Discover this delicious chicken pesto flatbread that quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal fast. You can enjoy this delightful dish in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches or dinners. This recipe is also incredibly customizable, so you can easily adapt your new favorite chicken pesto flatbread to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Flatbread
- Fast and easy weeknight meal: Prepare this fantastic chicken pesto flatbread in minimal time.
- Bursting with vibrant pesto flavor: The fresh pesto truly elevates this simple dish. Learn more about the rich history and traditional ingredients that give pesto its distinctive taste with this article on the origins and ingredients of pesto.
- Satisfying and filling: Enjoy a hearty meal that keeps you full and happy.
- Great for meal prep: Cook components ahead to assemble these flatbreads even faster.
- Family-friendly and versatile: Everyone loves this customizable pesto chicken flatbread, making it a winner for all ages.
Ingredients
To whip up this amazing chicken pesto flatbread, gather these simple ingredients. They come together quickly for a delicious and effortless meal. You will be surprised at how much flavor these few items can create in such little time.
- For the Pesto Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: 1-2, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Pepper: ¼ tsp
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional, for a kick)
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Olive oil: ½ tsp
- Spinach walnut pesto: 2-3 Tbsp, plus more for flatbreads
- For the Flatbread:
- Flatbreads: 2 (naan, pita, or similar personal-sized flatbreads)
- Spinach walnut pesto: ½ cup
- Mozzarella cheese: ¾ cup, shredded
- Tomatoes: ¼ cup, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes: optional, for topping
- Grated Parmesan: optional, for topping
Notes & Substitutions
For even faster preparation, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own for a fresh taste. Experiment with different types of flatbreads like lavash, pita bread, or even pre-made pizza crusts. Substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or crumbled feta cheese for different flavor profiles. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or olives to your chicken pesto flatbread.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful pesto chicken flatbread. Gather these items before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and easy process.
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Creating this quick and tasty chicken pesto flatbread is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal in no time. Even beginners will find this recipe easy to master.
- Prepare Pesto (if homemade): If you are making fresh spinach walnut pesto, begin by preparing it according to your preferred recipe. This ensures it is ready to go when needed.
- Season Chicken: Cut your chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Place the cut chicken into a medium-sized bowl.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small separate bowl, combine the garlic powder, salt, pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Stir these spices until well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the mixed seasonings over the chicken pieces in the bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: Heat ½ tsp olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan.
- Sauté Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, tossing frequently, until it is cooked through and no longer pink. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure poultry is cooked safely, recommending a safe minimum internal temperature for poultry of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Pesto to Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir 2-3 tablespoons of spinach walnut pesto into the skillet with the chicken. This coats the chicken with a wonderful layer of flavor.
- Simmer Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently in the pesto for 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Turn off the heat and set the chicken aside.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Flatbreads: Place your two flatbreads (naan or pita work well) onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread Pesto: Spread a medium-thin, even layer of the remaining spinach walnut pesto over the surface of each flatbread. Ensure good coverage to infuse flavor.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and the cooked pesto chicken mixture over the pesto-coated flatbreads. You can add extra red pepper flakes or Parmesan now if desired.
- Bake Flatbreads: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Check Doneness: Continue baking until the crusts are lightly browned and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the finished chicken pesto flatbreads from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before slicing and serving. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!
Pro Tips for Perfect Flatbread
Achieve the best results for your chicken pesto flatbread with these helpful tips. They will ensure a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings every time.
- Avoid overloading toppings: Too many toppings can make the flatbread soggy.
- Ensure even topping distribution: Spread ingredients uniformly for balanced bites.
- Cook chicken thoroughly: Properly cooked chicken ensures food safety and taste.
- Achieve a crispy crust: A preheated oven and watchful baking will give you a golden, crispy base.
- Use high-quality pesto: The pesto is key to the flavor, so choose one you love for your pesto chicken flatbread.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile chicken pesto flatbread is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with various sides. You can also easily store leftovers or adapt the recipe to create new flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your prepared chicken pesto flatbread with a light, fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette.
- Serve it alongside a simple tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
- Enjoy it with a vibrant black bean and corn salad for added texture and zest.
- Offer it with balsamic bruschetta as a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken pesto flatbread slices in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover flatbread slices individually for longer storage.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the chicken entirely for a delicious meat-free pesto flatbread.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta for unique flavors.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or black olives before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the chicken seasoning or as a topping.
- Different Breads: Try using whole wheat pita bread, tortillas, or a thin-curst pizza base for your chicken and pesto flatbread.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 0.5 flatbread |
| Calories | 335 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 56 mg |
| Sodium | 936 mg |
| Potassium | 270 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 1010 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 176 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, absolutely! Store-bought pesto makes this chicken pesto flatbread an even faster meal option.
- Does this flatbread reheat well? Yes, it reheats beautifully. Warm it in the oven or an air fryer to maintain crispness.
- What kind of flatbread should I use? Naan bread, pita bread, or pre-made thin crusts work best for a sturdy base.
- How can I make this spicier? You can easily add more red pepper flakes to the chicken or sprinkle them on top.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. The cooked chicken and assembled flatbreads store and freeze very well.
Conclusion
We hope you thoroughly enjoy this quick, delicious chicken pesto flatbread. It truly is perfect for any meal or occasion, whether it is a busy weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. Remember to experiment with the endless variations to make it uniquely yours. Share your delightful creation with family and friends, savoring every flavorful bite of this easy and satisfying dish!
Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Flatbread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If making spinach walnut pesto, prepare it first. Otherwise, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano, then cook in a skillet with olive oil for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- While chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 375ºF. Stir 2-3 Tbsp of pesto into the cooked chicken, simmer on low heat for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Place flatbreads on a cooking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pesto, then layer with mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken.
- Bake in the center of the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is lightly browned. Let cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve.