Chicken Pesto Pizza

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Chicken Pesto Pizza is what happens when comfort meets gourmet in the best way possible. Tender grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto all layered on a crisp, golden flatbread crust – it’s a weeknight dinner dream that comes together fast but tastes like you spent all day on it.

Whether you’re entertaining friends or just upgrading pizza night at home, this combination of savory chicken and herbaceous pesto is a flavor-packed experience. It’s also easily customizable: use naan, flatbread, or homemade dough as your base and toss on extra toppings if you’re feeling adventurous.

---

What Kind of Crust Should I Use for Chicken Pesto Pizza?

Flatbread or naan work beautifully for quick and crispy results, but you can also roll out pizza dough if you want something more traditional and chewy. Just make sure your base is sturdy enough to hold up to the rich pesto and juicy chicken without becoming soggy.

---

Ingredients for the Chicken Pesto Pizza

Flatbread or Naan
The foundation of your pizza – quick to prep and perfect for crisp edges.

Cooked Chicken Breast
Tender and flavorful, grilled or baked chicken adds hearty protein and soaks up the pesto perfectly.

Basil Pesto
The star of the flavor profile. Bright, garlicky, and rich with olive oil and parmesan.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully and provides a creamy, stretchy texture that balances the bold pesto.

Olive Oil
Brushed onto the crust to give it a golden, crisp finish.

Salt & Pepper
A pinch of seasoning enhances all the ingredients without overpowering the fresh flavors.

---

How To Make the Chicken Pesto Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Base

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lay your flatbread or naan on a baking sheet and lightly brush the surface with olive oil. This helps the crust crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Spread the Pesto

Spoon a generous layer of basil pesto over each flatbread, spreading it evenly all the way to the edges. This will be your sauce base instead of traditional tomato sauce.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Chicken

Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto. Then top with cooked, sliced chicken breast. Try to spread the chicken evenly so each bite gets a bit of everything.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. The crust should be crisp around the edges.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve. Optional: garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

---

Serving and Storing Chicken Pesto Pizza

Serve your chicken pesto pizza fresh out of the oven while the cheese is hot and gooey. It’s great paired with a crisp side salad or a light white wine. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back the crispy texture.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pizza from getting soggy?

Use a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone, and don’t overload it with toppings. Brushing olive oil on the base helps create a barrier too.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan in addition to or instead of mozzarella.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the chicken or swap in roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Is store-bought pesto okay?

Yes! While homemade is amazing, a high-quality store-bought pesto works just fine and saves time.

Can I grill the pizza instead of baking it?

Yes, just grill it on medium heat with the lid closed until the cheese melts and the crust crisps.

---

Want More Dinner Ideas with Chicken?

If you’re loving this Chicken Pesto Pizza, you might want to check out these other flavorful chicken favorites:

• Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki for that grilled, herb-packed bite.
• Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles when comfort is calling.
• Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls for something light and meal-prep friendly.
• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne to cozy up with creamy pasta goodness.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different kind of pesto? Add extra cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make dinner time easier and tastier.

---

Print