Garlic Chicken Pizza: A Flavor Explosion in Every Slice!

Craving pizza night but want something beyond the usual pepperoni? Look no further! This Garlic Chicken Pizza recipe delivers a burst of savory flavors with every bite. Tender chicken, fragrant garlic, creamy sauce, and melted cheese combine to create a pizza that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or simply when you need a delicious and satisfying meal.

We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the garlic-infused chicken to assembling the perfect pizza. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece!

Why This Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe Works

• Flavorful Chicken: Marinating the chicken in garlic, herbs, and olive oil ensures it’s packed with flavor from the inside out.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: A simple yet decadent sauce base ties all the ingredients together, adding richness and depth.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to personalize your pizza.
• Easy to Make: While it may seem fancy, this recipe is surprisingly easy to put together, especially if you use store-bought pizza dough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that intense flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking and marinating.
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of spice.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter: For a rich base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: More garlic!
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 cup milk: Whole milk or 2% milk works best.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For extra creaminess.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Season to taste.
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper: Optional, for a subtle peppery note.

For the Pizza:

• 1 pound pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese.
• 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese: Adds a sharper flavor.
• Optional toppings: Sliced red onion, fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
• Saucepan: For making the garlic cream sauce.
• Pizza stone or baking sheet: For baking the pizza.
• Pizza cutter or knife: For slicing the pizza.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper (if using).
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
8. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. This will make it easier to transfer to the hot stone or baking sheet.
4. Spread the garlic cream sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheese over the sauce.
6. Top with the cooked garlic chicken pieces.
7. Add any optional toppings, such as sliced red onion, fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Pizza

• Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of fresh garlic is much more potent and delicious than pre-minced garlic.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Preheat Your Pizza Stone: A preheated pizza stone will help the crust cook evenly and become crispy.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: Good-quality cheese will melt better and have a richer flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
• Make Your Own Pizza Dough: While store-bought dough is convenient, homemade pizza dough is worth the effort. It has a better flavor and texture. There are tons of easy recipes online!

Variations and Additions

• Spicy Garlic Chicken Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic cream sauce or sprinkle some on top of the pizza before baking.
• Pesto Garlic Chicken Pizza: Replace the garlic cream sauce with pesto for a vibrant and herbaceous twist.
• BBQ Garlic Chicken Pizza: Toss the cooked chicken in BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza for a smoky and sweet flavor.
• Vegetarian Garlic Pizza: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Consider adding artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pizza: Substitute the garlic cream sauce with Alfredo sauce for an even richer and creamier pizza.
• Add Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky and salty element that complements the garlic and chicken perfectly.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago, Fontina, or Gruyere for unique flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Chicken Pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a simple appetizer.

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with the richness of the pizza.
• Garlic Bread: For extra garlic flavor, serve the pizza with garlic bread.
• Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil makes a refreshing and colorful appetizer.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic is a simple and flavorful appetizer.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Garlic Chicken Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

• Calories: 350-450 per slice
• Fat: 15-25 grams per slice
• Protein: 20-30 grams per slice
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per slice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pizza.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze pizza dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Q: Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before using.

Q: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

A: If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I add other cheeses?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Asiago, Fontina, or Gruyere.

Q: My pizza crust is soggy. What did I do wrong?

A: Soggy crust can be caused by a few things: not preheating the baking stone or sheet, using too much sauce, or not cooking the pizza long enough. Make sure your oven is hot, use a moderate amount of sauce, and cook the pizza until the crust is golden brown.

Q: Can I grill this pizza?

A: Yes! Grill the pizza dough directly on the grill grates for a few minutes per side until slightly charred. Then, remove from the grill, add the toppings, and return to the grill (indirect heat) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken Pizza recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s a pizza that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!

Enjoy the process of creating this delicious pizza and savor every single bite!

This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to explore your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique version of this Garlic Chicken Pizza. Happy cooking!