Honestly, some weeknights, the last thing I want is a complicated meal. I’m talking about those nights where the pantry looks bare and the fridge seems empty, but you still crave something delicious. That’s exactly when my Pesto Chicken Flatbread comes to the rescue! It’s become my go-to for a reason – it’s super quick, incredibly flavorful, and uses up ingredients I usually have on hand. I remember a crazy Tuesday when I needed to whip something up fast for unexpected guests, and this flatbread totally saved the day. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Seriously, this Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a weeknight dinner hero! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Super Quick: Ready in about 25 minutes total – perfect for those busy evenings.
- So Easy: Minimal steps and no complicated techniques needed. Anyone can make this!
- Bursting with Flavor: The combo of pesto, chicken, and melty cheese is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Customizable: Easily swap out toppings to suit what you have or what you love.
Gather Your Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Okay, let’s get our goodies together for this amazing Pesto Chicken Flatbread! You don’t need a ton of stuff, which is why I love it so much. First up, grab a nice big
1 large flatbread or naan
– this is our canvas! Then, you’ll need about
1/4 cup pesto
; good quality makes a difference, trust me. For the protein, we’ve got
1 cup cooked chicken
, and you can totally shred or dice it up however you like. Next, for that cheesy goodness, let’s get
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
. Don’t forget some pops of color and freshness:
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
, and just a little bit of
2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
for a little bite. That’s it! See? So simple!
How to Make the Perfect Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Alright, let’s get this Pesto Chicken Flatbread party started! It’s honestly so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot! You’ll want to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, just pop your flatbread right onto a baking sheet. Easy peasy!
Assemble Your Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Now for the fun stuff – building your masterpiece! Grab your pesto and spread it all over the flatbread, leaving just a tiny border for a nice crust. Then, sprinkle that lovely cooked chicken right on top of the pesto. After that, pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese – don’t be shy! Finally, nestle those halved cherry tomatoes and thin slices of red onion all around. It’s starting to look amazing already!
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop that beautiful creation into the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be all melted and bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread should be a gorgeous golden brown. That’s your signal that this Pesto Chicken Flatbread is ready to go!
Slice and Serve Your Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool just for a minute. Then, slice it up and dive in! Serving it hot is definitely the way to go.
Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Flatbread
You know, making this Pesto Chicken Flatbread is pretty forgiving, but there are a couple of little things I’ve learned that really take it from good to *amazing*. First off, the pesto quality really matters. If you can get your hands on a good jarred pesto, or even better, make your own, it makes such a difference in the flavor. Also, for the crispiest crust, make sure your oven is truly at temperature before your flatbread goes in, and don’t overload it with toppings! A little space for air to circulate helps a lot.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pesto Chicken Flatbread
So, let’s talk ingredients for our Pesto Chicken Flatbread! The flatbread itself is key – I love using naan because it’s thick enough to hold up, but a good quality pre-made pizza crust works too. If you use something thinner, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too crispy. And the cheese! Mozzarella is classic for that melty pull, but a blend with some provolone or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add another layer of flavor. As for the chicken, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here – it’s already cooked and seasoned, making prep even faster!
Serving Suggestions for Pesto Chicken Flatbread
This Pesto Chicken Flatbread is amazing on its own, but serving it with a little something extra really makes it a meal! I usually love pairing it with a simple side salad. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette – it cuts through the richness of the pesto and cheese perfectly. Sometimes, when I’m feeling a bit fancy, I’ll add some steamed or roasted asparagus drizzled with a little lemon juice. It just feels complete, you know? For even more dinner ideas, you can always check out my other dinner recipes! here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Got questions about making this yummy Pesto Chicken Flatbread? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use store-bought pesto for this Pesto Chicken Flatbread?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a lifesaver and works wonderfully. Just make sure you pick a good quality one for the best flavor in your Pesto Chicken Flatbread.
What kind of chicken works best for Pesto Chicken Flatbread?
Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for this Pesto Chicken Flatbread! It’s already cooked and seasoned, making prep a breeze. Leftover cooked chicken that you dice or shred works perfectly too.
How do I store leftover Pesto Chicken Flatbread?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find it’s best reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven until the cheese is melty again, but the microwave works in a pinch too!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional facts for this Pesto Chicken Flatbread are an estimate, since everyone uses slightly different ingredients! But generally, one serving comes in around 400-450 calories, with about 20-25g of fat, 25-30g of protein, androughly 30-35g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty satisfying meal!
Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border.
- Distribute the cooked chicken over the pesto.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion on top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Slice and serve immediately.