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Pesto Chicken Flatbread

Crispy flatbread topped with juicy seasoned chicken, fresh basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 pound total, pounded to even 1-inch thickness
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 4 pieces flatbread naan, pita, or lavash
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese whole milk preferred
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated recommended
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness. Pat both sides completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it looks glossy and moves freely across the pan. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side without moving, until deeply golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. Resting keeps the chicken juicy and tender throughout.
  4. Lay the flatbreads out on a large baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of basil pesto over each piece, going right to the edges but keeping the layer thin and even to prevent sogginess.
  5. Distribute the sliced chicken evenly across all four flatbreads. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top, then finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and forming small bubbles, and the flatbread edges are golden brown. For a crispier top, switch to broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for one minute. Slice into quarters or halves, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use whole milk mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Always pat the chicken dry before cooking for a golden crust. Keep the pesto layer thin to avoid a soggy flatbread. Rotisserie chicken can be substituted to save time. Leftovers store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat best in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Customize with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or your favorite cheese varieties.