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
Scale
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.
