Pesto Chicken Pizza is a delightful twist on classic pizza, bringing together the fresh flavors of basil pesto, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this pizza will easily become a family favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is all about convenience and taste. With a prepared pizza dough, you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Using rotisserie chicken saves time on cooking and adds great flavor. Plus, who can resist the combination of fresh tomatoes, pesto, and melted cheese? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

How to Make Pesto Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

1 Prepared Pizza Dough, at room temperature
~1/4-1/2 cup Basil Pesto
~1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
~1 cup Shredded Chicken (use a rotisserie chicken, or if you have chicken leftovers!)
1 large Tomato, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices, seeds removed
Olive Oil, to brush the baked crust
Flaky Sea Salt, to sprinkle on the baked crust
Fresh Cracked Pepper, for finishing
Grated Parmesan, for finishing

Directions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
Lightly oil a small sheet tray.
Stretch or roll your pizza dough out into a rectangle shape.
Lay the dough in the tray and let the crust come up the sides.
Brush or spread about half of the pesto on the dough.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add the shredded chicken, followed by more mozzarella.
Arrange the tomato slices evenly on top. Dollop the remaining pesto around the pizza and finish with extra mozzarella.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles.
Once it’s out of the oven, carefully slide it out of the pan onto a cutting board and brush the crust with olive oil.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the crust.
Top the pizza with fresh cracked black pepper and grated parmesan cheese.
Slice into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pizza

Serve your Pesto Chicken Pizza hot out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can also offer extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more flavor.

How to Store Pesto Chicken Pizza

To store leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Pizza

For an extra crispy crust, try pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, peppers, or onions for added nutrition.
Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for new flavors.

Variation

Want to change things up? You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and loading it with extra vegetables instead. Moreover, you can use homemade pesto for a fresher taste!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great! Just make sure it’s at room temperature before stretching it out.

2. How can I make this pizza spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

3. Is this pizza suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.