Grilled Pesto Chicken Flatbread

If you are craving big Italian flavors in a hurry this grilled pesto chicken flatbread will be your weeknight lifesaver A crisp ovenbaked base gets smeared with fresh basil pesto and loaded up with juicy grilled chicken and gooey mozzarella It all comes together super fast but tastes like you fussed all afternoon

Personal note My family fell for this flatbread at our last summer cookout The aroma of grilled chicken and bubbling cheese pulled everyone straight to the kitchen

Ingredients

• Flatbread base: Choose storebought or homemade flatbreads with sturdy edges Avoid very thin or dry types so they hold up under toppings
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh chicken ensures juicy results For extra flavor try organic or airchilled chicken
• Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for richness and color
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little heat
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without the bite of raw garlic
• Basil pesto: Homemade brightens things up but a goodquality storebought works well Make sure it is vibrant green and aromatic
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Choose wholemilk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor Pregrated saves time in a pinch
• Cherry tomatoes: Pick ripe tomatoes for sweetness and color They are optional but add a juicy burst
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a nutty salty kick Avoid the shelfstable kind for the best taste
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant finishing touch Use whole tender leaves just before serving

StepbyStep Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat chicken dry with paper towels Rub both sides evenly with olive oil salt black pepper and garlic powder Massaging the chicken helps the seasonings stick for more flavor

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to mediumhigh Place chicken on grill and cook until deep golden with light charring about six minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Let chicken rest five minutes to keep juices in then slice thinly across the grain

Prep the Flatbreads:

Heat your oven to four hundred twentyfive degrees Place flatbreads on a baking sheet Make sure there is space around each one so they crisp up Spread each flatbread with a generous layer of pesto reaching all the way to the edges

Assemble the Toppings:

Top each flatbread with sliced grilled chicken then scatter over mozzarella cheese dot with cherry tomato halves if using and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Bake the Flatbreads:

Slide the baking sheet onto the center rack Bake for about eight to ten minutes Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble and for the flatbread edges to crisp up Remove from oven when golden

Finish and Serve:

Let the flatbreads cool one to two minutes before slicing Add plenty of fresh basil leaves just before serving for color and aroma Slice into pieces and serve warm as a meal or appetizer

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I especially love how stretchy the mozzarella gets right out of the oven My kids always race to grab the cheesiest piece and the smell of baking pesto brings everyone to the kitchen My family has made this for movie nights and it never disappoints

Storage Tips

Leftover flatbread stays fresh in the fridge for two days Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container For best texture reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crisp Avoid microwaving which can make the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken try thinly sliced turkey or leftover roast veggies For a dairyfree version you can use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan If you want extra greens try adding arugula or baby spinach just after baking for a fresh bite

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Serving Suggestions

Pair the flatbread with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic or serve it alongside soup for a cozy meal It works great cut into strips for a party platter Kids love dipping the slices into extra pesto or a marinara sauce

Cultural and Historical Context

Flatbreads have long been a staple in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines The combination of bread pesto cheese and grilled meats reflects the joy of gathering and sharing rustic food These flavors capture the heart of an Italian summer in every bite

Common Questions

→ Can I use store-bought flatbread?

Yes, store-bought flatbread works well and saves preparation time. Homemade options can be used if preferred.

→ What’s the best method for grilling chicken?

Brush chicken with oil and seasonings, then grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and use grilled vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious alternative.

→ How do I ensure the flatbread is crisp?

Bake the assembled flatbread in a hot oven (425°F) until cheese is bubbling and edges turn golden and crisp.

→ Is there a recommended cheese alternative?

While mozzarella is classic, you can try provolone or fontina for a different flavor and melt.