If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that brings fresh, vibrant flavors together on a golden, crispy crust, Chicken Pesto Pizza might just be your new obsession. Imagine juicy, tender bites of chicken mingling with fragrant basil pesto, melty cheeses, and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes—all finished with a tangle of fresh basil on top. Whether you make it as a weeknight dinner, a party centerpiece, or just because you can’t get it out of your head, Chicken Pesto Pizza delivers a slice of pure happiness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Pesto Pizza lies in its simplicity; every ingredient here works hard to deliver layers of flavor, texture, and color. Let’s take a look at the basics you’ll need—don’t skip any of these, as they’re all key to creating that irresistible bite!
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza; feel free to use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Basil pesto: This brings a bold, herbal punch and serves as the “sauce” that makes each bite so aromatic.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use it shredded or diced for hearty, protein-rich toppings that soak up the pesto beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty star that binds everything together and gives you that classic pizza stretch.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty hit and adds a golden finish when baked.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for tiny pops of sweetness and a touch of juiciness!
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a splash of color and a gentle, zesty bite.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle brings everything together and helps the toppings caramelize.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and highlight all those big flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: To garnish with a flourish of color, fragrance, and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To get a truly crisp crust, start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or a sturdy baking sheet inside while it heats up—this step is essential in mimicking the intense heat of a wood-fired oven and guarantees a pizza base with the perfect bite.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Dust your countertop with a little flour and roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t stress about perfect edges; a rustic shape gives your Chicken Pesto Pizza that homey, artisanal feel. Transfer the dough gently to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling and cleanup.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Now for the magic: spoon the basil pesto over the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border for the crust to puff up and bake golden. The sauce is intensely flavorful, so a even layer really sets the stage for the whole pizza.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Scatter the shredded or diced chicken across the pesto base. Follow with an even blanket of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that savory, oozy, golden goodness. Next, nestle in the cherry tomato halves and scatter the thinly sliced red onion. A little drizzle of olive oil over the top helps all these ingredients caramelize and meld beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Season the pizza with a pinch of salt and a generous crack of black pepper. Then, using the parchment, carefully slide the pizza onto your hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes—watch for a golden crust and bubbling cheese with patches of amber.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When your Chicken Pesto Pizza emerges, let it cool just a minute or two, then scatter a handful of fresh basil leaves over the top for an extra hit of herbal aroma and a pop of green. Slice it up and serve while it’s still hot, so each bite melts in your mouth!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pizza
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves elevates the flavor and visual appeal of Chicken Pesto Pizza—think of them as the crowning touch. For an extra flourish, you could also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a light shower of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of roasted vegetables—both bring brightness and balance. For a heartier spread, garlic bread or a simple soup makes the perfect partner for a slice (or two) of Chicken Pesto Pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Chicken Pesto Pizza into thin strips for party-style sharing or smaller bites for an appetizer platter. You can also pile slices into a pizza box lined with parchment for a takeout-inspired dinner at home that’ll wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to wind up with leftovers (lucky you!), let your Chicken Pesto Pizza cool to room temperature first. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The key is to keep as much air out as possible to ensure the crust stays pleasantly chewy and the toppings stay fresh.
Freezing
Chicken Pesto Pizza actually freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for round two, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s practically instant!
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your pizza in a hot oven (about 400°F or 200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or until everything is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the crust soft instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pizza crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough or even a pre-baked crust saves time and makes the Chicken Pesto Pizza a fantastic weeknight solution. Just adjust baking time as needed based on your crust’s thickness and instructions.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the chicken?
Definitely—you can skip the chicken and add more veggies like roasted red peppers or mushrooms, or use plant-based chicken alternatives. The pesto and cheese deliver so much flavor that your vegetarian Chicken Pesto Pizza will still be a hit.
What kind of basil pesto is best?
Use your favorite high-quality store-bought pesto for ease, or make homemade if you’re feeling ambitious! Either way, the richness and herbaceous kick of a good basil pesto really defines this pizza.
Can I prep the pizza in advance?
You can assemble Chicken Pesto Pizza an hour or two ahead—just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For the best results, add the fresh basil and any crispy toppings right after baking.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or crust. The toppings and technique remain exactly the same, so everyone can join in and enjoy Chicken Pesto Pizza without compromise.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza from the oven and sharing it with family or friends. The blend of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and gooey cheese creates a slice you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite—give it a try, and let your kitchen smell like an Italian pizzeria tonight!
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Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Chicken Pesto Pizza, where tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and gooey cheeses come together on a crispy crust for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Pesto:
1/2 cup basil pesto
Chicken:
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Cheeses:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Additional Toppings:
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface, transfer to parchment paper.
- Add Toppings: Spread pesto, add chicken, cheeses, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle with oil, season, and transfer to the hot stone.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Enhance with sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
