If you are searching for a fresh and flavorful twist on classic pizza night, this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining tender grilled chicken coated in vibrant basil pesto with gooey mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes on a crispy crust, each bite bursts with a beautiful balance of savory and herbaceous flavors. It’s a recipe that feels both elegant and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding richness, freshness, or that perfect cheesy pull we all crave.
- Pizza dough: Use a 16-ounce ball of pizza dough as the foundation for a delightfully crisp and chewy crust.
- Pizza sauce: A simple ¾ cup of classic tomato-based pizza sauce creates a bright, tangy base layer.
- Basil pesto: Six tablespoons total, divided—this fragrant green sauce brings an herby punch that elevates the whole pizza.
- Mozzarella cheese: Two cups shredded for that gooey, melty texture that’s essential on every pizza.
- Grilled chicken strips: Half a pound adds protein and a smoky, satisfying bite.
- Grape tomatoes: Half a cup, halved—these little bursts of sweetness contrast beautifully against the cheese and pesto.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon sprinkles in savory warmth to finish the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a beautifully crisp crust. While it heats up, roll out your pizza dough into a large circle on a pizza pan, creating the perfect canvas for your toppings.
Step 2: Mix and Spread the Sauces
In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce with a quarter cup of basil pesto. This mixture strikes the ideal balance of rich tomato and fresh herbs. Spread it evenly across your rolled-out dough to build a flavorful base.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Chicken
Sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, creating a luscious, melty layer. Next, toss the grilled chicken strips in two tablespoons of basil pesto to infuse them with even more aromatic flavor, then distribute them evenly over the cheese.
Step 4: Top with Tomatoes and Season
Add the halved grape tomatoes onto the pizza for juicy pops of color and sweetness. Finish by sprinkling garlic powder evenly across the surface—this brings a subtle, savory depth to every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully as the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible blanket. This step crisps the dough beautifully while marrying all the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Slice
Once out of the oven, enhance your Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves. These final touches add a burst of freshness and a sharp, nutty bite before you cut the pizza into inviting slices.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add an alluring aroma and extra layer of flavor that takes your pizza from good to outstanding. Feel free to drizzle a little more pesto on top for an herbaceous finish that will delight the senses.
Side Dishes
Consider serving this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables to complement the richness. These sides refresh the palate and add variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present your pizza on a rustic wooden board or slate platter. Offering a small bowl of extra pesto or chili flakes lets guests customize their slices, turning your meal into a lively, interactive gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing your pizza slices is an excellent option. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag—this method preserves flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and saves time, though homemade pesto can add a fresh, personalized touch if you have the ingredients handy.
What type of chicken is best for this pizza?
Grilled chicken strips are ideal because they add a smoky flavor and retain moisture. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience without sacrificing taste.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free pizza crust to accommodate dietary preferences. The toppings stay the same and remain delicious.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the pizza ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add fresh garnishes after baking for the best flavor and presentation.
What wines or drinks pair well with this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds such as Pinot Noir complement the herbal pesto and tomato flavors beautifully. Sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe that makes it an instant classic to share and savor. From the comforting crunch of the crust to the vibrant pesto-infused chicken and melty cheese, every element feels thoughtfully combined. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your pizza nights never looked or tasted quite the same again.
Print
Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Pesto Pizza is a flavorful homemade pizza featuring a crispy crust topped with a blend of pizza sauce and basil pesto, shredded mozzarella cheese, tender grilled chicken strips tossed in pesto, and fresh grape tomatoes. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with parmesan and fresh basil leaves, it’s a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Sauce
- 1 (16-oz) ball pizza dough
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 6 Tbsp basil pesto (divided)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ lb grilled chicken strips
- ½ cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450ºF (232ºC) to ensure a hot environment for baking the pizza.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the 16-oz ball of pizza dough into a large circle to fit your pizza pan evenly.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce with ¼ cup of the basil pesto. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough to form the flavorful base.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce layer for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Prepare Toppings: Toss the grilled chicken strips in 2 tablespoons of the remaining basil pesto to infuse them with fresh herbal flavor. Arrange the pesto-coated chicken atop the mozzarella cheese, then scatter the halved grape tomatoes evenly over the pizza. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Bake Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Cut into slices and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have grilled chicken strips, you can quickly grill or pan-cook chicken breasts and slice them before tossing in pesto.
- For an extra crispy crust, consider pre-baking the rolled-out dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust garlic powder to preference or substitute with fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella in place of shredded for a more creamy texture.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
