This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza combines creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and gooey melted cheese for a gourmet-style pizza that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for pizza night, this recipe elevates the classic comfort food into a deliciously satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: Roasted garlic and fresh herbs pack this pizza with layers of flavor.
- Quick and Customizable: Use store-bought pizza dough or make your own for a personal touch.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Great for dinner parties, game nights, or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic Sauce:
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pizza:
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated fontina cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes or until the cloves are golden and soft. Let cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins and mash into a paste.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mashed roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape (about 12–14 inches). Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a generous layer of the roasted garlic sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and fontina cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Top with the cooked chicken, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley.
- Brush the crust with olive oil for a golden, glossy finish.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven and pizza stone ensure a crispy crust.
- Roast Garlic in Advance: Save time by roasting garlic ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Experiment with Cheese: Swap fontina for gouda, provolone, or any melty cheese you love.
Variations
- Veggie Version: Add roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap the garlic sauce for barbecue sauce and add red onions.
- Gluten-Free Pizza: Use a gluten-free pizza crust to accommodate dietary needs.
FAQ
1. Can I use pre-cooked pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough or even pre-baked crusts work great for this recipe.
2. What’s the best way to cook chicken for this pizza?
You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even pan-seared chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes! Assemble the pizza without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza is a true crowd-pleaser with its rich and creamy garlic sauce, savory chicken, and fresh herb topping. Whether it’s pizza night or a casual dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and experience homemade pizza like never before!
