Chicken Pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This Chicken Pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a mouthwatering homemade pizza recipe that combines tender chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. The soft, homemade pizza dough is topped with savory sautéed chicken, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and basil, making it a perfect dinner idea for pizza lovers. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting homemade pizza or a delicious twist on traditional pizza recipes, this creamy garlic chicken pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners, pizza nights, or meal prep!

Ingredients

For the California Pizza Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp salt

For the Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

For the Toppings:

• 12 slices or grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 large chicken breast, sautéed and diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, coarsely torn
• 5 medium mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bread maker, combine warm water and yeast, and let it stand for a few minutes. Then, add the remaining dough ingredients in the order listed and set the bread maker to the dough setting.
   • Alternatively, use a large bowl. Add warm water and yeast, and let stand for a few minutes. Stir in honey and olive oil. Add flour and salt, then mix until well combined (use a dough hook on medium speed if using a mixer). The dough should be sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
   • While the dough is rising, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk.
   • Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts. Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
3. Prepare the Pizza:
   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil onto a large baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the oiled sheet, turning it to coat it in oil. Roll the dough out to fit the sheet.
   • Spread the creamy garlic sauce over the dough, then layer on mozzarella cheese, sautéed chicken, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and torn basil leaves.
   • Bake at 425°F for 13-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked through. Switch the oven to broil for an additional 2 minutes to brown the cheese.

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Tips

• For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
• If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough can be used as a substitute.
• Make sure the sauce is cooled before spreading it on the dough to prevent sogginess.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a lower-carb option, you can use a cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough.
• Feel free to switch up the toppings—spinach, bell peppers, or olives would be great additions.
• Use grilled chicken or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and cook as instructed.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this pizza?
You can freeze the assembled pizza (before baking) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this pizza with a side salad, such as a fresh arugula or mixed greens salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the creamy garlic sauce and chicken toppings.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce combines the rich, comforting flavors of a creamy garlic sauce with tender chicken and fresh toppings, all nestled on a soft, homemade dough. The creamy sauce adds a unique twist to your typical pizza, while the combination of mozzarella, chicken, and vegetables makes every bite a perfect balance of savory goodness. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love!