Merken Experience a vibrant twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Chicken Pesto Pizza. Featuring a crisp, thin crust topped with fragrant basil pesto, tender seasoned chicken, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomato slices, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings gourmet flavors to your table in just 35 minutes.
Merken This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the savory richness of chicken and the aromatic punch of basil. Whether you use a store-bought crust or make your own, the high baking temperature ensures a professional, golden-brown finish every time.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 thin pizza crust (about 12 inches; store-bought or homemade)
- Chicken: 1 cup cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sauce: 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Cheese & Toppings: 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 medium ripe tomato (thinly sliced), 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats.
- Step 2
- Toss the cooked chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 3
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4
- Spread the basil pesto evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 5
- Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly on top of the pesto.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza, followed by the tomato slices.
- Step 7
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 8
- Transfer the pizza to the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Step 9
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a pizza stone to achieve a professional-style crisp crust. Always preheat the oven fully to 475°F before sliding the pizza in to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the base stays firm.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To enhance the flavor profile, try drizzling a little balsamic glaze over the pizza just before serving. For convenience, rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute. You can also swap fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes to get a more intense flavor or use a gluten-free crust to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pizza hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma. It pairs beautifully with a light garden salad or a side of marinated olives for a complete Italian-themed meal.
Merken Enjoy this effortless yet elegant Chicken Pesto Pizza. It is a fantastic way to bring fresh, vibrant Italian flavors into your kitchen with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
