If you are looking for a delicious twist on pizza night, the Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together the rich, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic with tender cooked chicken and fragrant fresh herbs, all gently melted under a golden, bubbly cheese blanket. Each bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for casual dinners or impressing friends with an effortlessly gourmet homemade pizza experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe relies on a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that shine together. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of savory, herby, and cheesy goodness, creating a balanced and visually appealing pizza.
- Pizza dough (1 ball, about 12 oz): The sturdy base that delivers a crisp, tender crust perfect for supporting the toppings.
- Roasted garlic spread or mashed roasted garlic cloves (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth with a gentle caramelized bite.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded or chopped): Tender protein that soaks up the herb and garlic flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brings moisture and richness while helping to season the chicken.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): A gooey, melty cheese that forms the perfect blanket of flavor.
- Provolone or Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Adds a sharper, slightly nutty flavor dimension.
- Red onion (1/4 cup thinly sliced): A sweet and slightly sharp crunch that cuts through richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint of spice for those who like a little heat.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon chopped): Earthy and piney herb that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Adds an herbal brightness and subtle floral notes.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that highlight and enhance all other flavors.
- Fresh parsley or arugula (for garnish, optional): Provides a fresh, peppery finishing touch and color contrast.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) ensuring your pizza stone or baking sheet is inside to heat up thoroughly. A properly preheated cooking surface means your crust will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crispness. While the oven heats, lightly flour a clean surface and stretch or roll your dough into a 12-inch circle, aiming for an even thickness to keep the pizza cooking uniformly.
Step 2: Add the Roasted Garlic and Chicken
Spread the roasted garlic evenly over the dough, leaving a small border to form a crust edge. The roasted garlic base acts like a flavorful canvas, infusing each bite with warm garlicky sweetness. Next, toss the shredded or chopped chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper; this small step helps to season and lightly coat the chicken, enhancing its tenderness and preventing dryness. Then, scatter the chicken evenly on top of the garlic.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella followed by your choice of provolone or Parmesan, building a luscious, melty layer of cheese that holds everything together. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion, sprinkle optional crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, and finally dot the pizza with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme. These herbs awaken the flavor with their bright and piney notes, balancing the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Your Pizza to Perfection
Carefully transfer your assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns a dreamy golden brown, and the cheese bubbles and develops slight golden spots. The high heat brings out the best texture and flavor, sealing the herbs, garlic, and cheese in a perfectly cooked pie.
Step 5: Garnish and Slice
Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without sliding toppings. Garnish with fresh parsley or arugula if desired for a lovely pop of green freshness and a slight peppery contrast that brightens each bite.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley or arugula right before serving not only adds a beautiful color contrast but also introduces a fresh vibrancy that balances the rich roasted garlic and cheesy toppings. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can further elevate the final presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and basil salad. Offering chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon perfectly complements the herbaceous and garlicky notes while cleansing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting your pizza into small squares to serve as appetizers at a casual get-together. You could also offer an assortment of herb-infused dipping oils or balsamic glaze on the side for guests who love extra flavor options. Serving your pizza on a wooden board garnished with fresh herb sprigs creates a rustic, inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 days without losing too much of their moisture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the whole pizza or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer. Properly wrapped, the pizza will keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, pop slices into a hot oven at 400°F (204°C) on a baking sheet for about 8 minutes, or until the crust has crisped back up and cheese is melted. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made roasted garlic spread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-made roasted garlic spread saves time and delivers consistent flavor, but feel free to roast your own garlic for an extra fresh, aromatic touch.
What type of cheese works best for this pizza?
Mozzarella is essential for that melty, gooey texture, but adding provolone or Parmesan gives a lovely sharpness and depth. Feel free to experiment with blends, but try to keep a balance between mild melty cheese and a more intense flavorful one.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein or make this vegetarian?
Certainly! You can swap chicken for grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian take. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to keep flavors vibrant and balanced.
How do I roast garlic at home for this pizza?
Simply slice the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast it at 400°F (204°C) for 35–40 minutes. The cloves will turn soft, sweet, and spreadable—perfect for this pizza.
Is there a specific type of dough recommended?
Any pizza dough with good elasticity and the ability to crisp up nicely will work well. Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade dough adds a wonderful homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of making your own Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe at home. Its combination of rich roasted garlic, tender chicken, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese baked on a crisp crust makes every bite a little celebration. Give this recipe a try the next time pizza cravings hit—you’ll find it’s not only surprisingly simple but utterly delicious, turning an ordinary meal into something special to savor with loved ones.
Print
Roasted Garlic Chicken and Herb Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2–4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A flavorful Italian-American style roasted garlic chicken and herb pizza featuring a crispy 12-inch homemade dough crust topped with roasted garlic spread, tender cooked chicken, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough and Base
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup roasted garlic spread or mashed roasted garlic cloves
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up thoroughly, ensuring a crisp crust. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If using a pizza peel, dust it lightly with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the roasted garlic spread evenly over the stretched dough, leaving a small border along the edges for the crust. Toss the cooked chicken with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to season, then evenly distribute it over the garlic base. Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheese on top, followed by thinly sliced red onions, crushed red pepper flakes if desired, fresh rosemary, and thyme leaves for aromatic herb flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbling, lightly browned topping.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven; let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley or arugula if desired, then cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- To roast garlic at home: slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 35–40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a chilled glass of white wine for a balanced meal.
- For a crispier crust, ensure the baking stone or sheet is thoroughly preheated before placing the pizza on it.
