Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy pizza crust, layered with vibrant green pesto, tender shredded chicken, and melted mozzarella that stretches with every slice. This Simple Chicken Pesto Pizza isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a pizza enthusiast looking for a quick gourmet dinner, this Italian-inspired creation will become your new go-to comfort food that's sure to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings (cherry tomatoes, spinach)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This ensures that your pizza crust will bake evenly and become crispy.
- While the oven is preheating, gather all your ingredients: the pre-made pizza crust, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any optional toppings you wish to use, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach.
- Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you're using a baking sheet, you may want to line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the pesto-covered crust. Make sure to spread it out so that every bite has some chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and pesto. Ensure that the cheese covers the toppings well for a gooey texture.
- If you're using optional toppings, such as halved cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach, add them on top of the cheese now. This will add flavor and color to your pizza.
- Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the crust is crispy.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the pizza into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pesto pizza!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality pre-made pizza crust for the best texture and flavor. Look for ones with a crispy base.
- For extra flavor, slightly warm your pesto sauce before spreading to enhance its aromatic herbs.
- Pat your shredded chicken dry before placing it on the pizza to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy result.
- Use a pizza stone if possible – it helps create a crispier crust and more even baking.
- Don't overload your pizza with toppings. Keep it balanced to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite every time.
- Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- For a gourmet touch, finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
