This easy Caprese Chicken Flatbread with pesto and balsamic glaze is a quick and delicious meal idea that the whole family will love. It features layers of vibrant pesto, melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle on warm naan bread, for the ultimate short cut! It’s a must-try for pizza night!
This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or when I need a tasty lunch. It’s also perfect for using up leftover chicken. If you’re craving a simple yet flavorful flatbread that feels like your own personal pizza with a fresh Caprese twist, this is the one for you! And if you love flatbreads, you should also check out my Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread or BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, too!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- So simple but loaded with classic caprese flavor – I love a traditional caprese salad and pairing those classic flavors of fresh tomatoes, balsamic, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil into new recipes like this caprese pesto flatbread.
- The easiest way to repurpose leftover chicken – Get creative with your leftovers and turn them into something completely new. If you have any leftover chicken, try it on a flatbread!
- Pizza night friendly – You can easily make this recipe and give a new twist to a favorite classic. The tasty flatbread base and colorful toppings make it simple to change up your pizza routine.
- Ready in 20 minutes! Because we’re using leftover chicken, and pre-made naan for the crust, this caprese flatbread pizza is quick to assemble and heat in the oven which is perfect for my busy family!
Recipe Notes
This Caprse flatbread with pesto recipe is as simple as promised! Just 20 minutes and 6 simple ingredients for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make chicken caprese flatbread recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Flatbread – My flatbread of choice is naan because it is just thick and sturdy enough to hold onto the toppings and readily available in the bakery department of most all supermarkets.
- Chicken – Use any leftover chicken you have that isn’t sauced or overly flavored. Leftover baked chicken or rotisserie chicken works well. Just shred it up or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Pesto – Use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own!
- Mozzarella – Shredded mozzarella pairs the best with caprese flavors. You can sub feta or parmesan cheese if preferred.
- Tomatoes – I like to use cherry tomatoes and halved them, but you could also slice a whole tomatoes or swap for sun-dried tomatoes.
- Basil – Fresh basil is that signature herb for a caprese dish!
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Caprese Flatbread with Prosciutto: Add thin slices of prosciutto on top for a savory, salty addition.
- Spicy Caprese Chicken Flatbread: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce over the flatbread for a spicy kick.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make caprese flatbread with chicken.
Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and spread the pesto over each one.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella on top.
Add the shredded chicken evenly over the flatbread.
Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
Baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges of the flatbread begin to brown.
Before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Recipe Tips
- Toast the Flatbread: For added flavor, toast the naan or flatbread in the preheated oven before adding toppings. This gives the bread a nice crispy texture.
- Add a Layer of Greens: Before serving, add a handful of greens on top for an added layer of freshness and texture.
- Try mini naans! If you’re serving this as an appetizer, try using the small flatbreads for individual-sized pizzas instead of cutting a whole into slices. They’re fun, more easily customizable for a crowd, and look cute too!
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use premade pesto – Grab a tub of storebought pesto to spread onto your flatbread.
- Use a rotisserie chicken – Whether you grab a chicken from the store or have leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before, use what you have on hand for a quick meal.
- Use pre-shredded cheese – Fresh-off-the-block shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, but if you want to save time, a bag of pre-shredded cheese is the way to go!
What to Serve with Chicken Caprese Flatbread
Since this easy recipe has the delicious flavors of a classic caprese, it will pair well with many of your favorite light side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Appetizer Pairings
Or if you choose to serve it as an appetizer here are some other small bites that pair well with the flatbread.
Caprese Chicken Flatbread Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use different types of flatbread?
Yes, you can use naan, pita, or any other type of flatbread you like. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or provolone if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the toppings ahead of time and assemble the flatbread just before baking. For the best texture, it’s recommended to bake it fresh.
What should I do if the flatbread is too soft after baking?
If the flatbread turns out soft, try baking it a little longer or at a higher temperature. You can also place it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the top.
More EASY Flatbread Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy flatbread recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Caprese Chicken Flatbread
Ingredients
- 2 8 inch flatbreads, I use naan
- ¼ cup pesto, prepared, plus more for drizzle
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded chicken, I used rotisserie
- 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- Place the flatbread on a baking sheet, and spread the pesto sauce over each one. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Top each pizza with shredded chicken then add the tomatoes. Drizzle on a little extra pesto on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes on the middle rack. Once the cheese is melted and the outer edges of the crust is crispy, remove and garnish with chopped basil.Cut into 3-4 slices and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Pesto: Can substitute for a sun-dried tomato spread or garlic aioli.
- Mozzarella: Sub for feta or parmesan.
- Tomatoes: Sub for think sliced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
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