If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful and easy-to-make meal that bursts with fresh flavors and comforting textures, look no further than this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe. Combining tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with vibrant basil pesto, melting mozzarella, and juicy tomato slices, it’s an unbeatable combination that satisfies every pizza craving in the most delicious way. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to reach for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in creating a perfectly balanced Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe. From the fragrant pesto spreading a fresh herbaceous base to the melty cheese that ties each bite together, every component adds its own charm to the final dish.
- Thin pizza crust, 12 inches diameter: A crisp and sturdy base either store-bought or homemade ensures your pizza holds all the delicious toppings without becoming soggy.
- Cooked chicken breast, 1 cup, diced or shredded: Tender protein that’s seasoned just right to pair beautifully with the pesto and cheese.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps keep the chicken juicy and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances every flavor from the crust to the toppings.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Delivers a slight kick that complements the mild pesto and cheese.
- Basil pesto, 1/3 cup: The star ingredient carrying garden-fresh basil notes and a garlicky, nutty punch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 1/4 cups: Melts to creamy perfection, blending ingredients deliciously.
- Medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced: Adds juicy brightness and a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons: Offers a sharp, salty finish right on top.
- Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish: Adds an aromatic and colorful touch when serving.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F. For a crispier crust, place a pizza stone inside as the oven warms up—this creates an evenly heated surface that bakes your pizza beautifully from the bottom up.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the oven heats, toss your cooked chicken with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures every bite of chicken is flavorful and tender, perfectly complementing the pesto’s vibrant herbiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Lay your thin pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper. This makes it easy to slide the pizza in and out of the oven and keeps the crust intact and light.
Step 4: Spread the Basil Pesto
Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread your delicious basil pesto evenly over the entire crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This step forms the flavorful foundation of your Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe and ensures every slice is packed with that signature taste.
Step 5: Add the Seasoned Chicken
Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly across the pesto layer. Distributing it well guarantees that each slice of pizza gets a hearty portion of protein.
Step 6: Layer Cheese and Tomato Slices
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the entire pizza, then delicately arrange the thin tomato slices in a single layer on top. The cheese melts into a luscious blanket while the tomatoes add juicy bursts of freshness throughout.
Step 7: Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese
Finish the topping by dusting the pizza with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds an irresistible salty tang that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and aromatic pesto.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned spots, and the crust turns a perfect golden brown color with slightly crisp edges.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the pizza to cool for just a minute to settle, then optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, vibrant finish. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe creations!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a no-brainer garnish for this pizza—they not only amp up the aroma but add a lovely pop of green that makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes. You might also add a tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
While this pizza is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with a crisp, simple salad or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal with refreshing textures and flavors. A lemony arugula salad, for example, cuts through the richness, making each bite feel balanced and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, slice the pizza into bite-sized squares for easy sharing. If you’re serving family-style, place the whole pie on a rustic wooden board and surround it with small bowls of olives, marinated artichokes, or even a garlic dipping sauce to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, assemble your pizza but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer—just add an extra 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftover pizza is in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crisp or in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that desirable crispy base and fresh-tasting toppings.
FAQs
Can I use a thick pizza crust instead of a thin crust?
Absolutely! While thin crust delivers a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the toppings, a thicker crust will give you a chewier, more substantial bite. Just adjust baking time accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious result either way.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?
Homemade pesto shines with its fresh, vibrant flavors and customizable ingredients, but a good-quality store-bought pesto can be just as tasty and convenient. The Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe works well with both, depending on how much time you want to spend prepping.
What type of cheese works best for this pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice due to its melting quality and mild flavor, but you can experiment with part-skim mozzarella or even add a little fontina or provolone for extra cheesiness. Just keep the Parmesan for that sharp, savory kick on top.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the chicken and consider adding extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. The pesto and cheese already pack plenty of flavor to keep it exciting.
How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?
Using a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet helps cook the crust evenly and keeps it crisp. Also, avoid piling on too much sauce or wet toppings, and bake your pizza immediately after assembling to prevent moisture from seeping into the crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm, flavorful Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe from the oven and sharing it with the people you love. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every cheesy, herby, chicken-packed bite as much as I do!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Pesto Pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring a crispy thin crust topped with flavorful basil pesto, seasoned cooked chicken, fresh tomato slices, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
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
Pizza Sauce and Cheese
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while it preheats to ensure even heat distribution and a crispy crust.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the chicken is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Prepare Crust: Place your thin pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper, ready for toppings.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges to create the crust edge without sauce.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the seasoned chicken evenly across the pesto layer for a balanced taste in every bite.
- Layer Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the pizza, then arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Add Parmesan: Finish with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese to add a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Bake Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the baking sheet or pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust has turned a golden brown color.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for one minute. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, prebake the pizza crust for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use fresh basil pesto for more vibrant flavor, or substitute with store-bought pesto for convenience.
- Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Customize toppings with additional vegetables like bell peppers or olives if desired.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before seasoning and placing on the pizza to avoid undercooked meat.
