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
Scale
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.
