Basil Pesto Chicken Pizza

$- 1 pre-made pizza dough (your choice - store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup fresh basil pesto (can be store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing - Salt and pepper, to taste I love starting with simple ingredients. You can use store-bought pizza dough for a quick meal. If you're feeling adventurous, make your own dough. Fresh basil pesto is key to this dish. You can buy it or blend your own at home. For cheese, I recommend using mozzarella for that gooey texture. A little grated Parmesan adds a nice touch of flavor. Cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst and look pretty on the pizza. Don't forget fresh basil leaves for garnish. They add color and fresh flavor. Season with salt and pepper for balance. Cooking is all about layers of flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. This stone helps make the crust crispy. While the oven heats, take your pre-made pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Enjoy this part! Next, carefully move the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour or a lined baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread basil pesto over the dough. Leave a ½ inch border for the crust. Now, evenly layer the shredded chicken on top of the pesto. You want each slice to have chicken. After that, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Then, arrange halved cherry tomatoes on top for color. For a flavor boost, add grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pizza, and season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you used a pizza peel, gently slide the pizza onto the heated pizza stone. If not, put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and melted, bubbling cheese. To check for doneness, look for that golden color and listen for bubbling sounds. Once done, carefully remove the pizza and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Slice your pizza and enjoy the delicious flavors! For a great pizza, aim for a crust about ¼ inch thick. This thickness helps it stay crispy while baking. If you want a super crispy crust, use a pizza stone. It holds heat well and cooks the bottom evenly. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet works too! Just make sure it’s lined with parchment for easy cleanup. To make your chicken pop, add spices before cooking. A sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian herbs can work wonders. Don't be afraid to play with different cheeses. Try adding gouda or feta for a unique taste. You can also add toppings like olives or artichokes to change things up. Each choice adds a new layer of flavor. Serve your pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look. Place some extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves around it. This adds color and charm. For drinks, pair your pizza with a light white wine or sparkling water. A refreshing drink will balance the rich flavors of the pizza nicely. Enjoy presenting your delicious creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and ripe tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your pizza. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in taste. Preheat the Oven: A well-preheated oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. If you have a pizza stone, make sure to preheat it along with the oven. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like bell peppers, olives, or red onion for a personalized pizza experience that suits your taste. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the pizza to cool for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to cut and serve. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp is a great choice. It cooks fast and adds a nice seafood flavor. If you prefer a plant-based option, try tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well when cooked. Simply marinate it in some pesto before adding it to the pizza. It soaks up the flavor and gives a nice texture. To make a vegetarian pizza, just leave out the chicken. You can add plant-based cheese to keep it creamy. Look for brands that melt well for the best results. If you want to make it vegan, choose a dairy-free cheese. For extra flavor, add more veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well. They add color and nutrients, making your pizza even better. You can also change the pesto to mix things up. Sun-dried tomato pesto gives a sweet and tangy taste. Just blend sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and nuts. Arugula pesto is another fun option. It has a peppery flavor that adds a nice kick. Both options will keep your pizza exciting and fresh. When you have leftover Basil Pesto Chicken Pizza, store it right. First, let the pizza cool. Then, slice it into pieces. Use airtight containers or wrap the slices in plastic wrap. This keeps the pizza fresh in the fridge. Aim to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat your pizza, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place your pizza slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Just heat for 30 seconds, but the crust may get soft. To make homemade basil pesto, gather fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend these ingredients until smooth. Adjust the olive oil for creaminess. Taste and add salt if needed. This method gives you fresh flavor. Yes, you can freeze basil pesto chicken pizza. First, bake the pizza but don’t add fresh toppings. Let it cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen. To help your pizza crust rise, use warm water and let the dough rest. This activates the yeast. Ensure you knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. The easiest way to roll out pizza dough is to use a floured surface. Start with your hands to gently stretch the dough. Use a rolling pin for an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Use flour to prevent sticking. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the pre-made dough for gluten-free pizza dough. You can find it in stores or make it at home using gluten-free flour. Always check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients. In this post, I shared how to make a delicious basil pesto chicken pizza. We covered required ingredients, from pre-made dough to tasty cheeses. I explained step-by-step how to prepare, assemble, and bake your pizza. You learned tips for a perfect crust and fun variations, plus how to store leftovers. Now, you are ready to create and enjoy your own pizza masterpiece. Exploring flavors and techniques will make this dish even better. Just remember, practice leads to perfection. Happy cooking!$

A delicious pizza topped with fresh basil pesto, shredded chicken, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pre-made pizza dough your choice - store-bought or homemade
1 cup fresh basil pesto
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnishing fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well for an optimally crispy crust.
On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired shape, aiming for around ¼ inch thick.
Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the basil pesto over the surface of the dough, leaving roughly a ½ inch border around the edge to form a crust.
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the pesto layer, ensuring each slice will have some chicken.
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, followed by a beautiful arrangement of halved cherry tomatoes.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your pizza.
Drizzle the olive oil carefully over the entire pizza, and season with salt and pepper to your preference for a delightful kick.
If using a pizza peel, gently slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone; if not, place the baking sheet directly into the oven.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and is bubbling merrily.
Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute before garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Slice and serve while hot!

Notes

For a rustic touch, serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board, and place a few extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves around it for an appealing visual.

Keyword basil, chicken, pesto, pizza