Chicken Pesto Pan Bread
Chicken Pesto Pan Bread is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, fresh herbaceous pesto, gooey mozzarella, and soft bread that crisps perfectly when pan-fried. Quick to prepare and versatile for any meal or snack occasion, it’s a comforting yet fresh option ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free dough alternative)
Filling
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough
- 1 ball pizza or bread dough (about 8–10 oz)
Cooking & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside pesto, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil within easy reach for efficient assembly.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza or bread dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4-inch thick, creating the perfect base for your fillings.
- Layer the Filling: Spread a generous and even amount of pesto sauce over the dough. Then sprinkle the shredded or diced chicken evenly on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring a balanced distribution for every slice.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a sandwich-like layer. Pinch and crimp the edges thoroughly to seal and prevent fillings from escaping during cooking.
- Pan Fry to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the folded dough in the pan and cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping gently, until the bread is golden brown and crispy all over.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling to prevent tearing or leaking of the bread.
- Use fresh or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best flavor.
- Cook over medium heat to ensure a crispy crust without burning.
- Allow the pan bread to rest a few minutes after cooking to let the cheese set and make slicing easier.
- For added aroma and presentation, garnish with fresh basil or oregano before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken pesto pan bread, pesto bread, chicken bread, easy chicken recipe, quick appetizer, pan-fried bread, mozzarella pesto sandwich