Delicious Chicken Pesto Flatbread

This chicken pesto flatbread transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic pesto, and melty cheese creates an irresistible flatbread that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.

I created this recipe when I needed a quick dinner solution that would please my picky eaters. The vibrant pesto and melty cheese won everyone over, and now it's requested at least once a week in our home.

Ingredients

• Flatbread or naan bread: Serves as the perfect crispy yet chewy base
• Pesto sauce: Provides rich flavor without much effort; look for bright green color and fresh aroma
• Cooked chicken: Adds protein and makes this a complete meal; use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring sweet juicy bursts of flavor; choose ripe ones with vivid color
• Fresh spinach: Adds nutrition and color without overwhelming flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that essential melty cheese pull; choose low moisture for best results
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and crispy edges; always grate from a block for best flavor
• Olive oil: Helps achieve golden crispy edges; use extra virgin for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center. This temperature ensures crispy edges while still allowing all toppings to warm through properly without burning.

Prepare the flatbreads:

Place your flatbreads on a large baking sheet and lightly brush each with olive oil. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy from the toppings.

Add the pesto base:

Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce on each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. The border will give you a clean handle for eating and prevent toppings from sliding off.

Layer the toppings:

Distribute the chicken pieces evenly across the flatbreads, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes. Tear the spinach leaves into smaller pieces if they're large and distribute them across the top.

Add the cheeses:

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over all the toppings, making sure to cover evenly. Follow with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese which will add a wonderful nutty flavor as it browns.

Bake to perfection:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully as ovens vary. The flatbreads are done when the cheese is completely melted with some golden spots and the edges have turned golden brown and crispy.

Serve immediately:

Cut into slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife and serve while hot. The contrast between the crispy base and melty toppings is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

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The pesto is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered the magic of using pesto instead of traditional pizza sauce when I had an abundance of basil from my garden one summer. The bright herbaceous flavor elevates this simple flatbread from good to absolutely craveable.

Make It Your Own

This flatbread recipe welcomes endless variations. Try substituting the chicken with crispy prosciutto for an Italian twist, or use leftover roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. The pesto base works beautifully with almost any topping combination, making this a perfect recipe for using whatever you have on hand.

Storage Tips

These flatbreads are best enjoyed immediately after baking, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible as it will make the flatbread soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flatbreads with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a complete meal. The peppery arugula provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the flatbread. For entertaining, cut the flatbreads into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers alongside a chilled crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

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This flatbread is a crowd-pleaser that's quick, versatile, and utterly delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly. However, you can use homemade pesto for an extra fresh and personalized touch.

→ What type of chicken is best for this flatbread?

Cooked, shredded, or sliced chicken works best. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover chicken.

→ Can I substitute the flatbread with another base?

Absolutely! Naan, tortillas, or even a thin pizza crust are great alternatives for the base.

→ How do I prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy?

Brushing the flatbread with olive oil before adding toppings helps create a barrier and keeps it crispy.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You can customize it with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and variety.

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.