Flatbreads have officially become one of my go-to quick meals. When life gets busy but I still crave something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken Flatbread is the answer. It’s fast, incredibly satisfying, and takes just minutes to pull together — perfect for those nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
This easy flatbread recipe combines three of my favorite ingredients: roasted garlic, basil pesto, and tender shredded chicken. The result? A meal that’s bold, aromatic, and totally irresistible. Whether baked in the oven or grilled outside on a summer evening, this flatbread is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Flatbread
I’ve been on a bit of a flatbread streak lately, and I have zero regrets. There’s just something magical about crispy edges, melted cheese, and layers of fresh toppings.
What makes this Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken Flatbread extra special is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple for a weeknight dinner, or dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any pesto hiding in the fridge. And let’s be honest—roasted garlic makes everything better.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic and Pesto
Roasting garlic turns those sharp, raw cloves into something sweet, buttery, and mild. When spread over warm flatbread and topped with basil pesto, it creates a flavor base that’s both rich and earthy. Add shredded chicken and gooey cheese, and you’ve got layers of texture and taste that feel gourmet — even though it takes almost no effort.
If you’re in a rush, you can skip roasting the garlic and use a smaller amount of minced fresh garlic instead, but trust me: roasting is worth it. That mellow, caramelized flavor makes all the difference.
Quick, Easy, and Totally Customizable
This flatbread is the definition of fast comfort food. In less than 20 minutes, you can have dinner on the table. It’s also endlessly customizable — swap out the protein for turkey, grilled shrimp, or even roasted veggies if you’d like a vegetarian version.
Want to take it up a notch? Toss the flatbread on the grill! Just keep the lid closed and use indirect heat to crisp up the crust while the cheese melts beautifully. The smoky flavor from the grill gives this dish an irresistible, wood-fired vibe.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights or Laid-Back Weekends
Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or feeding a crowd, this flatbread scales up easily. Make individual mini versions for a party or slice a large one into triangles for an easy appetizer. It’s casual yet impressive — a true crowd-pleaser.
So, the next time you don’t feel like cooking but still want something homemade and delicious, remember this Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken Flatbread. With a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite café.
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Roasted Garlic & Pesto Chicken Flatbread: Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in Minutes
- Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients
2 6-inch flatbreads, or 1 large 12-inch flatbread
1 head roasted garlic, peeled and softened
2 heaping tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1 – 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or your favorite blend)
2 heaping tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
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Spread roasted garlic evenly over each flatbread.
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Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of basil pesto over each flatbread on top of the garlic.
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Add shredded chicken evenly across the flatbreads.
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Sprinkle both the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix cheeses — mozzarella, fontina, or cheddar all work beautifully.
- Grill Option: Place flatbreads on a grill over indirect heat, lid closed, until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 8 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
