Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza

This delicious chicken pesto flatbread pizza is the perfect no-fuss meal for your family. It is easily customizable to add or swap any of your favorite toppings. With just a few ingredients, this chicken pesto appetizer comes together in no time.

This fast and delicious Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza comes together with just five ingredients. Mainly using already prepared ingredients, this chicken pesto appetizer could not be more simple to make. Use store-bought shredded chicken, pesto, and bread, or make them from scratch. This fuss-free and customizable pesto appetizer will definitely be your new favorite.

This recipe is perfect if you have leftover chicken breast that you still need to use. Prepared pesto is excellent to use in a pinch. However, this Lemony Pesto with Basil and Garlic recipe is my favorite. Make sure to save this easy party appetizer recipe for your next event!

Why you'll love this Chicken Pesto Flatbread

Easy prep - All ingredients can be purchased already prepared to make this an easy appetizer to impress your guests.
Customizable - All of the ingredients are customizable to fit your preference. Substituting the bread, chicken, pesto, and cheese are all options. In addition, for extra flavor, add any of your other favorite toppings.
Just a few ingredients - With just five ingredients, this chicken pesto flatbread pizza is inexpensive and packed full of flavor.

Several pieces of chicken pesto flatbread pizza on a round wooden cutting board nest to a small bowl of parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Chicken - This recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breast. Make this recipe store-bought shredded chicken for ease.
Basil Pesto - You can easily find basil pesto at any grocery store. Alternatively, Lemony Pesto with Basil and Garlic is also delicious.
Bread - This recipe uses a loaf of take-n-bake bread. The bread in this recipe is easily customizable with naan, ciabatta, or even focaccia.
Mozzarella cheese - Shredded mozzarella cheese is a favorite for pesto flatbread pizza however may be swapped with fresh mozzarella cheese.
Garlic Powder - Garlic powder adds a subtle but mouthwatering garlic flavor.
Fresh Basil (optional) - Fresh basil for garnish is optional but a bright and flavorful addition to this flatbread pizza.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) - Red pepper flakes are optional. However, I love that spicy kick it adds. If you are not a fan of heat, omit it.

Chicken breast, shredded mozzarella, a loaf of bread, pesto sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and garlic powder on a white counter top.

How to make Chicken Pesto Pizza Bread

First, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Using a medium skillet, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This instant read meat thermometer is what I use anytime I cook with meat.
Next, allow the chicken to rest for five minutes, then slice into strips.

A picture on the left of two chicken breasts grilling on a black pan and a picture on the right of two cooked and sliced chicken breasts.

Prepare the bread by cutting it lengthwise in half and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, spread the basil pesto liberally on both bread halves, reserving two tablespoons of pesto.
Next, layer the grilled chicken breast slices on top of the pesto flatbread. Then, spread the reserved two tablespoons of pesto sauce onto the top of the chicken slices.

A picture on the left of two half loaves of bread cut side up with pesto spread on top on a large baking sheet.

Top with cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned slightly on top.
Finally, cut the pesto pizza bread into pieces and garnish it with red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves.

A picture on the left of a long loaf of bread cut in half lengthwise topped with pesto, chicken and cheese and on the right the same bread cooked with melted cheese, fresh basil and red pepper flakes.

Tip: If using a grill pan to cook the chicken, spray it with non stick cooking spray first. As a result, the chicken will easily lift off the pan once cooked.

Variations

Homemade pesto - Making homemade pesto is one of my favorite things when basil is in season. Additionally, fresh basil is easy to grow even with minimal space.

Pesto variations - Sun-dried tomato pesto is another excellent option for pesto flatbread. Here are 17 Pesto Recipes Without Pine Nuts to use with flatbread pizza for more delicious options.

Use a different protein - Turkey, pepperoni, or even bacon are great alternatives to chicken.

Add Veggies - For a vegetarian flatbread pizza, omit the meat and add your favorite veggies. Grilled zucchini, olives, cherry tomatoes, sautéed onions, spinach, and arugula are all delicious with pesto flatbread pizza.

Use another bread variety - Try a different bread to make a veggie pita pizza or pesto naan pizza. Likewise, focaccia, ciabatta, or baguette bread are also great alternatives. Try switching it up with what you already have at home to save on cost.

A picture of several pieces of chicken pesto pizza flatbread on a wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Chicken Pesto Pizza Bread

Use store-bought chicken, pesto, and bread for the easiest flatbread pizza recipe you can make!
Allow the chicken to rest before slicing it into strips. As a result, the juices in the chicken will redistribute. This then leads to tender and moist chicken.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil for easy clean-up.
Top the chicken pesto flatbread pizza with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra savory flavor.
Add your favorite veggies for more flavor.
Per the USDA, raw chicken should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
Always wash your hands after touching raw meat.

Five pieces of chicken pesto pizza bread on a round wooden cutting board garnished with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes on a white counter top.

FAQ's

Why do I need to let the chicken rest?

Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps the juices to redistribute back through the meat. If cooked chicken is cut into while still very hot, much moisture is lost and will seep onto your cutting board, resulting in dry chicken.

How do you store Chicken Pesto Pizza Bread?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes to reheat.

Can chicken pesto flatbread pizza be made gluten-free?

The best thing about this pizza bread recipe is that you can swap the pizza crust out for gluten-free bread or even cauliflower crust.

Lemony Pesto with Garlic and Basil

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