Flavor-Packed Chicken Pesto Flatbread for Easy Healthy Dinners Recipe
Introduction
This Flavor-Packed Chicken Pesto Flatbread is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, fresh pesto, and melty mozzarella, it combines vibrant flavors on a crisp flatbread base.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces of flatbread or naan (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes, arugula, or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Step 2: Place the flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet and spread each evenly with pesto, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 3: Top the flatbreads with the cooked chicken, shredded mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the flatbread edges are golden brown.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and add red pepper flakes, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste or mix basil pesto with a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for a salty kick.
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Storage
Store leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of flatbread or naan?
Yes, pita bread or thin pizza crusts can also work well, but baking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version.
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Flavor-Packed Chicken Pesto Flatbread for Easy Healthy Dinners Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Flavor-Packed Chicken Pesto Flatbread is a quick and delicious dinner option combining tender cooked chicken, vibrant pesto, melty mozzarella, and fresh vegetables on a crispy flatbread base. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Flatbread Base
- 2 pieces of flatbread or naan (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Arugula
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly oiling it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the flatbread base. Place the flatbreads onto the prepared baking sheet and evenly spread about half a cup of pesto sauce on each, keeping a small border around the edges clear for crispiness.
- Add toppings. Distribute the cooked chicken evenly across both flatbreads, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion over the cheese. Drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the flatbread. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the flatbread have turned a golden brown.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a handful of arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade flatbread or naan depending on your preference.
- Pesto can be substituted with any other spread like tomato sauce for variation.
- Chicken can be prepared ahead of time or sourced from leftovers to save time.
- Feel free to customize toppings with olives, bell peppers, or different cheeses.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid burning the flatbread edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: chicken pesto flatbread, easy dinner, healthy flatbread recipe, quick chicken pizza, mozzarella flatbread, pesto chicken dinner
