Golden Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread Recipe

Crisp and golden flatbread loaded with succulent pesto chicken and fresh mozzarella creates a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Summer’s bounty meets kitchen creativity in this simple yet stunning dish.

Fragrant basil pesto coats tender chicken pieces with robust flavor.

Melted mozzarella adds creamy richness to every delectable bite.

Perfectly baked until the edges turn golden brown, this flatbread delivers a symphony of textures and tastes.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, you’ll want to savor every single slice.

Serve this crowd-pleasing flatbread and watch as friends and family request seconds.

Storage Advice to Keep Flatbread Fresh

• Store leftover flatbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping crispy toppings separate to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for maximum 1 month to preserve quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place flatbread on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning, warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Heat flatbread in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent soggy edges, best used when time is limited.

FAQs

• What's the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute with provolone or fontina cheese. These cheeses melt well and have similar mild, creamy flavors that complement the pesto chicken.

• How do I prevent the flatbread from getting soggy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and don’t overload the flatbread with sauce. A thin layer of pesto and well-drained chicken helps maintain a crispy base.

Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread – Fresh and Flavorful

• Rescue Overripe Bananas: Transform those brown, mushy bananas into delightful cupcakes instead of tossing them away, reducing food waste and creating a delicious treat.
• Customize with Ease: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a cream cheese frosting to make these cupcakes uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying different taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe great for cooking with kids, teaching them baking skills while creating sweet memories together.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal preparation and baking time means you can have fresh, homemade cupcakes ready in under an hour, ideal for unexpected guests or sudden dessert cravings.

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Flatbread

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient for the flatbread.

• Fresh Mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture to the flatbread.

• Flatbread: A crispy, versatile bread that acts as the foundation for the recipe.
• Pesto: A flavorful herb sauce that provides a rich, aromatic coating for the chicken.

• Shallots: A mild, sweet onion that creates crispy, caramelized garnish for the flatbread.
• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps fry the shallots and adds richness.
• Balsamic Glaze: A sweet and tangy sauce that provides a finishing touch to the dish.

• All-Purpose Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth to the chicken.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: A classic spice that provides a subtle heat and complexity.

• Fresh Arugula: A peppery green that adds a fresh, bright element to the finished flatbread.

Instructions to Make Pesto Chicken Flatbread

Step 1: Prepare Savory Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium flame and pan-sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.

The cooking time varies based on the thickness, typically 10-12 minutes. Chop or shred the chicken, then lovingly coat with rich, herbal pesto.

Step 2: Create Crispy Shallot Garnish

Slice shallots into delicate, thin rings. Warm olive oil in a skillet and fry the shallots until they transform into crispy, golden delights.

Finish by drizzling with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Flatbread

• Flatbread
• Pesto
• Shredded mozzarella
• Prepared pesto chicken
• Crispy shallots

Arrange the flatbread on a baking sheet.

Spread a thin, even layer of vibrant pesto. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella, then add the pesto-coated chicken and crispy shallots.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Slide the flatbread into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt and develop a gorgeous golden hue.

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze and crown the flatbread with fresh, peppery arugula just before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken Flatbread

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution across the flatbread.
• Watch shallots closely while frying to prevent burning, removing them from heat when they turn golden brown for perfect texture.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for smoother melting and more even coverage on the flatbread surface.
• Spread pesto thinly to prevent overwhelming other ingredients, creating a harmonious taste profile in each bite.
• Enjoy the flatbread right after baking to maintain crispy crust and melted cheese's optimal texture and temperature.

Flavor Variations to Try With Pesto Chicken Flatbread

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted zucchini, using herb-infused olive oil and plant-based pesto for a meatless version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap chicken for lamb or Mediterranean-spiced ground beef, adding feta cheese and olives for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower flatbread or gluten-free naan as a base, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate spicy pulled chicken seasoned with chipotle, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and add roasted corn and jalapeños for a bold southwestern kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Pesto Chicken Flatbread

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the pesto's herbal notes and cut through the rich mozzarella's creaminess.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the flatbread's richness and add a bright, peppery contrast.
• Match with Sparkling Water Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with a splash of lemon or cucumber to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.
• Accompany with Light Appetizer: Serve small bruschetta or caprese skewers as a starter to build anticipation for the flavorful flatbread main course.

Pesto Chicken And Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Irresistible Mediterranean-inspired Pesto Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread brings Italian flavors to your dinner table. Crisp flatbread topped with herbal pesto, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella promises a delicious culinary escape you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts

Bread Base:

• 1 fresh flatbread

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) store-bought pesto
• 2 shallots
• Fresh mozzarella (hand-shredded)
• Balsamic glaze
• All-purpose seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pan-sear over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
2. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and coat thoroughly with pesto sauce.
3. Slice shallots into thin rings and fry in olive oil until they turn crisp and golden brown.
4. Drizzle caramelized shallots with balsamic glaze and set aside.
5. Position flatbread on a clean baking sheet and spread a thin, even layer of pesto across the surface.
6. Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto base.
7. Scatter pesto-coated chicken pieces across the cheese layer.
8. Top with crispy balsamic-glazed shallots.
9. Heat oven to 400F (200C) and bake flatbread for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and edges become slightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh arugula leaves.
11. Finish with an additional light drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, herby flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flatbread or cauliflower crust to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the dish’s delicious essence.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by cooking chicken and crispy shallots in advance, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Control portion sizes and reduce calories by using less cheese and adding extra arugula for a lighter, fresher approach to this indulgent flatbread.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg