If you are craving a dish that combines vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and quick preparation, look no further than this delightful 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight meal or casual gathering option that bursts with the bright tastes of the Mediterranean, featuring pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and savory chicken all atop a crisp flatbread base. The ease and speed of this recipe will quickly make it a favorite in your home kitchen, offering a satisfying balance of textures and colors that make each bite truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role to create a harmonious and flavorful final dish. From the creamy mozzarella that melts beautifully to the tangy Kalamata olives adding that signature Mediterranean punch, every component contributes to making this pizza both visually appealing and undeniably tasty.
- 2 flatbreads: The perfect crispy and chewy base that holds all the delicious toppings.
- 1/3 cup pesto: Adds a fresh, herby punch with rich basil and garlic tones; Barilla Genovese is a favorite for this recipe.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness that everyone loves on pizza.
- 1 heaping cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Lean protein to keep the pizza hearty and satisfying.
- 5 oz cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3/4 cup spinach: A fresh leafy green to balance richness and bring a touch of earthiness.
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet crunch for contrast.
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved): Brings that classic briny flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy tanginess and a rustic texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle layer of aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flatbreads
Start by preheating your oven to around 400°F (200°C) for a nicely crisp crust. Spread a generous layer of pesto evenly over each flatbread, making sure to cover the surface but leave a small border so it crisps up nicely in the oven. This herbaceous base will infuse every bite with fragrant Mediterranean flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese and Chicken
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pesto, ensuring good coverage for a gooey, melty blanket. Scatter your cooked chicken pieces over the cheese, distributing them so that each slice gets a hearty amount of protein. This step ensures your pizza will be filling yet balanced.
Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables and Olives
Now, it’s time to add the fresh textures that make this recipe so vibrant: the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, and tender spinach. These toppings bring bursts of sweetness, savory depth, and pleasant crunch that harmonize beautifully with the creamy cheeses and chicken.
Step 4: Sprinkle Feta and Garlic Powder
Finish your topping assembly by scattering crumbled feta cheese evenly across the pizzas, along with a light dusting of garlic powder. The feta’s tang complements the pesto and mozzarella while the garlic powder boosts the overall savory flavor profile just a notch.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place your flatbreads directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots, and the edges of the flatbread are crisp and slightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning since flatbreads cook quickly!
How to Serve 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
The pizza shines on its own, but adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate the flavors and present an even fresher look. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top can brighten the dish wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful pizza with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lime also complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the pizza into smaller portions for a party platter or serve as open-faced mini pizzas on toasted flatbread rounds. You can even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or some sliced avocado for extra texture and richness that will wow friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining the freshness of the toppings and preventing the flatbread from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This flatbread pizza can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap individual slices in foil and keep them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. Avoid the microwave as it can make the flatbread soggy and the toppings lose their appeal.
FAQs
Can I use regular pizza dough instead of flatbread?
Absolutely! Regular pizza dough works well, though the baking time might be a bit longer. Just roll it out thin to keep a crisp crust similar to flatbread and bake until golden and bubbly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms. The pesto, cheeses, and olives provide plenty of savory flavor on their own.
Can I substitute the pesto with tomato sauce?
You can, but the pesto is what gives this flatbread that authentic Mediterranean twist. Tomato sauce will create a different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious in its own right.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
Shredded provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar can substitute mozzarella in a pinch. Just keep in mind that mozzarella is prized for its melting quality and mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free flatbreads available in many grocery stores or make homemade gluten-free flatbread. This swap will keep the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
This 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is a true celebration of fresh flavors and speedy preparation. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together quickly enough for any day of the week. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation that’s both satisfying and vibrant with every bite.
Print
30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This 30-Minute Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and flavorful dish combining the vibrant tastes of pesto, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken on a crispy flatbread base. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it balances cheesy, savory, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients with ease.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 flatbreads
- 1/3 cup pesto (Barilla Genovese pesto recommended)
Cheese and Protein
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 heaping cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Vegetables and Toppings
- 5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for crisping the flatbread pizza quickly.
- Prepare Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread about 1/6 cup of pesto evenly across each flatbread as the sauce base.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto layer. Distribute the cooked chicken evenly on top of the cheese.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onions, and Kalamata olives over the chicken layer. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly for added flavor.
- Top with Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the assembled toppings to add a tangy and creamy accent.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a minute, slice, and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread Pizza warm.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works great.
- Kalamata olives add a briny punch, but you can substitute with green olives if preferred.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with arugula or add fresh basil after baking for extra freshness.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or preheat the baking sheet.
- If you don’t have pesto, you can substitute with a thin layer of olive oil and garlic.
