Imagine biting into a slice of pizza that combines the rich, herbaceous notes of classic pesto with tender, juicy chicken and a crispy whole wheat crust. This isn't just another pizza recipe - it's a gourmet experience that transforms your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes! Perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste, this Pesto Chicken Pizza will become your new go-to comfort food that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made whole wheat pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Place the pre-made whole wheat pizza crust on a large baking sheet or pizza stone. If using a pizza stone, lightly dust it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Spread the pesto evenly across the surface of the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Distribute the shredded cooked chicken uniformly over the pesto layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, covering the entire pizza surface.
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes cut-side up across the cheese layer.
- Season the pizza with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust edges turn golden brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice the pizza into 8 equal triangular pieces and serve hot.
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- If possible, use homemade or premium store-bought pesto for more intense flavor.
- Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned and thoroughly cooked before adding to the pizza.
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the wheat crust for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Let the pizza rest briefly after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Consider adding fresh basil leaves after baking for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
