How to Make Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
1. Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it tightly in foil.
- Roast the garlic in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before handling. Once cool, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins into a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Add the roasted garlic to the sauce, mashing it with a spoon or fork to incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to make sure everything is well combined. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if you’re using a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 14-inch round. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
- Spread a generous amount of the white garlic sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Scatter the shredded chicken evenly over the pizza.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta cheese (if using). The ricotta will add a rich, creamy layer that enhances the overall flavor.
- Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top if you like a bit of heat.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking to make sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves or arugula for a peppery, fresh contrast to the creamy pizza.
- Slice and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
- Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellow flavor. If you want a more intense garlic taste, you can add a few finely minced raw garlic cloves to the white sauce, but roasted garlic is what gives this pizza its signature flavor.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Shredded chicken makes the pizza both easy and quick to assemble.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, caramelized onions, or mushrooms to give the pizza extra flavor and texture. You could even add some sautéed bell peppers or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the roasted garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the pizza.
- Get Creative with Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor.
Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
This
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza combines the creamy, savory flavors of a white pizza with the richness of
roasted garlic and
tender chicken. The
garlicky white sauce is the star of the show, but the addition of melted
mozzarella and
creamy ricotta elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
Every bite offers a satisfying balance of
crispy crust,
tender chicken, and
rich, creamy sauce, with just enough
Parmesan and
herbs to give it depth and complexity. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it at a gathering, this pizza is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pizza that’s bursting with flavor but offers something a little different from the traditional tomato-based variety, the
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is the way to go. With its rich
roasted garlic sauce, succulent
chicken, and a melty blend of cheeses, it’s a pizza that satisfies on every level.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable to suit your tastes. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a savory, satisfying pizza, give this
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza a try. It might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pizza at home!
