A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Homemade Pizza That Impresses Every Time
Few things compare to the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through your kitchen. This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is a step above the ordinary, combining a tender, chewy crust with a rich, creamy garlic sauce, succulent shredded chicken, and a harmonious blend of cheeses and herbs.
Unlike traditional tomato-based pizzas, this white pizza offers a smooth, savory base made from roasted garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of cream. The result is a pizza thatโs comforting, elegant, and irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a weekend treat, this recipe shows that gourmet pizza can be simple and achievable at home.
Whether youโre a pizza aficionado or a home cook looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe, this dish delivers layers of flavor, balanced textures, and a delightful homemade touch.
Why Youโll Love This Pizza
- Creamy Garlic Sauce โ Rich, flavorful, and buttery, itโs the perfect foundation for chicken and cheese.
- Customizable โ Swap the chicken for vegetables or add extra herbs for your own twist.
- Quick Prep โ With pre-cooked chicken and roasted garlic, assembly is fast.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home โ Achieve that golden-brown crust and gooey cheese without complicated steps.
- Balanced Flavors โ Garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, herbs, and chicken create a symphony of tastes in every bite.
Ingredient Breakdown
Hereโs a detailed look at each ingredient and why it matters:
1๏ธโฃ Pizza Dough (1 pound)
The foundation of the pizza. You can use store-bought or homemade dough.
- Tip: Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching for easier handling.
2๏ธโฃ Butter (1 tablespoon) & Roasted Garlic (8 cloves)
- Butter provides a rich, savory base for the garlic sauce.
- Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor, essential for a creamy white pizza. Mince it finely to evenly infuse the sauce.
3๏ธโฃ All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons)
Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce. When combined with butter, it creates a roux, the base of the creamy garlic sauce.
4๏ธโฃ Black Pepper (ยฝ teaspoon)
Enhances the flavors of the sauce without overpowering the subtle garlic notes.
5๏ธโฃ Skim Milk (ยฝ cup) & Half and Half (ยผ cup)
These form the creamy sauce, making it smooth and luxurious. For extra richness, substitute with all half-and-half or heavy cream.
6๏ธโฃ Parmesan Cheese (ยผ cup)
Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the garlic and enhances the white sauce.
7๏ธโฃ Cooked Chicken Breast (1ยฝ cups, shredded)
Tender, flavorful chicken adds protein and substance, balancing the richness of the sauce. Pre-cook using poaching, baking, or rotisserie for convenience.
8๏ธโฃ Red Onion (ยผ cup, diced)
Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight bite, balancing the creamy sauce and cheese.
9๏ธโฃ Mozzarella Cheese (ยพ cup)
Melts beautifully to provide gooey, stringy cheese that is signature to every great pizza.
1๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon) & Dried Oregano (ยฝ teaspoon)
These herbs introduce aromatic complexity, lifting the flavors and complementing chicken and cheese.
1๏ธโฃ1๏ธโฃ Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped)
Added after baking, parsley provides a fresh, vibrant finish, brightening the rich flavors.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these steps for restaurant-quality roasted garlic white chicken pizza at home.
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dough
- Preheat your oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC).
- If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Roll or stretch the dough to fit your baking sheet, pizza stone, or cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Make the Roasted Garlic White Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add 8 cloves minced roasted garlic and sautรฉ for 1โ2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour and stir constantly for 1โ2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in ยฝ cup skim milk and ยผ cup half-and-half until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in ยผ cup Parmesan cheese and ยฝ teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Pre-bake the rolled dough for 5โ7 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Spread the garlic white sauce evenly over the crust.
- Top with 1ยฝ cups shredded chicken and ยผ cup diced red onion.
- Sprinkle ยพ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme and ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12โ15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2โ3 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped parsley over the pizza before slicing.
- Cut into slices and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect White Chicken Pizza
- Use Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic is milder and sweeter than raw garlic, perfect for creamy sauces.
- Pre-Cook Chicken: Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding to the pizza to avoid dryness.
- Avoid Overloading: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Balance cheese, chicken, and onions.
- Baking Surface: A pizza stone or cast-iron skillet provides a crispier crust.
- Cheese Choice: Fresh mozzarella or part-skim mozzarella works; avoid pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents for best melt.
Flavor Variations
- Spinach White Pizza: Add fresh baby spinach leaves under the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
- Mushroom Addition: Sautรฉ sliced mushrooms and layer with chicken for an earthy flavor.
- Bacon Boost: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Herb Infusion: Use rosemary or sage in addition to thyme and parsley for aromatic depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic knots or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
- Drizzle with a light balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- Pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling water for a sophisticated dinner.
Storage & Reheating
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 5โ7 minutes to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: While not ideal for long-term freezing due to cream sauce, you can freeze unbaked assembled pizza for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, saving time while adding flavor.
2. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted garlic?
You can, but raw garlic will be sharper and more pungent. Roasting mellows the flavor and adds sweetness.
4. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pizza up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake when ready.
5. Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?
For a lighter version, use skim or low-fat milk and cheese. Dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese can also work.
6. What if I like a crispier crust?
Bake the crust a few extra minutes before adding toppings, or use a pizza stone to achieve a golden, crispy bottom.
Print
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2โ4 servings
Description
This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza features a creamy garlic sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melty mozzarella on a homemade pizza crust. Topped with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality pizza at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 cloves roasted garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ cup skim milk
- ยผ cup half and half
- ยผ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 ยฝ cups boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- ยผ cup red onion, diced
- ยพ cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface and place on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add roasted garlic and sautรฉ for 1โ2 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in skim milk and half and half until smooth. Add black pepper and Parmesan cheese; cook until sauce thickens.
- Spread garlic cream sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
- Top with shredded chicken, red onion, mozzarella cheese, thyme, and oregano.
- Bake for 12โ15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Try adding mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness, bringing restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen. The roasted garlic white sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella create a balanced, indulgent pizza thatโs versatile and customizable.
Whether youโre making it for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or entertaining guests, this pizza is sure to impress and satisfy. With a few simple ingredients and careful layering, you can create a pizza thatโs flavorful, comforting, and unforgettable.
Roll out your dough, roast your garlic, and get ready to serve a pizza that tastes gourmet but feels completely homemade.