Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor, then Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread is just the thing for you! Picture this: a crispy, golden flatbread topped with tender, juicy chicken coated in vibrant pesto, creamy mozzarella, and a burst of fresh herbs. The combination is out of this world—so savory, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you won’t want to put it down!

Why You’ll Love Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread

Here’s why this flatbread is sure to become a favorite:

Flavor Explosion:

The homemade pesto with its rich basil, garlic, and Parmesan pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and melty mozzarella. The combination of the fresh ingredients creates a flavor-packed bite every time.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe comes together in a flash! With a pre-made flatbread or pizza crust as your base, all you need to do is assemble the toppings and bake. It’s a meal that’s simple but feels special.

Customizable:

You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand. Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or arugula for extra flavor. Want to make it vegetarian? Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies!

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun family cooking activity, this flatbread works for any occasion. It’s also perfect for picky eaters since everyone can adjust their toppings to their liking.

Ingredients in Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious flatbread to life:

For the Flatbread:

• Flatbread or Pizza Crust: This serves as your crispy base. You can use store-bought flatbread for convenience or make your own.
• Olive Oil: A light drizzle to brush the flatbread before baking, giving it a golden, crispy texture.

For the Pesto:

• Basil: Fresh basil is the heart of the pesto, giving it that fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of bold, aromatic flavor to the pesto.
• Parmesan Cheese: A touch of umami to make the pesto extra savory.
• Pine Nuts: These add richness and a creamy texture to the pesto. You can substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• Olive Oil: Used to blend the pesto into a smooth consistency and bring all the flavors together.

For the Toppings:

• Chicken Breast: Grilled or cooked chicken breast, sliced thinly, provides a protein-packed topping. You can also use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
• Fresh Mozzarella: The creamy, gooey mozzarella adds a rich texture and flavor.
• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil after baking will bring an extra pop of freshness and color.
• Lemon Zest: A little zest of lemon on top adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the richness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious pesto flatbread!

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto

• In a food processor or blender, combine fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• If you’re using raw chicken breast, grill or sauté it until fully cooked. Slice thinly against the grain.
• If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Flatbread

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush the flatbread or pizza crust with a thin layer of olive oil, then place it on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Flatbread

• Spread a generous amount of pesto sauce over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
• Layer the sliced chicken evenly on top of the pesto.
• Add the fresh mozzarella, tearing it into pieces and scattering it across the flatbread.

Step 5: Bake

• Place the flatbread in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Once the flatbread is out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil and a light zesting of lemon.
• Slice and serve warm!

How to Serve Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread

This flatbread is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to serve it with:

Side Salad:

Pair this flavorful flatbread with a light, crisp salad. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect balance to the richness of the flatbread.

Garlic Bread:

Serve alongside some warm garlic bread to make it a heartier meal. The garlic will complement the pesto wonderfully!

Roasted Veggies:

Add some roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with this pesto flatbread.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread perfect:

Use Homemade Pesto:

While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto tastes so much fresher and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s so easy to make!

Get Creative with the Toppings:

This flatbread is a great blank canvas. Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even arugula for extra flavor and texture. You could also swap the chicken for prosciutto or even make a veggie version with mushrooms and roasted red peppers.

Bake it Crispy:

If you prefer a crispier flatbread, bake it for an extra few minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

Make It Ahead:

You can prepare the toppings and pesto in advance, then assemble and bake the flatbread when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 slices per flatbread)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 22g (34% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (25% DV)
• Cholesterol: 40mg (13% DV)
• Sodium: 410mg (17% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g (9% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Vitamin A: 10% DV
• Vitamin C: 5% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Yes! Feel free to substitute fresh mozzarella with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or even provolone for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make the pesto in advance?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the pesto up to a week ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I use a gluten-free flatbread or crust?

A3: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flatbread or crust to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure your pesto ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q4: How can I make this vegetarian?

A4: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?

A5: While the flatbread will lose some of its crispiness when frozen, you can certainly freeze leftovers. Just wrap the flatbread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q6: How do I reheat the flatbread?

A6: To reheat, place the flatbread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven for a quicker option.

Q7: Can I make this with store-bought pesto?

A7: Yes! Using store-bought pesto is a great time-saver, and it still tastes amazing on the flatbread. Just be sure to use a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

Q8: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

A8: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and scatter it over the pesto before adding the mozzarella.

Q9: Can I add other toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?

A9: Yes, feel free to get creative! Sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or even artichoke hearts would all make wonderful additions to this flatbread.

Q10: Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

A10: Yes! You can use dairy-free mozzarella or another plant-based cheese, and opt for a dairy-free pesto by substituting nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread is one of those meals that’s just as delightful to eat as it is easy to make. It’s bursting with flavor, rich in texture, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this flatbread will definitely impress. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Print