If you are craving something that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in one irresistible bite, this Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crispy, golden crust layered with creamy roasted garlic spread, tender chicken, and a blend of fresh herbs and cheeses that melt together heavenly. This pizza feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in. Every element shines on its own, but together they create a symphony of flavor that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the fragrant roasted garlic that forms the sauce base to the perfectly seasoned chicken. They are simple, straightforward components that come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that fresh, rustic feel and crispy texture.
- Garlic head: Roasting softens and sweetens it dramatically, providing the backbone of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop that beautiful golden crust.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess and balances the garlic’s intensity.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey pull we all love.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the flavor profile.
- Cooked chicken: Tender protein that pairs perfectly with herbs and creamy cheeses.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil adds that classic aromatic note.
- Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish and a pop of lively color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by slicing off the top of the garlic head so that the cloves are exposed but still attached to the bulb. Drizzle the garlic generously with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Once it cools, mash the garlic into a smooth paste. This paste will transform your pizza with its mellow, sweet garlic goodness unlike any jarred sauce.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
While the garlic roasts, set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the pizza. High heat is key to creating that perfect crunchy crust with just the right amount of chewiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Base
Roll out your dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet to get started. This foundation will hold all the flavors, so aim for an even, smooth base that’s not too thick or thin.
Step 4: Spread the Roasted Garlic Sauce
Mix your mashed roasted garlic with a bit of olive oil for spreadability and gently smear it over the pizza dough, going right up to the edges. This sauce replaces traditional tomato, lending a rich, creamy backdrop that lets the cheese and chicken shine.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Chicken
Dollop ricotta cheese across the pizza, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy topping. Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the dried Italian herbs to infuse the pizza with fragrant, herbal notes. Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance every element.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and crisp at the edges, and the cheese is delightfully bubbly and slightly browned in spots.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pizza right after it comes out of the oven. This not only brings a vibrant green pop of color but also adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and garlic.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables or a crisp coleslaw also complement the creamy, savory toppings and offer a great textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the pizza into smaller, appetizer-sized pieces and serve it at a casual party alongside dips like basil pesto or spicy arrabbiata sauce. Alternatively, place it on a rustic wooden board to highlight the artisanal feel and invite everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza left (which is rare), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing too much of its fresh flavors and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza either before baking or after it’s cooled. For unbaked, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. For baked pizza, freeze slices individually wrapped and reheat later for a quick, delicious meal.
Reheating
To revive the crust’s crispness, reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken from the store?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or even cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use a vegan pizza dough, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and skip the chicken or use a plant protein like seasoned tofu or seitan. The roasted garlic sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.
Can I prepare the roasted garlic paste ahead of time?
Definitely. Roasted garlic can be made up to 3 days before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making your pizza assembly super quick.
What’s the best type of pizza dough to use?
Whether store-bought or homemade, opt for a dough with a good balance of elasticity and crispness, like a classic Neapolitan-style or your favorite thin crust dough.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with ease. From the sweet, mellow garlic to the melty cheese and savory chicken, every bite radiates warmth and comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these simple ingredients blend into something truly unforgettable. It’s perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or whenever you crave something that’s both delicious and homemade.
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Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza features a flavorful blend of roasted garlic, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses topped with tender cooked chicken and aromatic Italian herbs. The roasted garlic paste adds a rich and mellow depth of flavor, making this white pizza a deliciously satisfying alternative to traditional tomato-based pies. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this pizza pairs savory herbs with a golden, crispy crust baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic cloves are soft and golden.
- Mash the Garlic: Once cooled, squeeze the garlic cloves out of the peel and mash them into a smooth paste using a fork or small bowl.
- Preheat the Oven: Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the roasted garlic paste over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the Cheeses: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pizza.
- Add the Toppings: Distribute the cooked chicken pieces over the cheese layer and sprinkle dried Italian herbs on top. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic paste before spreading on the dough.
- Use a pizza stone for a more evenly crispy crust.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely before handling to avoid burns.
