When you want a slice of Italian-inspired heaven that’s both fresh and packed with flavor, this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture a crispy thin crust topped with vibrant basil pesto, tender seasoned chicken, juicy tomato slices, and melty mozzarella cheese, all crowned with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent but never overwhelming. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on any night of the week—believe me, once you try this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the crisp crust to the fragrant pesto and savory chicken, everything comes together effortlessly.
- Thin pizza crust (12 inches): Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch—this is the crunchy canvas for your masterpiece.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup): Diced or shredded, it adds hearty protein and a satisfying chew.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to season the chicken, it brings moisture and richness without weighing it down.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors by bringing out their natural nuances.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
- Basil pesto (1/3 cup): Whether homemade or store-bought, this bright, herby spread is the star flavor that infuses the pizza.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/4 cups): Melts to gooey perfection, creating a luscious layer that pulls every element together.
- Ripe tomato (1 medium): Thin slices add bursts of juiciness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): A sharp, savory finish that elevates every bite.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Garnishes add freshness and an extra herbal aroma that makes this pizza sing.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while the oven warms up—this helps create that irresistible crispy crust we all dream of. A hot oven is essential for melting the cheese just right and getting golden edges.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, toss your cooked chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite of chicken is perfectly flavorful and moist. It’s the little details that make the Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe shine!
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
Lay your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper for easy handling. Having some parchment underneath means less fuss when transferring the pizza into the oven later.
Step 4: Spread the Pesto
Slather the basil pesto evenly over the crust’s surface, leaving a small border around the edges to let the crust crisp up beautifully. This pesto layer is where all that herby goodness starts to build.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly across the pesto-covered crust. Distribute it well so every slice gets a generous amount of tender, savory chicken flavor to enjoy.
Step 6: Layer Cheese and Tomatoes
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese thoroughly over the chicken, then layer the thin tomato slices on top in a single, even layer. You’ll get a perfect combo of gooey cheese and fresh acidity from the tomatoes.
Step 7: Top with Parmesan
Finish the topping by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over everything. This sharp and slightly nutty cheese adds a beautiful contrast in flavor and texture.
Step 8: Bake the Pizza
Transfer your prepared pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly melted cheese, golden brown crust edges, and a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen. This step transforms all those raw ingredients into magic.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Once baked, let the pizza cool for just one minute—it’s difficult to wait, but this helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a fresh and colorful touch. Then slice up your creation and dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic and most effective garnish here, offering herbal brightness and a pop of color that makes the pizza irresistible. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red chili flakes can also be fun additions if you want to amp up the flavor profile subtly.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad sprinkled with shaved Parmesan. Garlic knots or roasted vegetables also complement the herbal and cheesy flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your pizza into small, appetizer-sized squares for a party, or serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine for a sophisticated twist. You can also add dollops of ricotta cheese before baking for creaminess or swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter tomato burst.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Chicken Pesto Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze your fully assembled but unbaked pizza by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking as usual. This way, you get fresh-baked flavor on demand.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375-degree oven until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery, and no one wants that!
FAQs
Can I use a thick pizza crust for this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While a thin crust crisps up beautifully and lets the toppings shine, thicker crusts also work well if you prefer a chewier, more substantial base. Just adjust baking time accordingly to ensure the dough cooks all the way through.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor and you can customize it to your liking, but a good-quality store-bought pesto is perfectly fine and saves time. Both will give your Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe plenty of vibrant basil flavor.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or even thin slices of prosciutto are wonderful alternatives that complement the pesto and cheese beautifully while offering different textures and flavors.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to spread pesto evenly but not too thickly, and avoid overly juicy toppings. Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet helps create a crisp bottom. Also, letting the pizza rest briefly after baking allows the cheese to set.
Is this Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The familiar flavors of cheese, chicken, and tomato are kid-friendly. You can keep it simple by using milder pesto or less cheese depending on their taste preferences. It’s a great way to introduce children to new flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe is a shining example of how a few fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. It’s fun to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share it with your loved ones—once you do, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Pesto Pizza featuring a crispy thin crust topped with flavorful basil pesto, seasoned chicken breast, melted mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 thin pizza crust, 12 inches diameter, store-bought or homemade
Chicken Topping
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure a crispy crust.
- Season chicken: In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the pieces are evenly coated, enhancing their flavor.
- Prepare crust: Lay your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.
- Spread pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pizza crust, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust to crisp nicely.
- Add chicken: Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over the pesto layer to distribute the protein well across the pizza.
- Layer cheese and tomatoes: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the chicken, then arrange the thin tomato slices evenly on top.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface to add an extra layer of rich flavor.
- Bake pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the crust is crisp and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for one minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice and serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pizza crust and basil pesto depending on your preference and time.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil over the pizza before baking.
- Make sure not to overload the pizza with toppings to avoid a soggy crust.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
