Tired of the same old chicken dinners that leave your taste buds unimpressed and your family pushing food around their plates? Pesto chicken crepes are about to change your weeknight dinner routine forever. These delicate, savory wraps deliver tender chicken and vibrant pesto flavors in an elegant package that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Hi! I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish, and these pesto chicken crepes have become my secret weapon for transforming ordinary weeknights into special occasions. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic month when I needed something that felt special but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. The first time I served these crepes, the table fell silent that magical kind of quiet that only happens when everyone is too busy enjoying their food to speak.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about making perfect pesto chicken crepes, from selecting ingredients to plating like a pro. You’ll discover how to prepare the crepe batter ahead of time, master the art of thin crepes, and create a pesto chicken filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Why This Pesto Chicken Crepes Recipe Works
- Uses affordable boneless chicken breasts transformed into something extraordinary
- Prep components ahead for a 15-minute assembly when you’re ready to eat
- Versatile enough for casual family dinners or impressive enough for guests
- Combines familiar flavors in an unexpected presentation
- Creates minimal dishes while maximizing flavor impact
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Crepes
Best Chicken for Crepe Fillings
For pesto chicken crepes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully. They cook quickly and shred or dice easily for the filling. Look for chicken that feels firm with a pinkish hue rather than gray. If you prefer more flavor, boneless chicken thighs make an excellent substitution and stay more tender during cooking.
Buying Tips
When shopping for chicken, opt for free-range when possible for better flavor. The fresher your chicken, the more tender your filling will be. For budget-conscious shoppers, buying family packs and freezing portions can make this recipe even more economical.
Substitutions
If chicken isn’t your preference, turkey breast makes an excellent alternative with similar cooking properties. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for an equally delicious filling.
Ingredients & Prep for Pesto Chicken Crepes
Crepe Batter Essentials
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Whisk all ingredients until smooth, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the batter rest.
Pesto Chicken Filling
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- 1/3 cup prepared pesto
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pantry Staples
- Good quality olive oil for cooking the chicken
- Fresh garlic to enhance the pesto flavor
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Crushed red pepper flakes for optional heat
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pesto Chicken Crepes
Pre-Cooking Prep for Pesto Chicken Crepes
- Remove crepe batter from refrigerator to come to room temperature while preparing the filling.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces that will cook more quickly and evenly.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cooking Method for Pesto Chicken Crepes
For the chicken filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then dice or shred the chicken.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and half the cheese.
For the crepes:
- Heat a non-stick pan or crepe pan over medium heat.
- Lightly grease the surface.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, immediately tilting and swirling to spread thinly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to brown and lift.
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Assembling Pesto Chicken Crepes
- Lay each crepe flat on a work surface.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the pesto chicken mixture down the center of each crepe.
- Sprinkle with a small amount of the reserved cheese.
- Fold the sides over the filling and place seam-side down on a serving plate.
Finishing Touch for Pesto Chicken Crepes
For an extra touch of elegance, warm the filled crepes in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes just before serving. This gently melts the cheese and brings all the flavors together.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken Crepes
Avoiding Common Crepe Mistakes
- Don’t skip resting the batter it allows the flour to fully hydrate and results in more tender crepes.
- Keep your pan at medium heat too hot and the crepes will cook too quickly without spreading properly.
- The first crepe is often a “test crepe” that helps you adjust heat and technique don’t be discouraged!
Tool Recommendations
- A shallow non-stick pan with sloped sides makes crepe-making much easier
- A rubber spatula with a thin edge helps with perfect flips
- A ladle or measuring cup with a spout ensures consistent batter portions
Storage & Reheating
Store assembled crepes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my collection of family-friendly dinners on Pinterest where I share weekly meal ideas that will never leave you in a dinner rut!
Flavor Variations for Pesto Chicken Crepes
Herb-Forward Option
Replace traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile. Mix fresh herbs like tarragon or dill into the crepe batter for an aromatic twist.
Mediterranean Style
Add kalamata olives, feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and a squeeze of lemon to the filling for a Greek-inspired variation that brightens the entire dish.
Creamy Adaptation
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of mascarpone or cream cheese into the filling for a richer, creamier texture that makes these crepes feel even more indulgent.
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Basil pesto, mozzarella | Green salad with lemon vinaigrette |
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried tomato pesto, feta | Cucumber and olive side salad |
| Herb-Forward | Arugula pesto, fresh herbs | Roasted cherry tomatoes |
| Creamy | Traditional pesto, mascarpone | Steamed asparagus |
Serving Suggestions for Pesto Chicken Crepes
These elegant crepes pair beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing:
- A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness
- Roasted cherry tomatoes provide a sweet-acidic contrast
- Steamed asparagus spears make for an elegant presentation
- A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon completes the meal
For a complete dinner party menu, serve these crepes as a main course after a light soup starter, and follow with a simple dessert like berries with whipped cream.
FAQs About Pesto Chicken Crepes
Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes! The crepe batter actually benefits from resting in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also cook all the crepes ahead of time, stack them between pieces of parchment paper, and store them in the refrigerator. The chicken filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
My crepes keep tearing what am I doing wrong?
Torn crepes usually result from either flipping too early or having the heat too high. Make sure you see the edges browning slightly before attempting to flip, and consider lowering your heat. Also, ensure your pan is properly greased.
Can I freeze pesto chicken crepes?
While you can freeze unfilled crepes for up to 1 month (separated by parchment paper and well-wrapped), I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish as the texture can become soggy when thawed.
Conclusion
Pesto chicken crepes prove that weeknight dinners don’t have to be predictable or boring. By spending just a little time creating these elegant wraps, you’ll transform an ordinary evening into something special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility make components ahead when you have time, then assemble quickly when you’re ready to eat.
Over 3,000 home cooks in our FoodyDish community have made these crepes their go-to impressive-but-easy dinner option! Many report that even their pickiest eaters clean their plates when these crepes appear on the table.
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How Pesto Chicken Crepes Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savory pesto chicken crepes filled with tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, melted cheese, and wrapped in delicate homemade crepes an elegant yet comforting meal perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 prepared crepes
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add cooked chicken and warm through.
3. Stir in pesto and cream, mixing until creamy and heated.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Lay a crepe flat and spoon chicken mixture down the center.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Fold crepe sides over filling or roll into a cylinder.
8. Repeat with remaining crepes.
9. Optionally warm filled crepes in a skillet or oven until cheese melts.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Crepes can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crepes
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: pesto chicken crepes, savory crepes, chicken crepes, pesto chicken