Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With its crispy crust and flavorful pesto, this Chicken Pesto Pizza is a crowd-pleaser that takes just 22 minutes to prepare. The combination of juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough or crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out or stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Prepare the Crust: Brush the edges of the crust lightly with olive oil for extra crispness and flavor.
- Spread the Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Add Chicken: Top the pesto with the chopped cooked chicken, distributing it evenly over the surface.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pizza.
- Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked sausage, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Option: Add veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or feta for a different tangy flavor, or add ricotta for a creamier base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pizza on a skillet or in a toaster oven to retain its crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, using store-bought dough is a great time-saver. You can also use a pre-baked crust if you’re looking for an even faster option.
2. Can I use a different kind of pesto?
Yes, feel free to use sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or any other pesto you enjoy for a unique twist.
3. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the pizza dough with a gluten-free crust to make it gluten-free.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese such as provolone, gouda, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
5. How can I make this pizza spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle some on top before baking to give the pizza a spicy kick.
6. Can I prepare the pizza in advance?
You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before baking it when you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza slices for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
8. Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, you can make this pizza dairy-free by omitting the cheese and using a dairy-free pesto or adding extra veggies for flavor.
9. How do I make the crust extra crispy?
To make the crust extra crispy, brush it with olive oil and bake it on a pizza stone or directly on the oven rack.
10. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this pizza?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for a quick and flavorful topping. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pizza.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Pizza is the perfect combination of crispy, golden crust, savory pesto, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving something flavorful. With just 22 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Chicken Pesto Pizza
Description
“Chicken Pesto Pizza features a golden, crispy crust topped with vibrant basil pesto, juicy chicken, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or casual dinners.”
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
1 pizza dough or crust
1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
⅓ cup basil pesto
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
-
Prepare the Crust: Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
-
Spread the Pesto: Evenly spread basil pesto over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
Add Chicken: Distribute the chopped cooked chicken evenly over the pesto.
-
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza.
-
Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
-
Garnish and Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve!
Notes
Veggie Option: Add spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with goat cheese, feta, or ricotta for different tastes.
