Description
A vibrant and savory Pesto Chicken Pizza featuring a crispy golden crust topped with basil pesto, shredded mozzarella, tender chicken, and fresh tomato slices. This easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, delivering flavorful layers of cheese, herbs, and juicy chicken in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base
- 1 Prepared Pizza Dough, at room temperature
For the Toppings
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Basil Pesto
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 1 large Tomato, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices, seeds removed
For Finishing
- Olive Oil, for brushing the baked crust
- Flaky Sea Salt, to sprinkle on the baked crust
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, for finishing
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy crust and bubbling cheese.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly oil a small sheet tray to prevent sticking and to help achieve a golden crust.
- Shape Dough: Stretch or roll out the prepared pizza dough into a rectangular shape, forming the base of your pizza.
- Place Dough: Lay the dough onto the oiled sheet tray, easing the crust edges up the sides of the pan for a raised crust.
- Spread Pesto: Use a brush or spoon to spread about half of the basil pesto evenly over the surface of the dough, infusing it with herbal flavor.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto, then evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella.
- Arrange Tomatoes and Pesto Dollops: Place the tomato slices evenly across the pizza. Dollop the remaining pesto around the pizza and add a little more mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove and Oil Crust: Carefully take the pizza out of the oven, transfer it to a cutting board, and brush the crust generously with olive oil to enhance texture and flavor.
- Season Crust: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the crust while it is still warm to add a crunchy, flavorful finish.
- Finish with Pepper and Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza for a finishing savory touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into squares and serve warm, enjoying the fresh basil pesto and tender chicken combination.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought prepared pizza dough or homemade dough; just ensure it’s at room temperature for easier handling.
- Removing seeds from tomato slices prevents excess moisture on the pizza, helping keep the crust crisp.
- Using leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and practical.
- Adjust the amount of pesto based on your preference for herbaceous flavor intensity.
- Brushing olive oil on the crust after baking adds moisture, shine, and flavor.
- For a crispier crust, consider baking on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel if available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
