Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza

Craving something truly special for your next pizza night? Look no further than this mouthwatering Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza recipe. Imagine a golden crust topped with a creamy garlic sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese – it’s a flavor explosion that will elevate your homemade pizza game to restaurant levels.

The star of this show is undoubtedly the roasted garlic. The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as you squeeze out those soft, caramelized cloves is pure magic. This recipe has become a beloved tradition in my home, where pizza-making nights are eagerly anticipated by the whole family. From the first bite, you’ll understand why this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza has quickly climbed the ranks to become a firm favorite.

Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night in or hosting a gathering with friends, this pizza is sure to impress. And with versatile ingredient swaps and seasonal toppings, you can customize it to suit any occasion or craving. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a pizza experience that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy garlic sauce adds a gourmet touch to a homemade pizza
• Roasted garlic aroma fills the kitchen with a delicious smell, enhancing the cooking experience
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient substitutions and seasonal variations
• Leftover pizza can be stored and reheated easily for quick and delicious meals

Why You’ll Love This Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Recipe

• Restaurant-Worthy Yet Cozy: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between feeling like a fancy restaurant dish and the comfort of homemade food.
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce: The star of this pizza is the creamy garlic sauce made with roasted garlic, adding a rich and flavorful element that elevates the dish.
• Family-Friendly Activity: Making this pizza together can become a fun family tradition, especially with kids enjoying squeezing out the creamy garlic cloves.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this pizza by swapping ingredients like the type of milk, protein (chicken, turkey, shrimp), or cheeses, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Perfect Leftovers: Leftover slices can be stored well and reheated to maintain a crispy crust, ensuring that you can enjoy the deliciousness even the next day.
• Pairing Options: This pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or as a party starter, showing its versatility as a standalone dish or part of a meal.
• Seasonal Variations: The recipe offers seasonal twists like adding asparagus in spring, fresh basil in summer, sautéed mushrooms in fall, or holiday turkey in winter, keeping things exciting throughout the year.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze individual slices for up to a month, offering a convenient way to enjoy this delicious pizza whenever the craving strikes.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a simple movie night, this white chicken pizza is sure to impress even those who prefer traditional red sauce pizzas.
• Never Gets Old: Once you taste this pizza, it will likely become a regular feature on your menu, offering a delightful alternative to classic pizza recipes.

Ingredients for Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza

Dough and Base

• 1 ball pizza dough, store-bought or homemade

Sauce

• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 whole head roasted garlic, about 8 to 10 cloves
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Toppings

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Pro Tips for Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza

Pro Tip 1: For an extra depth of flavor, roast the garlic ahead of time. Simply drizzle the whole head of garlic with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. This will infuse your white sauce with a delicious sweetness.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure your pizza crust stays crispy when reheating, avoid using the microwave. Instead, place the slices directly on the oven rack at 375°F for 7-10 minutes. This method will keep the crust golden and crunchy, just like freshly baked.

Pro Tip 3: Feel free to customize this white chicken pizza with different ingredients based on the season or your preferences. Try adding fresh asparagus in spring, sautéed mushrooms in fall, or leftover holiday turkey in winter. The versatility of this recipe makes it a year-round favorite for any occasion.

How to Make Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly grease and sprinkle with cornmeal.

Step 2: Make White Garlic Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add roasted garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a blond roux.

Step 3: Finish Sauce

Slowly add skim milk and half and half to the saucepan while whisking to prevent lumps. Season with black pepper and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Shape Dough

Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Assemble Pizza

Spread warm white garlic sauce evenly over the dough. Top with shredded chicken breast, finely diced red onion, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake Pizza

Place in the oven and bake for about 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Take the pizza out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Slice and serve while hot.

Storage Tips

Once your roasted garlic white chicken pizza is made, store any leftover slices by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can be kept for up to three days. To reheat the slices while keeping the crust crispy, simply place them directly on the oven rack at 375°F for seven to ten minutes. Alternatively, you can freeze individual wedges by wrapping them well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy the frozen pizza, bake it straight from the freezer at 400°F for about fifteen minutes, or until sizzling and heated through.

For variations on this pizza, feel free to use different types of milk or dairy-free alternatives, switch the chicken for rotisserie turkey or cooked shrimp, and experiment with different cheeses like Fontina or Monterey Jack. Adding seasonal ingredients like asparagus in spring, sautéed mushrooms in fall, or fresh basil or arugula in summer can provide unique flavors and textures to your pizza. The white chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or tomato soup, making it a versatile dish for different occasions and seasons. Whether served as a main course or as appetizer squares at a party, this creamy and flavorful pizza is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have skim milk, feel free to substitute it with any other milk you have on hand, including dairy-free alternatives. This swap can give your creamy garlic sauce a different flavor profile while still maintaining its richness.

For a different twist, you can replace the cooked chicken breast with shredded rotisserie turkey or cooked shrimp. These substitutions can add a new dimension to your white chicken pizza and cater to different preferences or dietary needs.

If you prefer a different cheese, Fontina or Monterey Jack can be used in place of mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and can bring a unique taste to your pizza. Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate the flavors and make the dish more exciting for your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your roasted garlic white chicken pizza, consider serving it on a rustic wooden pizza board sprinkled with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Garnish the pizza with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, creating a visually appealing and inviting display for your guests.

For a fun twist on individual servings, try cutting the pizza into small bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative appetizer plates with mini wooden forks or cocktail picks. This not only makes the pizza more interactive and shareable but also adds a touch of elegance to your gathering. Pair these bite-sized delights with a fruity white wine or a refreshing citrus-infused cocktail to enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded dining experience.

FAQs for Savory Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza

Can I use a different type of milk if I don’t have skim milk?

Absolutely. You can use any other milk you have on hand, including dairy-free alternatives, for a different flavor in the creamy garlic sauce.

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this pizza and can help speed up the preparation process.

What herbs can I use to enhance the flavors of the pizza?

Fresh thyme, dried oregano, and chopped parsley offer aromatic notes that complement the garlic and cheese beautifully in this recipe.

How should I bake the pizza for the best crispy base?

Preheat your oven to a high temperature (450°F) and bake the pizza on a lined or greased sheet sprinkled with cornmeal to achieve the best crispy base.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza recipe is a true winner for any pizza lover. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese on a crispy crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or entertaining guests, this pizza is sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza recipe. Swap out ingredients, add seasonal veggies, or try different cheeses to make it your own. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any occasion, and the flavors will keep you coming back for more.

So, next time you’re craving a delicious homemade pizza, give this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza a try. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite of this delectable pizza!