Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pizza

This garlic chicken white pizza has become my go-to for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of three cheeses, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken creates a delicious pizza bianca that rivals any pizzeria version but can be made in just 20 minutes.

I first created this recipe when I wanted something special for an at-home date night but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our home, especially when we're craving something comforting yet impressive.

Ingredients

• Unbaked pizza crust forms the foundation I recommend homemade whole wheat dough for the best flavor and texture
• Ricotta cheese provides a creamy base that makes this pizza uniquely delicious
• Fresh garlic both minced and sliced to infuse every bite with aromatic flavor
• Cooked chicken adds protein and makes this a satisfying main dish
• Parmesan cheese brings nutty saltiness use freshly grated for best results
• Mozzarella cheese creates that perfect melty cheese pull choose fresh or part skim based on preference
• Fresh basil leaves add brightness and color that elevates the entire pizza

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven

Heat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside. This high temperature creates that perfect crispy crust while the preheated stone provides the intense bottom heat needed for professional results.

Prepare the garlic and chicken

Mince two garlic cloves until they're very fine almost paste like. Slice the remaining three cloves thinly for stronger garlic pockets throughout the pizza. Cut your cooked chicken into bite sized pieces about half inch cubes work perfectly.

Shape the dough

Roll or stretch your dough into a thin circle approximately 12 inches in diameter. Leave the edges slightly thicker to create a beautiful crust that will puff up nicely during baking.

Create the ricotta base

Mix the ricotta with minced garlic until well combined. This creates a flavorful creamy base that distinguishes white pizza from traditional tomato sauce varieties. Dollop this mixture across your dough and spread roughly no need for perfect coverage.

Layer the toppings

Sprinkle half the parmesan and mozzarella over the ricotta layer. Distribute the chicken pieces and sliced garlic evenly across the surface. Finish with remaining cheeses and place fresh basil leaves on top the basil will slightly crisp during baking.

Bake to perfection

Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with light browning. Watch closely as the high temperature means it cooks quickly.

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The first time I made this pizza was during a snowstorm when we couldn't get delivery. My husband declared it better than any restaurant version, and now it's our special tradition to make it together while sharing a bottle of wine. The key is not skimping on the garlic it transforms from sharp to sweet during baking.

Perfect Cheese Selection

The cheese combination on this white pizza is what makes it exceptional. Fresh whole milk mozzarella provides that classic pizza stretch, while part-skim mozzarella offers better melting properties. The ricotta creates a creamy base that traditional pizzas lack, while high-quality Parmesan adds depth and umami. For best results, avoid pre-shredded cheeses which contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully in a meal prep rotation. You can prepare the garlic-ricotta mixture up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container. The chicken can be cooked and chopped up to three days in advance. For the ultimate convenience, you can even par-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, simply top the frozen crust and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

While this pizza is certainly satisfying on its own, I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright acidity perfectly complement the rich, creamy pizza. For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts make excellent sides. And dont forget a glass of crisp white wine Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are particularly lovely with the garlic and cheese flavors.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this white pizza base is how easily it can be adapted to your preferences or what you have on hand. Try substituting the chicken with Italian sausage or pancetta for a different protein option. Vegetarians can add sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or spinach instead. For additional flavor dimensions, consider adding caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot honey just before serving.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this white pizza?

Absolutely! While homemade whole wheat dough is recommended, any store-bought pizza dough works great. Just ensure it's at room temperature before stretching for best results.

→ What if I don't have a pizza stone?

A sturdy baking sheet works as an alternative. Preheat it in the oven just as you would a stone. You won't get quite the same crispy bottom, but it will still be delicious.

→ Can I make this white pizza without chicken?

Certainly! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, spinach, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

→ How can I prep the chicken quickly?

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from another meal for convenience. Alternatively, quickly pan-sear small chicken pieces with salt and pepper - they'll finish cooking on the pizza.

→ Can I prepare this white pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare all components ahead of time, but for best results, assemble and bake just before serving. If needed, you can par-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes, add toppings, then finish baking later.

→ Why is it called pizza bianca?

Pizza bianca (white pizza) gets its name from the absence of traditional red tomato sauce. Instead, it uses white ingredients like ricotta, garlic, and olive oil as the base.