If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with vibrant flavors and a fresh, herby twist, the Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with rich basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and juicy tomato slices on a perfectly crisp crust. Each bite delivers a gorgeous balance of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and exciting, making it an absolute knockout for weeknights or relaxed weekends with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Each one works harmoniously to create the perfect canvas, luscious topping, or finishing touch that brings the Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe to life.
- Thin pizza crust, 12 inches diameter: A sturdy yet crispy base that holds all the toppings without sogginess.
- Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (1 cup): Provides protein and a tender, savory bite that complements the pesto beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps season the chicken evenly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle kick for depth.
- Basil pesto (1/3 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the pizza with fresh, herby goodness and a touch of garlic and pine nuts.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/4 cups): Melts into a stretchy, gooey layer that ties everything together.
- Ripe tomato, thinly sliced (1 medium): Offers juicy brightness and balances the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, nutty finish with every bite.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a pop of vibrant color and fresh aroma at the end.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to a high temperature of 475°F. Preheating thoroughly is key to getting that crispy crust with bubbly, golden cheese. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now so it can heat evenly alongside your oven.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, toss your cooked chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s nicely coated. This simple step boosts the flavor of the chicken, ensuring every bite remains juicy and savory.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Place your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or onto a pizza peel lined with parchment paper if you’re using one. This makes transferring it to the oven easier later on.
Step 4: Spread the Basil Pesto
Spread the basil pesto evenly across the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges to allow the crust to crisp up while baking. This pesto layer is the secret weapon that imbues the pizza with warmth and herbaceous brightness.
Step 5: Add the Seasoned Chicken
Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over the pesto. This way, every slice gets a flavorful, tender bite that’s perfectly balanced with the rest of the toppings.
Step 6: Layer Cheese and Tomatoes
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and pesto, then arrange thin tomato slices in a single layer on top. This combination melts beautifully in the oven, creating a luscious texture while the tomatoes add a fresh burst.
Step 7: Sprinkle Parmesan and Bake
Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the crust turns a perfect golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy this delicious homemade fave!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the ideal garnishing touch, adding a lovely pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs brilliantly with a light green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread can also round out the meal beautifully without overpowering the pizza’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe with a small bowl of extra pesto for dipping or offer a variety of colorful sides like marinated olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Cutting the pizza into smaller, appetizer-sized slices also makes it perfect for sharing at parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza either before or after baking. If freezing beforehand, assemble the pizza and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For leftover slices, wrap individually in foil and freeze likewise.
Reheating
For best results, reheat pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes—this revives a crispy crust and melts the cheese perfectly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that stretchy, melty base, feel free to experiment with fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind how each cheese melts and pairs with pesto.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the pizza?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked beforehand since the pizza’s baking time isn’t long enough to cook raw chicken thoroughly. Using leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly and adds flavor.
Can I make my own pesto for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil elevates the pizza to another level. But store-bought pesto works great and saves time without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone? Can I still make this pizza?
For sure! Baking on a pizza stone helps crisp the crust, but a baking sheet or pizza pan works just fine. Just place your pizza directly on the sheet and bake as directed.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add extra tomato slices, artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The pesto and cheese create such a rich flavor base that it’s just as satisfying without the meat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe a whirl soon. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly quick to put together and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual meal with friends, it promises that perfect slice of happiness everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Pesto Pizza is a quick and delicious homemade pizza featuring a thin crust topped with flavorful basil pesto, seasoned cooked chicken, fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden crust with melted, bubbly cheese, this recipe offers a vibrant and satisfying meal in just 35 minutes, ideal for pizza lovers seeking a fresh twist with pesto and chicken.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 thin pizza crust, 12 inches diameter (store-bought or homemade)
Chicken Topping
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Toppings
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while it preheats to ensure even, crisp baking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until it is well coated and evenly seasoned.
- Prepare Crust: Lay the pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper, ready for topping.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto across the surface of the crust, leaving a small border around the edges to create a crust.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the pesto layer to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Layer Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the pizza, then arrange the thin tomato slices on top in a single layer for fresh flavor and color.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza to enhance depth and richness.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust has turned golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for one minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust by evenly distributing the oven heat.
- Feel free to substitute cooked chicken breast with grilled chicken for added smoky flavor.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes over the pesto before adding the chicken.
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, sun-dried tomatoes can be used for a more intense flavor.
- Make sure not to overload the pizza with toppings to ensure even cooking and a crisp crust.
