Updated on August 26th, 2025
Sometimes you just want a pizza that tastes a little fresher and lighter, and chicken pesto pizza is exactly that. The flatbread bakes up crispy in the oven, giving you a thin crust that holds the toppings without being too heavy. The homemade pesto made with basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil gives every bite a burst of flavor that’s completely different from a tomato-based pizza sauce. With chicken, artichokes, and melted mozzarella on top, it’s the kind of meal that feels simple to make but still a little special when it comes out of the oven.
Why this recipe works
- Crispy base with texture: Flatbread makes the crust quick to bake and light to eat, while still giving enough crunch to hold the sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Fresh, flavorful sauce: The basil pesto adds a brightness that balances out the richness of the chicken and cheese, and it makes the whole pizza taste fresh and homemade.
- Toppings that fit together well: Juicy chicken adds protein, artichoke hearts bring a tangy bite, and mozzarella melts over everything to make it cheesy and satisfying.
- Quick preparation for busy nights: Using pre-cooked chicken cuts down on time, so you can have the pizza ready in about half an hour without much effort.
- Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, keep it vegetarian, or even try a different cheese, so it works for many tastes and occasions.
Serving suggestions
- Great with a salad: Pair it with a fresh Caesar or mixed greens to keep the meal balanced and bring in a crisp, refreshing side.
- Fun for gatherings: Cut the pizza into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer, since it’s easy to grab and has flavors that most people enjoy.
- Add a finishing touch: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes, more Parmesan, or fresh basil over the top right before serving for extra color and flavor.
- Pair with the right drink: A chilled glass of white wine or even sparkling water with lemon goes really well with the pesto and keeps the meal feeling light.
- Best eaten hot: The pizza tastes its best straight out of the oven when the cheese is melted, the crust is crisp, and the pesto is still fragrant and fresh.
Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Make chicken pesto pizza at home with crispy flatbread and savory toppings, perfect for an easy dinner or weekend treat.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 flatbread pizza crust
- 2 cups chicken breast strips (cooked)
- 1 (6 ounces) jar artichoke hearts (drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Basil Pesto Sauce-
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1 garlic cloves
- 1/8 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To make basil pesto- Combine basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/3 cup of oil and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheese and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spread pesto sauce over the pizza crust evenly. Arrange chicken pieces and artichoke hearts over the sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and flatbread is browned and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 552.8 mg
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.9 g
- Protein: 5.3 g
- Cholesterol: 4.3 mg