Description
A quick and flavorful Pesto Chicken Flatbread recipe perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes on a crispy flatbread base, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients
Scale
Flatbread Base
- 2 pieces Flatbread (traditional or whole grain)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Pesto
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A handful Fresh Basil Leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the flatbreads.
- Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, season both sides with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Prepare Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of fresh basil pesto evenly over each flatbread as the flavorful base.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced chicken evenly over the pesto, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are golden. For an extra golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into portions and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled vegetables for chicken to make this a vegetarian dish.
- Homemade pesto enhances freshness but store-bought is convenient and still delicious.
- Whole grain flatbreads add extra fiber and nutrients.
- Watch the broil step carefully to prevent burning the cheese and toppings.
- Allowing chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
