Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s the ultimate comfort food for many people around the world.
And with so many different variations and toppings, there’s a type of pizza for everyone’s taste buds. But have you ever considered making your pizza at home?
Not only is it a fun and creative activity, but it also allows you to control every aspect of your beloved dish – from the crust to the cheese to the toppings.
In this blog post, we will be sharing our delicious and easy chicken pizza recipe that will have you ditching delivery and becoming a homemade pizza pro in no time! So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why Will You Love This Chicken Pizza?
There are several reasons why you will love this homemade chicken pizza recipe.
Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons.
Secondly, the combination of tender chicken pieces with flavorful toppings and gooey melted cheese on a crispy crust is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Lastly, making your pizza at home allows you to customize it exactly to your liking. Don’t like onions? Leave them out. Want extra cheese? Go for it! This easy chicken pizza recipe is versatile and adaptable to suit any taste.
Ingredients Used In a Chicken Pizza Recipe
Now that we’ve convinced you to try this delicious homemade chicken pizza let’s get into the ingredients you will need. Here’s a list of what you will need to make one 12-inch pizza:
1. Pizza dough – forms the foundation of your pizza. It can be thick or thin, depending on your preference, and is baked to a golden perfection, giving it a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
2. Pizza Sauce – typically made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, is the heart of the pizza. It provides the primary flavor profile and a moist base for the toppings.
3. Mozzarella Cheese – the soul of any pizza. This creamy and stretchy cheese melts beautifully in the oven, giving your pizza the iconic cheesy topping that everyone loves.
4. Red Onion – Red onions offer a hint of sweetness and a touch of crunch. They become tender and mellow when baked, adding a burst of color and a layer of flavor.
5. Green Bell Pepper – Green bell peppers provide a nice crunch and freshness to balance out the other flavors. They also add a beautiful color contrast to the pizza.
6. Black Olives – bring a tangy, slightly bitter taste, adding complexity to the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
7. Roasted Garlic – Roasted Garlic is a flavor powerhouse. When roasted, garlic becomes sweet and mellow, adding a unique aroma and taste to your pizza.
8. Spinach – Spinach lends a healthy touch to the pizza, adding a slight bitterness that works well with the other flavors. It also gives the pizza a vibrant green color.
9. Seasoning – Finally, the Seasoning – usually a mix of salt, pepper, and other herbs, enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, tying everything together in a delightful culinary symphony.
Gather these ingredients, and move to the next section to know the steps for pre-cooking your chicken.
How To Precook Chicken For Pizza?
Before you start baking your pizza, it’s important to precook the chicken. Pre-cooking the chicken ensures that it is fully cooked and safe to eat while also preventing any excess moisture from making your pizza soggy.
Here are two easy ways to precook chicken for your pizza:
1. Boiling – Place the chicken in a pot of boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Drain and let cool before using.
2. Sautéing – Cut the chicken into small pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked. Let it cool before topping your pizza.
3. Roast Or Grill Chicken Breasts – Another great option is to roast or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. This adds a smoky flavor to the chicken, which pairs well with pizza toppings.
4. Rotisserie Chicken – If you’re short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an easy and convenient option. Simply shred the chicken and use it as a topping for your pizza.
A word of advice – make sure not to overcook the chicken while pre-cooking, as it will also be baked in the oven with the pizza later.
How To Make Chicken Pizza?
Now that you know how to prep your ingredients, let’s get started making this delicious chicken pizza!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting, usually around 400°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats. This will help achieve a crispier crust.
Next, spread out your pizza dough on a surface sprinkled with flour to achieve your desired thickness. For those utilizing a pizza stone, place the dough on a pizza peel or a reversed baking sheet coated with flour or cornmeal.
Step 2: Apply Sauce
Take your pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges of the crust. Be generous with your sauce, but don’t overdo it – too much can make your pizza soggy.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part – adding the toppings! Begin with a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by your precooked chicken.
Then, distribute the red onions, green bell peppers, black olives, and roasted garlic evenly across the pizza. Remember, the key to a good pizza is balance, so don’t overload it with toppings.
Step 4: Bake The Pizza
Transfer your pizza (on the pizza peel or inverted baking sheet) onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. If you don’t have a pizza stone, simply place your pizza (on a regular baking sheet) in the oven.
Cook until the crust achieves a golden brown color and the cheese is bubbling and lightly charred, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once your pizza is out of the oven, top it with a handful of fresh spinach. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the spinach.
Finally, sprinkle over your preferred seasonings – a pinch of salt, pepper, and perhaps some chili flakes for heat or dried oregano for an extra hint of flavor.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set, then cut it into slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Your homemade chicken pizza is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What Pairs Well With Chicken Pizza?
Chicken pizza pairs well with a variety of sides or accompaniments, such as a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or even some buffalo wings for a spicy kick.
You can also pair it with your favorite dips, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
For a complete meal, you can also serve chicken pizza with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup.
With its versatile flavor profile, chicken pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or dinner party. So go ahead and have some fun experimenting with different toppings and combinations – the possibilities are endless!
Useful Tips For a Delicious Chicken Pizza
If you’re looking to make the perfect Chicken Pizza, here are a few tips and tricks that will take your pizza game to the next level:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients – for the best flavor, always use fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.
2. Don’t Overload The Pizza – as mentioned earlier, balance is key when it comes to toppings. Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings, as this can lead to a soggy and unevenly cooked crust.
3. Experiment With Different Cheeses – while mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, feel free to mix it up and try other types of cheese, such as cheddar, feta, or even blue cheese, for a unique flavor experience.
4. Be Mindful Of Your Cooking Time – since chicken is a lean meat, it can dry out quickly when overcooked. Keep an eye on your pizza while it’s baking, and remove it from the oven as soon as the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to become a master of making a delicious and flavorful Chicken Pizza.
Conclusion
In short, now you know all about the chicken pizza recipe. From how to prepare and precook the chicken to the step-by-step instructions on making a mouthwatering pizza at home.
You also have some ideas for side dishes and tips to make your pizza even better. So next time you’re craving a delicious slice of pizza, why not try making it yourself with this easy and tasty chicken pizza recipe? Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy cooking!
Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup precooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 cloves of roasted garlic, minced
- Handful of fresh spinach
- Your preferred seasonings (salt, pepper, chili flakes, dried oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread out your pizza dough on a surface dusted with flour to the thickness you desire.
- Move the dough onto a pizza peel or a flipped baking sheet sprinkled with flour or cornmeal (if you're using a pizza stone).
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by the pre-cooked chicken and toppings – red onions, green bell peppers, black olives, and roasted garlic.
- Slide the pizza onto the already heated pizza stone (or a standard baking sheet) and cook in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once out of the oven, top with fresh spinach and sprinkle with your preferred seasonings.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.