Pesto Chicken Flatbread

$To make Pesto Chicken Flatbread, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - Flatbreads or naan - Cooked chicken - Basil pesto - Cherry tomatoes - Mozzarella cheese - Parmesan cheese - Baby spinach - Olive oil - Salt and pepper - Optional red pepper flakes These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor. Using flatbreads or naan gives a nice texture. Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. Basil pesto brings a fresh taste, while cherry tomatoes add a hint of sweetness. Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, creating a gooey layer. Parmesan cheese offers a sharp finish that balances the dish. Baby spinach adds color and nutrition. Olive oil enhances flavors and helps with browning. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Having these ingredients ready makes it easy to whip up a tasty meal any night of the week. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature cooks the flatbreads just right. Preparing the Flatbreads Place two flatbreads or naan on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to keep them from sticking. This step makes clean-up easy. Combining Chicken and Pesto In a bowl, mix one cup of shredded chicken with half a cup of basil pesto. Stir well until the chicken is coated with the pesto. This gives the chicken a fresh taste. Spreading the Chicken Mixture Take the chicken mixture and spread it evenly over each flatbread. Make sure to cover the whole surface. Adding Toppings Next, scatter one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of baby spinach on top. Then, sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil on top. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Baking Time and Temperature Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble, and the flatbread to turn golden brown. Cooling Before Serving Once done, take the flatbreads out of the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes. This makes slicing easier. Then, cut into wedges and enjoy! Choosing the Right Flatbread When picking flatbread, look for fresh options. You can use naan, pita, or any flatbread you enjoy. The thickness matters. Thinner breads crisp up nicely. Thicker breads hold more toppings. Ensuring Even Cooking To cook your flatbreads evenly, place them on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to stop sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden. Rotate the baking sheet halfway for even heat. Presentation Tips Serve your flatbreads warm on a colorful platter. Use fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan makes it look fancy. Slice them into wedges for easy sharing. Suggested Pairings Pair this dish with a light salad. A simple mix of greens and a lemon vinaigrette works well. For drinks, try a crisp white wine. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pesto: For the best flavor, opt for fresh basil pesto instead of store-bought. You can make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced bell peppers, olives, or artichokes to enhance the flavor and texture of your flatbreads. Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese such as feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella and Parmesan combo. Make It Ahead: Prepare the flatbreads ahead of time by assembling them without baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a quick and easy meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit different diets. For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for plant-based chicken. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic the texture and flavor of chicken. This way, you still enjoy a hearty meal without meat. If gluten is a concern, you can select gluten-free flatbreads or naan. Many stores sell gluten-free options that taste great. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. Adding more toppings can make your flatbread even more exciting. Consider adding olives for a briny kick. They pair well with the pesto and cheese. Artichokes also make a great choice. Their unique taste adds depth to your flatbread. You can use marinated artichokes for extra flavor. Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you love! The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Refrigeration Guidelines After making Pesto Chicken Flatbread, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing Instructions To freeze, wrap the flatbread in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the flatbread for up to three months for the best taste. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Best Methods for Reheating Flatbread To reheat leftover flatbread, the oven works best. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also reheat it in a skillet. Use medium heat and cover it to keep the moisture. This method helps the cheese melt nicely. How can I make Pesto Chicken Flatbread ahead of time? You can prep the flatbread in advance. Mix the chicken with pesto and store it. Keep the toppings separate until you are ready to bake. This way, the flatbread stays crisp. Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, store-bought pesto works great! It saves time and still gives a nice flavor. Just be sure to choose a quality brand for the best taste. What are good side dishes to serve with this flatbread? I love serving a fresh salad with this flatbread. A simple green salad or a caprese salad pairs well. You might also enjoy some roasted veggies or a light soup. How long does Pesto Chicken Flatbread last in the fridge? It lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Can I substitute chicken with another protein? Absolutely! You can use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure any protein is cooked before adding it to the flatbread. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Pesto Chicken Flatbread. We covered all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfection, and variations for dietary needs. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Keep these methods in mind for quick meals. Whether serving guests or enjoying a quiet night, this dish satisfies. Enjoy cooking and sharing your flatbread creations!$

A delicious flatbread topped with pesto chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Ingredients

2 flatbreads or naan breads flatbreads or naan breads
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
0.5 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup baby spinach
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
optional red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the basil pesto, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
Spread the pesto chicken evenly over each flatbread.
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach over the chicken.
Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the flatbread is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into wedges.

Notes

Serve warm on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for an appealing finish.

Keyword chicken, easy, flatbread, pesto, quick