.

More Flavorful Flatbread Recipes to Explore

This pesto chicken flatbread brings together the classic Italian flavors that pair wonderfully with other Mediterranean-inspired creations. For a complete Italian feast, try our elegant Margherita Flat Bread Pizza Recipe alongside this pesto version – the fresh basil and tomatoes create a perfect flavor harmony with the herbed chicken.

When planning your next dinner party, serve this pesto flatbread as part of a varied spread that includes our sophisticated Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread for a sweet-savory contrast, and the crowd-pleasing Spinach and Feta Flatbread Pizza. For those seeking protein-packed options, our High Protein BBQ Chicken Flatbread offers a delicious alternative with bold, smoky flavors that complement the herbaceous notes of this pesto creation.

Your Questions Answered

Ready to Create Magic in Your Kitchen

This Pesto Chicken Flatbread proves that incredible meals don’t require hours of preparation. With just 40 minutes and simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.

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