Pesto Chicken Burrata Toast

The first time I made these toasts was actually a happy accident during a summer when my tiny apartment had no working stove, just a lone oven and a cast iron skillet. I had leftover chicken from a failed dinner experiment and a beautiful ball of burrata that needed using. The combination was so stunning that I started making them intentionally, and now they have become my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but takes barely any effort.

Last summer I made these for my sister when she was going through a rough patch. We sat on my balcony with wine and these toasts, and she took one bite and actually went quiet for a full minute before telling me this was exactly what she needed. Food has this way of making things feel manageable, and now whenever she visits she asks for these specifically.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: Thick slices from a hearty loaf work best here because they need to stand up to all the toppings without getting soggy
• Chicken breast: I have learned that pounding it to even thickness before cooking makes it more tender and cook faster
• Basil pesto: Homemade is wonderful but do not stress about it, a good store bought version works beautifully
• Burrata: This creamy cheese is the star so do not substitute with fresh mozzarella, the texture difference matters
• Fresh basil: Whole leaves look beautiful and add that burst of fresh flavor

Instructions

Get your bread golden:

Brush both sides with olive oil and toast in a 200°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are beautifully golden and sound hollow when tapped

Cook the chicken:

Season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear it in hot olive oil for about 5 minutes per side until it is cooked through

Let it rest:

Give the chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing it thin, which keeps all those juices inside where they belong

Build your masterpiece:

Spread each toast with pesto, layer on the sliced chicken, then tear the burrata and nestle it on top

Finish it beautifully:

Scatter fresh basil leaves over everything and add crushed red pepper if you like a little heat, then serve right away while everything is still warm

Save

These toasts have become my secret weapon for unexpected guests or nights when cooking feels like too much but I still want something special. There is something about the combination of warm bread, savory chicken, and that luscious burrata that makes people pause and really enjoy their food.

Making It Your Own

I have discovered that rotisserie chicken works beautifully here when you are short on time, and honestly the flavor is already built in. You can also swap the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato version if you want something deeper and slightly sweeter. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds this perfect acidic note that cuts through all the richness.

The Wine Question

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy burrata beautifully, but a light Italian rosé is honestly my favorite pairing. The bright fruit complements the basil while the acidity balances the rich cheese. I have learned that a slightly chilled white wine makes the whole experience feel like you are sitting at a sidewalk café somewhere in Italy.

Timing Is Everything

The real trick here is having everything ready before you start assembling because once that burrata hits the warm toast, the clock starts ticking. I lay out all my ingredients, slice the chicken, and tear the basil before I even think about putting the cheese on the bread. Have your plates ready and your wine poured before you take that first bite.

• Keep the burrata chilled until the absolute last second so it holds its shape slightly longer
• If you are making these for a crowd, set up all the components and let people assemble their own
• Leftovers actually do not exist with these, but if by some miracle you have extra chicken, it makes amazing sandwiches the next day

Save

These toasts remind me that the best food does not need to be complicated, it just needs good ingredients and a little bit of care. I hope they become your go-to too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works beautifully and reduces preparation time significantly. Simply slice and arrange over the pesto layer.

→ What bread works best for this toast?

Sourdough provides ideal structure and flavor, but any rustic artisan bread like ciabatta or country loaf will work well. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it won't hold the toppings.

→ How do I store leftovers?

These are best enjoyed immediately while the bread remains crispy. If storing, keep components separate and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and increase the burrata portion or add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or roasted bell peppers.

→ What can I substitute for burrata?

Fresh mozzarella works as a good alternative, though it won't provide the same creamy center. Ricotta mixed with a little cream also creates a similar texture.

→ Is homemade or store-bought pesto better?

Both work wonderfully. Homemade pesto allows you to control ingredients and freshness, while quality store-bought versions save time without sacrificing flavor.