Name: Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 small zucchini, peeled into strips; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ciabatta loaf or rustic loaf, sliced in half horizontally (about 12 inches); 1 cup store-bought pesto (pareve); 2 roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; Freshly ground black pepper

A light, flavorful twist on pizza that brings tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and roasted veggies atop a crispy flatbread—ready in just 20 minutes for a delicious weeknight solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and delicious: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
Flavorful layers: Herby pesto, savory chicken, and tender zucchini deliver a satisfying taste experience.
Crispy base, fresh toppings: A clean, crunchy flatbread keeps this light yet hearty.
Easy to adapt: Swap ciabatta for other flatbreads or add your favorite veggies.
Minimal cleanup: Simple prep, bake, and serve—no dough-making or long waits.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 small zucchini, peeled into strips (using a vegetable peeler)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ciabatta loaf or rustic loaf, sliced in half horizontally (about 12 inches)
1 cup store-bought pesto (pareve)
2 roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a large sheet pan.
Sauté the veggies: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and cook zucchini strips with minced garlic for 6–8 minutes, until softened.
Assemble the flatbread: Lay the ciabatta halves cut side up on the prepared pan. Spread each half with ½ cup pesto, then layer zucchini, roasted red peppers, and shredded chicken evenly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until toppings are heated through and the edges of the bread are crispy.
Finish and serve: Slice into servings and garnish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 4 to 6, depending on appetite/size.
Prep time: ~8 minutes.
Cook time: ~20 minutes (10–12 minutes baking + 6–8 minutes sautéing).
Total time: ~28 minutes.

Variations

Swap the base: Use naan, pita, lavash, or focaccia instead of ciabatta—these make excellent speedy
Make it lighter: Try a thin flatbread crust like Flatout™ for a lower-calorie option Lil’ Luna.
Add more veggies: Consider mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan for a cheesier finish.
Kick it up a notch: Add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra zing.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—best consumed within 2–3 days.
To reheat: Rewarm in the oven or toaster oven at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also use a skillet to reheat the toppings while keeping the crust crunchy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different bread base besides ciabatta?

Absolutely! Naan, pita, lavash, focaccia, or naan all work well and are quick substitutes Reddit+4Good Food+4Little Family Adventure+4.

2. Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes—sauté the zucchini and shred the chicken ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready.

3. Is store-bought pesto okay to use?

Definitely—it’s convenient and flavorful. Homemade pesto also works beautifully if you prefer.

4. Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes—skip the chicken and add hearty plant-based options like sautéed mushrooms or extra roasted vegetables.

5. What can I use instead of roasted red peppers?

Fresh bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even olives make tasty alternatives.

6. How can I make it gluten-free?

Choose a certified gluten-free flatbread or base as your crust substitute.

7. Is there a vegan version?

Yes—use vegan pesto and either omit the chicken or use plant-based chicken alternatives.

8. What if my bread isn’t crisp enough?

Pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after baking for extra crunch.

9. Can I add cheese?

Yes! A sprinkle of parmesan, mozzarella, or goat cheese enhances flavor and texture.

10. Can this be made open-faced?

Absolutely—serving it open-faced is standard for flatbread pizzas and keeps them crisp.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza is your go-to solution when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With bright pesto, savory chicken, and veggie goodness atop a golden, crispy base, it’s kitchen magic in under half an hour. Perfect for casual dinners, customizable to everyone’s taste, and guaranteed to disappear fast—give it a try next busy night or any time you crave fast pizza vibes at home.