Description
A delicious and easy Pesto Chicken Flatbread recipe featuring a crispy crust, vibrant pesto, grilled chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Flatbread Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and let cool.
- Combine Pesto Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil to Pesto: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season Pesto: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin slices or small cubes.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven while it preheats.
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape the Flatbreads: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a thin oval or rectangle.
- Transfer to Baking Stone: Carefully transfer the flatbread dough to the preheated baking stone or baking sheet.
- Spread with Pesto: Spread a generous layer of pesto over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pesto. Then, top with the cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the water for activating yeast is between 105-115°F.
- Add flour gradually if the dough is too sticky.
- Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if needed.
- Preheat baking stone for a crispy crust.
- Customize toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Flatbread
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