Indulge in a slice of heaven with our Creamy Chicken Pesto Pizza! This Italian delight combines the rich flavors of pesto, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled atop a perfectly baked crust. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is not only quick but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply craving a comforting meal, this pizza is sure to impress. Don’t miss out on the secret to elevating your pizza game—read on to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Remove pizza dough from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to stretch.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin, round shape approximately 12-14 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza paddle.
- Spread the pesto evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the pesto base.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the pizza for added flavor and color.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped.
- Slice the pizza into 8 wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Allow your pizza dough to rest at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to stretch and ensures a lighter, fluffier crust.
- Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works just fine!
- Layering is Key: Spread the pesto evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for the best taste. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese around the 12-minute mark.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza by adding vegetables like bell peppers or olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
