Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: ~22 minutes
Servings: 2–4 (depending how hungry) | Difficulty: Easy
Craving something fresh, cheesy, and wholesome but short on time? This Chicken Pesto Flatbread delivers. It combines bright basil pesto, tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavor-packed toppings, all on a crispy flatbread base. Whether you use leftovers or rotisserie chicken, it’s customizable and comes together in under 25 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or casual lunch when you want something special without fuss.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need For Chicken Pesto Flatbread
- 1 flatbread (naan or your favorite flatbread)
- 2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover)
- 1-1½ cups shredded mozzarella or mixed melting cheese
- Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, artichoke hearts
- Olive oil & garlic (minced or paste) for brushing/garlic base
- Season with black pepper, optional hot honey or balsamic glaze
Chicken Pesto Flatbread
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 1 flatbread (naan or any flatbread) Use naan, pita, or store-bought flatbread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For brushing base
- 1 clove garlic, minced Optional for extra flavor
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons pesto Store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cooked chicken Grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken, chopped
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Or a mix of melting cheeses
- cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts Optional toppings
- fresh basil leaves For garnish
- black pepper Freshly cracked, to taste
- balsamic glaze or hot honey Optional drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush flatbread with olive oil and minced garlic. Bake 3–5 minutes until warm and lightly crisped.
- Spread pesto over the warm flatbread base.
- Top with chopped chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Add optional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or artichoke hearts.
- Bake 8–12 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil, season with black pepper, and drizzle balsamic glaze or hot honey if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
- Garlic Base (optional): Brush the flatbread with a little olive oil and garlic (or garlic-in-oil) for extra flavor. Bake alone 3-5 minutes until it’s slightly warm and crisp around edges.
- Add Pesto & Chicken: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the warm flatbread. Distribute the cooked chicken.
- Cheese & Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or your cheese mix), then add other toppings: tomatoes, basil, roasted red peppers, artichokes, etc.
- Bake to Golden: Return flatbread to oven and bake for about 8-12 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
- Finish & Serve: Remove, season with freshly cracked pepper, drizzle hot honey or balsamic glaze if using, garnish with basil. Slice and serve immediately.
Variations & Tips
- Vegetarian version: skip chicken, add mushrooms, zucchini, or beans.
- Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Gluten-free version: use gluten-free flatbread crust.
- Cheese swaps: provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for flavor twists.
- Grill option: you can also warm base on a grill, then assemble and finish covered to melt cheese.
Pair this flatbread with other flavorful sides from your site like Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread or an easy pasta or salad. For cheesy comfort meals, try serving alongside Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls or Italian Herbs & Cheese Bread for a well-rounded dinner.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your flatbread or “quick meals” Pinterest boards and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious, easy recipes.
FAQ about The Chicken Pesto Flatbread
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect—it saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop it and you’re good to go.
How do I prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy?
Use thinner layers of sauce/pesto, dry toppings well, and bake at high enough heat so edges crisp. Pre-baking the flatbread base for a few minutes helps too.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover flatbread?
Store leftovers in the fridge separately if possible (cheese on top can get soggy). Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at ~350°F for 5-10 minutes for crispy edges. Avoid microwaving if you want texture preserved.
What sides go well with chicken pesto flatbread?
Light, crisp sides work best: think simple mixed greens, a light Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. Even a tomato basil soup pairs beautifully.