If you’ve never experienced the magic of roasted garlic melting into a creamy white sauce, paired with tender chicken and ooey-gooey cheese on a crispy crust, then you’re in for a treat. This Ultimate Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is like a hug for your taste buds. The smell alone—garlic roasting in the oven, cheese bubbling under the broiler—will have your family wandering into the kitchen asking when it’s ready.
I first made this recipe on a whim, after a long day when I craved comfort food but couldn’t bring myself to settle for another boring frozen pizza. One bite in and I knew this was the kind of pizza that would become a regular on our dinner table. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, and honestly, it feels like something you’d pay way too much for at a fancy pizzeria. But guess what? You can make it at home, and it’s easier than you think!
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed your family, or just treat yourself to a cozy night in, this roasted garlic white chicken pizza is always a winner. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Packed with Flavor: Roasted garlic adds a rich, caramelized depth that takes the sauce to the next level. Pair that with seasoned chicken and gooey cheese, and it’s a flavor explosion.
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the gourmet vibes fool you. This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that even beginners can follow.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Friday night movie marathon, a casual dinner party, or a date night in, this pizza fits the bill.
- Customizable: You can tweak the toppings to suit your preferences—add spinach, swap chicken for shrimp, or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a great way to sneak in some garlic without complaints!
What makes this pizza stand out is the balance of flavors. The creamy white sauce is infused with roasted garlic, the chicken is lightly seasoned to complement rather than overpower, and the cheese blend brings it all together. It’s comfort food at its finest.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer. Look for fresh dough if possible.
- Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded or diced. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Garlic: A whole head for roasting. Trust me, roasted garlic is the star of this show.
- Olive Oil: For roasting the garlic and brushing the crust.
- Butter: Unsalted, for making the white sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount to thicken the sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk or a mix of milk and cream for a rich sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the white sauce. It adds an irresistible nuttiness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for that melty, stretchy goodness.
- Italian Seasoning: To season the chicken and add herby notes.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish and a pop of color.
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving—you can easily substitute or skip a few things and still end up with something delicious.
Equipment Needed
To make this roasted garlic white chicken pizza, you’ll need the following tools:
- Oven: For roasting the garlic and baking the pizza.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: A stone gives you a crispier crust, but a simple baking sheet works too.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the sauce and tossing the chicken.
- Small Saucepan: To make the white sauce.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic and slicing the pizza.
- Pastry Brush: Optional, for brushing olive oil on the crust.
Don’t have a pizza stone? No worries. A preheated cast iron skillet can work wonders for achieving a crispy crust!
Preparation Method
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season cooked chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the White Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic (mashed into a paste). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough. Add the seasoned chicken and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve hot.
Pro tip: Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to avoid the toppings sliding off. It’s worth the wait!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Roast Garlic to Perfection: Don’t rush the garlic—it needs time to caramelize and become sweet. If it’s still sharp, it hasn’t roasted long enough.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven is key to a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shred your own for the best results.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Less is more!
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a new layer of flavor to this pizza.
Variations & Adaptations
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with spicy honey for a kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a store-bought gluten-free crust or make your own.
- Cheese Swap: Try Fontina or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Seafood Lovers: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or crab meat.
This pizza is like a blank canvas—feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This pizza is best served straight out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the crust is crisp. Pair it with a simple green salad or a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust, or pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from turning soggy.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
While this pizza is undeniably indulgent, it’s made with wholesome ingredients. Garlic is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Chicken provides lean protein, and the cheese offers calcium. If you’re looking for a lighter version, opt for low-fat milk and cheese.
Each slice (depending on size) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 14g
Conclusion
This Ultimate Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any creative twists you tried. And if you’re as obsessed with this pizza as I am, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No problem! A regular baking sheet or even a cast iron skillet will work. Just preheat it in the oven for a crispier crust.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the roasted garlic and white sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How do I roast garlic without foil?
If you prefer not to use foil, place the garlic in a small oven-safe dish with a lid or cover it with parchment paper.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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Ultimate Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
This Ultimate Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza combines creamy white sauce infused with roasted garlic, tender chicken, and gooey cheese on a crispy crust. Perfect for any occasion, it’s indulgent yet easy to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 head of Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Season cooked chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic (mashed into a paste). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough. Add the seasoned chicken and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off. Use fresh cheese for better melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: roasted garlic pizza, white chicken pizza, homemade pizza, comfort food, easy pizza recipe