Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Indulge in the deliciousness of our Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Flatbread! This easy-to-make recipe combines tender shredded chicken with zesty basil pesto, topped with the creamy richness of Fontina cheese and the savory notes of kalamata olives and red onions. Perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty snack, this flatbread is not only satisfying but also packed with flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean coast. Serve it warm and share it with friends or enjoy it as your own delightful treat!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2 cups (shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled)
soft flatbread or naan bread
2 (choose soft flatbread or large naan)
Fontina cheese
4 ounces (cut into thin slices)
red onion
1 small (ends removed and sliced thinly)
pitted kalamata olives
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
basil pesto
4 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil to prevent sticking.
2
Prepare your ingredients: Cut the Fontina cheese into thin slices, peel and slice the red onion thinly, and chop the kalamata olives coarsely.
3
Spread the basil pesto evenly over each flatbread, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
4
Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the pesto, followed by the sliced red onions and the chopped olives.
5
Place the cheese slices on top of the ingredients, covering as much surface area as possible.
6
Transfer the prepared flatbreads onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Once done, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into squares or wedges. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Flatbread?
Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Flatbread is a quick and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, basil pesto, Fontina cheese, red onions, and kalamata olives on a soft flatbread base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
How long does it take to bake the flatbread?
The flatbread takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to bake, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken; rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken work exceptionally well.
Can I use naan instead of flatbread?
Yes, you can use soft flatbread or large naan bread as the base for this recipe.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of Fontina cheese, cut into thin slices for optimal melting.
What can I substitute for Fontina cheese?
If you don't have Fontina, you can substitute it with Mozzarella, Provolone, or Havarti.
Should the pesto be homemade or store-bought?
You can use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on your preference and available time.
How should I prepare the red onion?
Remove the ends, peel the onion, and slice it very thinly so it cooks through during the short baking time.
What kind of olives are recommended?
Pitted kalamata olives are recommended for their savory Mediterranean flavor, and they should be coarsely chopped.
How do I prevent the flatbread from sticking to the baking sheet?
It is recommended to line your baking sheet with foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted red peppers, artichokes, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Is this flatbread recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
No, because the baking time is only 8-10 minutes, the chicken must be fully cooked before being added to the flatbread.
How should I cut the flatbread for serving?
Once slightly cooled, you can cut the flatbread into squares or wedges for easy eating.
Can I prepare this in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the flatbread at 400°F for about 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, it is a very kid-friendly recipe, though you might want to omit the olives if they are picky eaters.
Can I use a different type of pesto?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto would provide a delicious alternative flavor profile.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
How do I reheat leftover flatbread?
Reheat in a toaster oven or the main oven at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly again to maintain the crust's texture.
Can I freeze the assembled flatbread before baking?
Yes, you can assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What can I serve with this flatbread?
It pairs wonderfully with a side Caesar salad, a Greek salad, or a simple bowl of tomato soup.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply substitute the standard flatbread with your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: chicken, flatbread, Fontina cheese, red onion, kalamata olives, and basil pesto.
Can I add fresh tomatoes?
Yes, sliced cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes make a great addition, though they may add extra moisture.
What makes this dish Mediterranean?
The combination of basil pesto, kalamata olives, red onions, and flatbread are classic elements of Mediterranean-style cuisine.
Can I use feta cheese instead?
You can add feta for extra tang, but since feta doesn't melt well, it's best to use it in addition to the Fontina or Mozzarella.
Is this a lunch or dinner recipe?
It is versatile enough to be served as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even cut into smaller pieces as a snack or appetizer.
How do I ensure the pesto flavor is prominent?
Make sure to spread the 4 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the entire surface of both flatbreads before adding toppings.