Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chicken Pesto Flatbreads (Fresh, Cheesy & Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 2, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Two flatbreads topped with pesto, grilled chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. A small bowl of pesto and a spoon nearby.

These Chicken Pesto Flatbreads are the perfect quick meal — warm flatbread layered with creamy pesto, juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes. They bake in just minutes and taste like a cozy café lunch you can make right at home.

Serve them with Classic Caesar Salad, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a complete comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy flatbreads topped with tender chicken and fresh pesto
Bold, herby flavor with melted cheese in every bite
Easy, customizable meal that comes together quickly
Perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or casual meals

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Total: 20 minutes Servings: 2–4

Ingredients

For the Flatbreads

2 naan or flatbreads
1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Balsamic glaze
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil

Instructions

1. Prep the Flatbreads

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place naan or flatbreads on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.

2. Add the Pesto

Spread a generous layer of pesto over each flatbread.

3. Layer the Toppings

Add shredded chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden.

5. Finish & Serve

Drizzle with balsamic glaze, top with basil or red pepper flakes, slice, and enjoy!

Ways to Serve

Pair with Classic Caesar Salad or Creamy Coleslaw
Add a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup for a cozy meal
Serve with Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread on the side
Make a “flatbread board” for parties with multiple topping options

Storage

Refrigerate: Up to 2 days
Reheat: 375°F for 5–7 minutes — crisps back up beautifully
Freezing not recommended (cream + tomatoes don’t hold well)

FAQ

Can I use store-bought naan or flatbread?

Yes! Store-bought naan, flatbread, or even pita are perfect and hold up well under the toppings.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely — rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

What can I use instead of pesto?

You can swap in Alfredo sauce, marinara, sun-dried tomato pesto, or garlic butter for a different flavor.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes — skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, or roasted veggies.

Can I air fry the flatbreads?

Yes — air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can Chicken Pesto Flatbreads be made ahead?

You can prep the toppings ahead, but assemble right before baking to avoid soggy naan.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend also works great.

How do I store and reheat them?

Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, or air-fry for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.

What sides go well with this recipe?

Try serving with Classic Caesar Salad, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, or Italian Wedding Soup for a full cozy meal.

Conclusion

These Chicken Pesto Flatbreads are fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy — the perfect quick dinner, lunch, or snack. With melty cheese, savory pesto, and juicy chicken on a warm flatbread, it’s a cozy bite your family will request again and again. Add them to your weekly rotation for a fast, satisfying, comfort-food win!