If you are craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together in no time, this Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. It perfectly balances the fresh, herbaceous punch of basil pesto with tender, juicy chicken and melty cheeses all on a crisp flatbread base. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an effortless lunch, these flatbreads deliver bold flavors and delightful textures without any fuss, making them an absolute must-try for anyone who loves simple yet delicious meals.

Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every component brings its own character, whether it’s the fragrant basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, or the perfectly cooked chicken, making this dish as vibrant as it is easy to prepare.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
Fresh basil pesto: Packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and nuts, this adds incredible flavor and moisture to the flatbread.
Flatbreads: The sturdy and crisp base that holds all the toppings beautifully without getting soggy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that deepens the flavor profile.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved and sprinkled on top, they bring bursts of freshness and color.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and brushing, it enhances richness and helps crisp the flatbread.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves: Optional for garnish, adding a final touch of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, then pat them dry with paper towels. Drying helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming. Next, toss the pieces in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning is the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Getting a good sear on the chicken locks in the juices and adds a lovely texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Oven and Flatbreads

While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay your flatbreads evenly spaced on the sheet—this setup will make building your flatbreads quick and clean.

Step 4: Build Your Flatbreads

Spread about 2 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto evenly over each flatbread, creating a vibrant green canvas. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto—this cheese base is crucial, as it melts into a creamy layer that holds the toppings in place.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Distribute the cooked chicken pieces and halved cherry tomatoes evenly atop the cheese layer. Cherry tomatoes provide pops of juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bake

Top each flatbread with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, ensuring a bubbly, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread turn a perfect golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the flatbreads from the oven. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top for an extra burst of herbal aroma. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into wedges or squares, then serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the brightness if desired.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted vegetables. The flatbread itself is quite hearty, so lighter, crisp sides help create a well-balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, slice the flatbreads into bite-sized pieces and serve on a large platter as a shared appetizer. Alternatively, wrap slices in parchment paper and pack for a picnic or lunch on the go. You could even elevate the look by arranging colorful heirloom tomatoes or olives alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Proper storage keeps the chicken tender and prevents the flatbread from becoming too dry or tough.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked flatbreads after assembling but before baking. Wrap them tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps revive the crispy crust and melty cheese, far better than the microwave, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and saves time while still delivering fantastic flavor. Just choose a good quality pesto for the best taste.

What type of flatbread is best for this recipe?

A sturdy, thin flatbread works best since it crisps up nicely in the oven without getting soggy. Look for naan, pita, or other similar flatbreads that hold toppings well.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, grilled shrimp or thinly sliced roasted turkey make excellent substitutions if you want to mix things up or accommodate dietary preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The chicken can be cooked ahead, and flatbreads can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making busy weeknights a breeze.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. The pesto and cheeses will still deliver plenty of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe perfectly captures the joy of a home-cooked meal that feels special but comes together quickly and simply. With its fresh basil pesto, juicy chicken, and mouthwatering cheese blend, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your own go-to recipes for effortless, delicious dinners.

Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread Recipe

4.1 from 69 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread recipe offers a quick and delicious dinner option featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a skillet, layered on flatbreads with fresh basil pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Flatbread Toppings

4 flatbreads
1 cup fresh basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling or leftover)

Garnish

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking.
Season chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Assemble flatbreads – spread pesto: Place flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Spread 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over each flatbread.
Add cheese base layer: Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pesto to form a cheesy base layer.
Top with chicken and tomatoes: Distribute cooked chicken pieces and halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the cheesy layer on each flatbread.
Finish with cheese topping: Top each flatbread with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a gooey cheese finish.
Bake flatbreads: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the flatbread crusts turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven: Carefully take the flatbreads out of the oven once baked to perfection.
Garnish: Add fresh chopped basil leaves on top, if desired, for a fresh herbal note.
Serve: Let the flatbreads cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice into wedges or squares and serve immediately.
Store leftovers: Keep any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture and flavor.