Easy Chicken Caprese Flatbread Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Caprese Flatbread is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual appetizer, it brings the vibrant tastes of Italy to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 large flatbread (naan, pita, or store-bought pizza dough)
• 1½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie recommended)
• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or torn)
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or heirloom)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or whole)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Step 2: Place the flatbread on the preheated surface. Lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder if desired.
3. Step 3: Spread basil pesto evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border. Layer the chicken, mozzarella, then tomato slices on top. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Step 4: Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is crispy and golden.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Avoid soggy crust by not overloading toppings and spreading them evenly.
• Grill the assembled flatbread on medium heat for 5-8 minutes to add a smoky flavor.
• Roast tomatoes beforehand for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding grilled vegetables.
• Add heat with red pepper flakes before baking or chili oil after baking.
• Try different cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan for varied taste.
• Experiment with pesto variations like sun-dried tomato or red pepper pesto.

Storage

Store leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Prepare toppings ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for best freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is ideal as it’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and saves prep time without compromising taste.

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mozzarella?

You can substitute shredded mozzarella in a pinch, but fresh mozzarella is best for melt and texture. If using shredded, shred from a block rather than pre-shredded for better melting.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add grilled vegetables or beans for protein. The pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes keep it delicious and satisfying.

Easy Chicken Caprese Flatbread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This Easy Chicken Caprese Flatbread recipe combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad with tender cooked chicken atop a crispy flatbread base. Featuring basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, this flatbread is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer for gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances convenience and gourmet taste beautifully.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base & Protein:

• 1 large flatbread (naan, pita, or store-bought pizza dough)
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie recommended)

Caprese Components:

• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or heirloom), sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or whole for garnish

Finishing Touches:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven (5 minutes): Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. This step is essential to ensure the flatbread base crisps up nicely instead of becoming soggy.
2. Prepare the Flatbread Base (2 minutes): Place the flatbread on the preheated stone or baking sheet. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder if desired, which helps add savory flavor and prevents sogginess.
3. Layer the Toppings (5 minutes): Evenly spread the basil pesto over the flatbread, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Distribute the shredded or diced cooked chicken evenly over the pesto, then add pieces of fresh mozzarella. Top with sliced tomatoes. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil over all the toppings.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection (12 minutes): Bake the assembled flatbread in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the crust is crisp. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Remove the flatbread from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Allow it to cool briefly before slicing into wedges or squares. Serve warm.

Notes

• Do not overload toppings to avoid soggy crust; distribute ingredients evenly.
• For a smoky twist, try grilling the flatbread directly on medium heat for 5-8 minutes, rotating occasionally.
• Roasting tomatoes before adding them deepens flavor; roast halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Make vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding grilled vegetables or legumes.
• Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days; reheat in oven or toaster oven to keep crust crisp.

Keywords: Chicken Caprese flatbread, easy flatbread recipe, basil pesto flatbread, mozzarella flatbread, quick dinner, Italian-inspired flatbread, rotisserie chicken recipe