Chicken Pizza

Authentic Italian Chicken Pizza Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, savory pesto, and gooey cheese on a crispy crust. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner with family and friends.

History

The origins of chicken pizza can be traced back to Italy, where pizza was first created in the 18th century. While traditional Italian pizza typically features toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, variations with chicken as a topping have become popular in many parts of the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
0.25 cup prepared pesto
1 large tomato, chopped
0.5 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the chicken in oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until it is no longer pink.
Place the crust on a lightly greased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread pesto sauce evenly over the crust. Top with the cooked chicken, tomato slices, beans, and cheeses. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Freeze option: Wrap the unbaked pizza securely and freeze. To use, unwrap the frozen pizza and bake as directed, increasing the baking time as necessary.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
Add additional toppings like bell peppers, onions, or olives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the pizza to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Prebaking the pizza crust before adding the toppings helps to ensure that the crust is crispy and not soggy.

- Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize the flavor of your chicken pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pizza at a high temperature helps to melt the cheese and crisp up the crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.

- Substitute store-bought pizza sauce for the pesto if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pizza crust and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken pizza pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover chicken pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken pizza contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken pizza contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken pizza contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken pizza is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (pizza crust), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken pizza is a versatile and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. With a crispy crust, tender chicken, and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chicken Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was going through an old recipe box that my mother had passed down to me. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded magazine clippings, my eyes landed on a simple, handwritten recipe titled "Chicken Pizza."

I had never heard of such a thing before. Pizza was always a treat in our household, usually topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, and lots of gooey cheese. But chicken? That was a new and intriguing twist.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients listed on the recipe card: pizza dough, cooked chicken breast, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. It seemed like a straightforward recipe, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something special about this dish.

As I rolled out the pizza dough and spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over the surface, memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my own grandmother in the kitchen, her hands moving with practiced ease as she whipped up delicious meals for our family. She was the one who had instilled in me a love of cooking and a desire to experiment with new flavors and ingredients.

I placed the cooked chicken breast on top of the sauce, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. I sprinkled on the Italian herbs and popped the pizza into the oven, the tantalizing aroma of bubbling cheese and savory chicken filling the kitchen.

As I waited for the pizza to bake, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Had my grandmother discovered it on her own, or had she learned it from someone else? I made a mental note to ask her about it the next time I saw her.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the steaming hot pizza out of the oven and cut it into slices. The cheese stretched and melted in a deliciously gooey mess, and the aroma of the Italian herbs filled the air. I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I savored the flavors of the Chicken Pizza, I knew that this recipe was something special. It brought back memories of my grandmother and her love of cooking, and it reminded me of the joy that I found in experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

I made a mental note to add this recipe to my own collection, knowing that it would become a favorite in my household as well. And as I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying my slice of Chicken Pizza, I felt grateful for the legacy of cooking that had been passed down to me through the generations.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was more than just a way to feed my family – it was a way to honor the traditions and memories of those who came before me. And as I finished the last bite of my delicious Chicken Pizza, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.