If you’re craving a pizza that combines rich, savory flavors with the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic, this Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and fragrant fresh herbs on a crispy crust, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing friends, this pizza delights every time with its deep roasted garlic essence and herbaceous brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a garlicky punch, or a fresh herbal note that lifts the whole pizza.
- Pizza dough: The foundation for your pizza, bringing satisfying chew and crispness when baked perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cooked and shredded, it offers a hearty, protein-packed topping.
- Roasted garlic: Provides a mellow, sweet, and deeply flavorful garlic taste that’s far gentler than raw garlic.
- Olive oil: Used here to coax out richness and help roast the garlic, while adding subtle earthiness to the crust.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy, gooey pizza feel.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy bursts and balances the sharper cheeses with its softness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory finish with a touch of sharpness.
- Fresh basil: Gives vibrant herbal notes that brighten every bite.
- Fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma that complements basil wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by roasting the whole head of garlic to unlock its sweet, mellow flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt, then wrap it in foil and roast at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze out the soft cloves to use on your pizza. This step takes raw garlic to a luscious, caramelized depth that really elevates the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t done so already, cook your chicken breast thoroughly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Cooking the chicken before adding to the pizza ensures it stays tender and juicy. Toss the shredded chicken with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to keep it flavorful.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dough
Heat your oven to its highest setting, usually around 475°F to 500°F. Stretch or roll out your pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, making sure it’s evenly thin to get a crispy base while still holding up to toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the roasted garlic evenly across the pizza dough, gently mashing the cloves to spread a creamy layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded chicken on top, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Then cover with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Finish by scattering fresh basil and oregano across the top for a fresh herbaceous punch. A final seasoning of salt and pepper ties everything together.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your pizza in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheeses are melted and bubbling. Keep an eye out to avoid any burnt edges, especially if using a stone. When done, let it rest for a minute before slicing to keep all those delicious flavors intact.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnish like a sprinkle of extra chopped basil or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving can brighten the pizza and add a fresh aromatic appeal. You might also consider a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of a kick.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with light sides that won’t overpower its subtle garlic and herb flavors. A crisp, simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini makes an ideal balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the pizza family-style on a wooden board or slice it into smaller squares for party finger food. You can also create mini versions of this Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe using small pita breads or flatbreads for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the vibrant herb flavors, add fresh basil after reheating rather than before storing.
Freezing
If you’d like to save this pizza for longer, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 1 month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to bring back crispness and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the cheeses rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of homemade shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor, making your Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe even easier to prepare without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use about one-third of the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs really bring brightness to this pizza though, so try to use them when possible.
Is it important to roast the garlic first?
Yes, roasting transforms garlic’s sharpness into a mellow, caramelized flavor that’s gentle and sweet. This is key to the pizza’s unique taste profile, so it’s worth the extra step.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to make a delicious version of this Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe that works perfectly for gluten-sensitive diets.
What wine pairs well with this pizza?
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay complements the garlic and herbs nicely without overpowering the dish. For red lovers, a Pinot Noir is a great match too.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting, flavorful magic of this Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together simply, making it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how amazing roasted garlic elevates every bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (including garlic roasting) + 15 minutes (pizza baking)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 pizza)
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza featuring a perfectly crispy pizza crust topped with tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a trio of fresh herbs, all enhanced by the rich flavor of roasted garlic.
Ingredients
Pizza Base and Cheese
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken and Herbs
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic (for roasting)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt, to taste (for roasting)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pizza)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for final seasoning)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and mash into a paste.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the pizza dough with olive oil, then spread the roasted garlic paste evenly over the surface. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly on top, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then scatter the chopped fresh basil and oregano evenly over the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save time, or quickly cook chicken breasts by poaching or grilling before shredding.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
- Adjust the amount of roasted garlic to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
