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