Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pizza combines the best elements of classic pizza and fresh basil pesto for a flavorful twist. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have this pizza on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Fresh and vibrant: The pesto adds a burst of fresh basil flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and melty cheese.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings to your liking, add more cheese, or experiment with additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a pizza party, this dish will be the star of the meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Pesto Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough or crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 1/2 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: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out or stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Brush the crust edges: Lightly brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Spread the pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Add the chicken: Top the pizza with the chopped cooked chicken, distributing it evenly across the pesto.
- Sprinkle the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 1 large pizza (8 slices).
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Try adding sliced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a gluten-free crust: If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust.
- Cheese swap: Substitute mozzarella with fontina, goat cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices in plastic wrap or foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven for best results.
- Reheating: To retain the crispness of the crust, reheat slices in a skillet or toaster oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, but if you only have raw chicken, you can sauté or bake it first, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, use your favorite pizza dough recipe, or buy a pre-made dough from the store.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Yes, you can add any toppings you like! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the pizza right before baking. Just store the pesto, chicken, and cheese separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Can I make this pizza without cheese?
For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or simply load the pizza with extra veggies.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Pizza is a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best of pizza with the freshness of pesto. With a golden, crispy crust, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for any night of the week. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and make it your own. Enjoy this easy, delicious pizza with your loved ones tonight!
Chicken Pesto Pizza
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
Description
A quick, easy, and flavorful twist on pizza, combining the rich, fresh flavors of basil pesto, juicy chicken, and melted mozzarella on a crispy crust. This Chicken Pesto Pizza is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a pizza party.
Ingredients
1 pizza dough or crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
1/3 cup basil pesto
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out or stretch the pizza dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Brush the crust edges: Lightly brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Spread the pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Add the chicken: Top the pizza with the chopped cooked chicken, distributing it evenly across the pesto.
- Sprinkle the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
Add veggies: Try adding sliced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use a gluten-free crust: If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust.
Cheese swap: Substitute mozzarella with fontina, goat cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
