Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Seriously, there’s something about roasting garlic that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven, filling the air with that rich, buttery aroma. I remember the first time I made this pizza—my tiny kitchen was practically a war zone, but the results were worth every chaotic moment.
Let’s be real: cooking can be overwhelming, especially when you’re working with limited space and equipment, like I do. I learned to cook out of necessity, trying to find ways to whip up delicious meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Recipe became a staple for me because it hits all the right notes: it’s simple, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can feel good about serving to friends or enjoying on a cozy night in.
So, if you’re looking for something that works for busy weeknights but still feels special, this is it. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Quick and Easy**: This pizza comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of roasted garlic, chicken, and a creamy white sauce is just divine.
- **Healthy Twist**: With skim milk and plenty of veggies, it’s a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- **Customizable**: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. No red onion? Use green!
- **Budget-Friendly**: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily accessible, so you won’t break the bank.
When I first tackled this recipe, I was surprised at how straightforward it was. I mean, it’s pizza! But the white sauce? Game changer. I remember standing over the stove, whisking the roux and thinking, “Wow, I might actually be a decent cook.” Look, if I can do this in my tiny kitchen with basic equipment, so can you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pizza:
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) – This is your base, so pick what’s easiest for you!
- 2 tbsp butter – For that rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 whole head of roasted garlic (about 8-10 cloves) – The star of the show that brings all the flavor.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup skim milk – Keeps the sauce light yet creamy.
- 1/2 cup half and half – Adds richness without being too heavy.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – A sprinkle of spice.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – For that cheesy goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded – Perfect for using up leftovers!
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced – A bit of sharpness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Because pizza without mozzarella is just sad.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves – Adds a fresh, earthy flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano – A classic pizza herb.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For a pop of color at the end.
Now, let’s be real for a second—sourcing fresh herbs can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, depending on where you live. If you can’t find fresh thyme or parsley, dried herbs are perfectly acceptable in this recipe. Just adjust the quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Let’s Get Started
Alright, let’s make this pizza happen!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly grease it. Then sprinkle some cornmeal on it. This little step keeps the crust from sticking and adds a nice texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the roasted garlic and let it cook for about a minute. The smell will hit you like a wave of comfort—it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Create the Roux
Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk for about a minute. This step is crucial because it forms the base of your white sauce. By cooking the flour a bit, you’re getting rid of that raw taste.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Gradually pour in the skim milk and half and half while whisking constantly. This is where the magic happens! Add the black pepper and simmer, stirring until the mixture thickens—this should take about 3 minutes. If it seems too thick, just add a splash more milk.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Look for that creamy, dreamy consistency—this is the stuff pizza dreams are made of!
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Now it’s time to roll out the pizza dough. Aim for a 12-inch circle and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t stress if the shape isn’t perfect. Remember, we’re not in a fancy Italian restaurant here!
Step 7: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough. Top it with the shredded chicken, diced red onion, and mozzarella cheese. Make it as beautiful as you want; this is your pizza!
Step 8: Bake It Up
Bake the pizza for 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. This part is crucial—don’t open the oven door too soon, or you might ruin the perfect rise!
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the pizza with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley. Slice and serve hot. I usually find it hard to wait for it to cool down—my taste buds are practically dancing!
Finishing Touches
Now that your pizza is baked to perfection, let’s talk about some finishing steps to elevate it even more.
Step 10: Let It Rest
Before diving in, let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes slicing easier.
Step 11: Slice and Share
Grab a sharp pizza cutter and slice it into your desired portions. I like to go for big slices, but hey, it’s pizza—do what you want!
Step 12: Garnish and Enjoy
Add a few extra sprigs of parsley for that fresh touch right before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference in presentation. Now, dig in and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
- **Don’t Skip the Roasting**: Roasting the garlic is what makes this pizza special. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast a whole batch and use it in other dishes throughout the week.
- **Experiment with Toppings**: Feel free to mix in veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Just make sure they’re cooked beforehand, so they don’t release too much water on your pizza.
- **Make Extra Sauce**: If you love that white sauce, double the recipe and use it for pasta or as a dip for breadsticks.
- **Use Leftover Chicken**: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken from earlier in the week. Just shred it and toss it in!
- **Shortcuts Allowed**: If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to use store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-made pizza dough.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good), here are some practical storage tips:
- **Refrigerate**: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3-4 days.
- **Freezing**: You can freeze slices! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep for about a month. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- **Single Living**: Living alone? I get it. Half the time, I’m just cooking for myself. This pizza is great for meal prep—slice it up and pack it for lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for an added zing!
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! A baking sheet works perfectly fine. Just make sure to grease it or use a silicone mat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Just skip the chicken and load up on more veggies or even add some ricotta for extra creaminess.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. If it’s not golden yet, give it a couple more minutes.
Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?
You can! Just store it in the fridge, but it may thicken up. You can add a splash of milk to loosen it back up when you’re ready to use it.
Do I have to roast the garlic?
While you can use raw garlic, roasting it adds a sweetness that elevates the whole dish. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! The Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. I love how this dish brings a little bit of joy and comfort to my kitchen, and I hope it does the same for you. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a cozy night in with a partner, or to impress friends, it’s sure to be a hit.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or three) of homemade happiness. Happy cooking!
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Delight
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 whole head of roasted garlic (about 8-10 cloves)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly grease it, then sprinkle with cornmeal.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the roasted garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the skim milk and half and half while whisking constantly. Add the black pepper and simmer, stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough. Top it with the shredded chicken, diced red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the pizza for 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the pizza with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley. Slice and serve hot.
