Homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza

There is nothing like a homemade pizza with the perfect combination of flavors to make a casual dinner feel like a gourmet experience. Our Chicken Pesto Pizza is just the right blend of herby, cheesy, and savory to satisfy all your taste buds. This step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare this delicious pizza from scratch in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
• Arugula or basil leaves for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. If not, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled out dough onto the prepared baking sheet or onto a paddle if you’re using a pizza stone.
3. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Top the pesto with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly.
5. Add the cooked chicken pieces over the cheese. You can choose to shred or slice your chicken depending on your preference.
6. Scatter the cherry tomato halves and pine nuts, if using, over the chicken.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh arugula or basil leaves for an additional pop of flavor and color.
10. Slice the pizza and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza!

Tips and Variations:

If you want a crispier crust, try pre-baking your dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. Feel free to add extra toppings like olives, red onions, or bell peppers for more variety. If you’re a fan of spice, a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to your pizza.