Indulge in a savory and comforting dish with our Chicken Pesto Pan Bread. These fluffy, golden-brown bread rolls are filled with a rich, flavorful pesto chicken mixture, complete with grilled red bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Whether you’re serving this as a hearty meal or an impressive appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds!

Chicken Pesto Pan Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Pesto Pan Bread combines tender, spiced chicken with the fresh and vibrant flavors of green pesto, grilled bell peppers, and melted cheese, all tucked inside warm, homemade bread rolls. The bread is soft and fluffy, while the chicken pesto filling adds a savory richness that pairs perfectly with a drizzle of truffle mayonnaise. This recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or a cozy meal with friends and family.

Ingredients

Dough

425 g flour
75 g fine semolina
7 g instant yeast
8 g salt
0.5 g thyme
12 g honey
25 ml olive oil
280 ml water

Chicken Pesto

600 g chicken thighs
4.5 g salt
2 g cayenne powder
3 g garlic powder
4 g onion powder
2 g cumin powder
30 ml olive oil
25 g butter
45 g fresh green pesto
150 g grilled red bell pepper
75 g red onion
150 g cheese (sliced)
Fresh green pesto (for serving)
Truffle mayonnaise (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, fine semolina, yeast, salt, thyme, honey, olive oil, and lukewarm water. Mix well and knead for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Deflate the dough and divide it into 14 equal pieces, about 57 grams each. Shape each piece into a ball.
Roll each ball of dough into a circle, then fold it in half.
Place the folded dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough balls. Allow the dough to rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Bake the rolls on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Let the rolls cool on a wire rack.
Wash and cut the chicken thighs into pieces. Place them in a large bowl and add salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and olive oil. Mix well.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Add the green pesto, sliced grilled red bell pepper, and red onion. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and place slices of cheese over the chicken. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt.
Open each bread roll and fill it with the chicken pesto mixture. Serve with fresh green pesto and a drizzle of truffle mayonnaise for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 14 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesier filling, add more cheese inside the rolls before baking or use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
Spicy Twist: If you like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken pesto mixture.
Grilled Chicken: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the pesto and vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, though thighs provide more moisture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Let it rise, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

3. Can I use store-bought pesto for the chicken pesto mixture?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be used in place of homemade pesto. However, fresh pesto will provide a more vibrant flavor.

4. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. To bake, simply let them thaw and rise, then cook as directed.

5. How can I make these rolls without a skillet?

If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake the rolls in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

A melting cheese like mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works best for this recipe. You can also try a smoked cheese for added flavor.

7. Can I skip the cayenne powder for a milder version?

Yes, you can omit the cayenne powder if you prefer a milder flavor. You could also substitute it with paprika for a smokier taste.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the chicken pesto filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables, such as spinach, artichokes, or roasted mushrooms, for a heartier filling.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) when fully cooked.

10. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, if you don’t want to make the dough from scratch, you can use pre-made bread dough, pita, or even flatbreads to make the chicken pesto pan bread.

Conclusion

Chicken Pesto Pan Bread is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together fluffy, homemade bread rolls with a savory pesto chicken filling. With the richness of pesto, grilled vegetables, and melted cheese, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and completely customizable, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection! Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in each bite.

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