Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza

Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza offers a delightful blend of tender chicken and aromatic pesto sauce atop a crispy flatbread crust topped with fresh lemony arugula and balsamic glaze. This culinary delight is suited to a quick dinner or a sophisticated appetizer, pleasing palates with its combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant taste.

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Quick and Easy Chicken Pesto Pizza

Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza is a culinary delight, featuring a thin, crispy base topped with juicy, seasoned chicken and a rich, flavorful pesto sauce. The combination of creamy ricotta and peppery arugula with lemon adds a layer of creamy texture and fresh taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This dish is a solid option for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Each bite of this pizza promises a blend of savory and herbal notes, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the nuanced interplay of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza is a scrumptious delight, with its blend of savory chicken, aromatic pesto, and creamy cheese creating a taste sensation that's hard to resist. Its simplicity and quick preparation time make it an ideal choice for a family dinner, bringing everyone together for a meal that's both satisfying and flavorful.

How to Make Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Flatbread pizza crust (2) – The flatbread crust serves as a crisp and sturdy base, providing the solid canvas for the rich toppings of the pizza.
• Chicken (12 oz) – Tender, seasoned chicken adds a juicy and protein-packed element to the pizza, complementing the other flavors with its savory taste.
• Ricotta cheese (16 oz) – Dollops of creamy ricotta cheese introduce a mild, smooth texture and a slightly sweet contrast to the savory components.
• Pesto (7oz) – Vibrant and aromatic pesto sauce infuses the pizza with a burst of basil and garlic, tying all the ingredients together with its robust flavor.
• Microgreens or arugula (2 cups) – A sprinkle of fresh microgreens or arugula adds a peppery bite and a pop of color, enhancing the pizza with a touch of freshness.
• Lemon (1) – A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the overall flavor profile, lending a zesty note that cuts through the richness of the pizza.
• Olive oil (1 tsp) – A final drizzle of olive oil adds a hint of fruity richness, rounding out the flavors and bringing a smooth finish to each bite.
• Optional toppings: tomatoes and balsamic glaze

Use this Method

Prep Crust. Spray the pizza crust with olive oil or rub some olive oil on the crust.

Assemble. Evenly spread the pesto on both pizza crusts, space out the dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pesto, evenly place the chicken on top.

Bake. Preheat oven to 400ºF Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden.

Top and Serve. Put your microgreens or arugula in a bowl and mix with olive oil and a ½ tsp of lemon juice. Place greens on top of pizza and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Here are some tips and tricks for making a good flatbread chicken pesto pizza:

Pre-cook Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to your pizza to avoid undercooked poultry. Season it well to complement the pesto flavor.

Use High-Quality Pesto: The pesto is a key ingredient, so choose a high-quality brand or make your own for the best flavor.

Thinly Slice Toppings: Thinly slice your chicken and any vegetables you're adding to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the flatbread.

Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature (at least 475°F or 245°C) to get a crispy crust.

Bake on a Pizza Stone or Steel: If available, use a pizza stone or steel to bake your flatbread pizza. It will help achieve a crispy bottom.

Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Before serving, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavors.

Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or arugula on top after baking for a fresh, peppery finish.

Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is a classic choice, adding dollops of ricotta or sprinkles of goat cheese can add depth.

Use a Light Hand with Sauce: Too much pesto can make the flatbread soggy, so spread it thinly, leaving a small border around the edges.

Let it Rest: Allow your pizza to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

Season to Taste: After baking, taste and season with a little extra salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

Use a Parchment Paper: For easy transfer and cleanup, bake your pizza on parchment paper placed directly on the pizza stone or baking sheet.

Balanced Toppings: Distribute your toppings evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful and the pizza cooks uniformly.

Grill for Added Flavor: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling your flatbread pizza. keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Customize to Your Preference: Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on your taste preferences. Artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives are great additions.

A few answers

What type of chicken is best for flatbread pizza?

Cooked and shredded or thinly sliced chicken breast is ideal for flatbread pizza as it distributes evenly and cooks quickly.

How do we prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, use a thin layer of pesto, ensure your toppings (especially chicken) are not too moist, and bake at a high temperature to crisp the flatbread.

Can we add vegetables to our chicken pesto pizza?

Absolutely! Consider adding spinach, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes. make sure they are thinly sliced or pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture.

What's the best way to cook the chicken?

Grilling or pan-searing the chicken adds flavor. Make sure it's fully cooked and seasoned before adding it to your pizza.

Can we make this pizza on a grill?

Yes, grilling your flatbread pizza can add a delightful smoky flavor. keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Can we use a different base instead of flatbread?

Yes, you can use naan, pita bread, or homemade pizza dough as alternatives. Each will offer a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can we make this pizza ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the toppings ahead of time. Assemble and bake before serving for the best results.

How can we make this pizza vegetarian?

omit the chicken and add more vegetables or substitute with a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Yes, use a gluten-free flatbread as the base. Ensure all other ingredients, including the pesto, are gluten-free.

Can we freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, though the texture is best when fresh. Freeze any leftovers and reheat in an oven to revive the crust's crispiness.

What to Enjoy with Flatbread Chicken Pesto Pizza

To complement a flatbread chicken pesto pizza, consider pairing it with the following:

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pizza.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted with a touch of olive oil and herbs.

White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the pesto and chicken flavors.

Sparkling Water: A refreshing choice, especially if infused with lemon or lime, to cleanse the palate between bites.

Garlic Bread: For those who love extra carbs, garlic bread can be a savory side to dip in the pizza's flavorful toppings. Try this recipe!

Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses can complement the Mediterranean vibe of the pizza.

Soup: A light, brothy soup like minestrone or a chilled gazpacho during warmer months can start the meal on a refreshing note.

Dipping Sauces: Small bowls of extra pesto, ranch, or a spicy aioli can add variety to each slice.

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can offer a sweet and refreshing counterpoint to the savory pizza.

Iced Tea: A glass of iced teaperhaps with a hint of mint or lemon, can be a soothing and palate-cleansing drink.

Try our other favorites recipes like Cheesy Pizza CasseroleKeto Beef and BroccoliBaked Sweet Potato Nachosand Sweet Potato Kale and Black Bean SkilletLemon Garlic Baked Chicken and Potatoes.

Share Pin It Follow

Ingredients

• Package of Trader joes pizza crust
• 12 oz. cooked, chopped chicken
• 16 oz ricotta cheese or mozzarella
• 7 oz Pesto
• 2 cups microgreens or arugula
• One lemon
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Optional toppings: tomatoes and balsamic glaze

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF
2. Spray the pizza crust with olive oil or rub some olive oil on the crust.
3. Evenly spread the pesto on both pizza crusts, space out the dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pesto, evenly place the chicken on top.
4. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden.
5. Put your microgreens or arugula in a bowl and mix with olive oil and a ½ tsp of lemon juice.
6. Place greens on top of pizza and enjoy!