A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe
This Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a quick and delicious dinner option featuring tender, seasoned chicken breast layered over flatbread spread with fresh basil pesto, topped with gooey mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a perfect combination of fresh flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for a casual meal or entertaining guests.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flatbread Base
- 4 pieces of flatbread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned finish.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Optionally add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy and even distribution on the flatbread.
- Prepare the Flatbread: Lay out the flatbread pieces on a baking sheet. If using homemade flatbread, prepare it in advance using flour, water, and salt.
- Spread the Pesto: Generously spread basil pesto evenly over each flatbread using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Add the Chicken: Distribute the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto-coated flatbreads to ensure every bite has chicken.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes for freshness and color.
- Finish with Parmesan: Top each flatbread with grated Parmesan cheese to add flavor and create a crispy texture when baked.
- Bake the Flatbreads: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the flatbread edges turn golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from Oven: Carefully remove the flatbreads from the oven using oven mitts and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the flatbreads into quarters or halves using a sharp knife or pizza cutter as preferred.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with a side salad or dipping sauce for a delightful meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Use store-bought pesto and flatbread for a quick, easy dinner.
- Homemade pesto enhances freshness and flavor if time permits.
- Chicken can be cooked on a grill instead of skillet for a smoky flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes add brightness; substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
- Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning the cheese toppings.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pesto chicken flatbread, easy dinner recipe, flatbread recipe, basil pesto chicken, quick dinner ideas, Italian flatbread, dinner with chicken and pesto