This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza is a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, featuring a creamy garlic-infused sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbs atop a crispy crust. Perfect for pizza night or entertaining guests, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The roasted garlic and herb combination creates a sophisticated and delicious taste.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings and herbs to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Great for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in.
- Homemade Feel: Enjoy a pizzeria-style meal at home with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, roasted
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves until they’re golden and soft. Mash into a paste.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the garlic paste, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Assemble the Pizza: Roll out the pizza dough and spread the garlic sauce evenly over it. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Toppings: Layer cooked chicken and fresh herbs over the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 slices (depending on dough size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, fontina, and ricotta for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make it suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works great for this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for preparation.
2. How do I roast garlic?
Peel the garlic, wrap it in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Can I use a pre-made sauce?
Absolutely, a white garlic sauce from the store can save time, but homemade enhances the flavor.
4. What herbs work best for this recipe?
Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley are excellent choices. Thyme and chives can also add unique flavors.
5. Can I make this pizza on a grill?
Yes, grill the pizza dough on one side, flip, add toppings, and cook until the cheese melts and crust is crispy.
6. What type of chicken should I use?
Cooked, shredded, or sliced chicken breast works well. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and roast the garlic in advance. Assemble and bake the pizza when ready to serve.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
9. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Use a pizza stone and preheat it for a crispy base. Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza is a delightful departure from traditional pizza, combining creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbs for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a gourmet treat, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. Try it tonight and enjoy a slice of homemade perfection!
PrintRoasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic white pizza. Featuring creamy garlic sauce, tender grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and melted cheese on a crisp crust, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (including roasted garlic time)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic:
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade pizza dough (12-inch)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
For the White Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool and squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins.
- Make the White Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in roasted garlic cloves and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough or prepare the pre-made crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the crust.
- Top with cooked chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Drop small dollops of ricotta cheese over the pizza.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chicken.
- You can use store-bought roasted garlic to save time.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.