Description
This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza combines a luscious homemade white sauce with tender roasted garlic, juicy cooked chicken breast, and melty mozzarella cheese on a crispy pizza crust. With a flavorful Parmesan-infused béchamel and Italian seasoning, this pizza makes for an irresistible, comforting meal perfect for pizza night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting garlic)
White Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- 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 1 tablespoon olive oil, then wrap the garlic tightly in foil. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool for handling.
- Prepare the Oven for Baking Pizza: Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside the oven to preheat thoroughly. This will help achieve a crispy crust.
- Make the White Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup whole milk until smooth. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat once ready.
- Roll Out the Pizza Dough: On a floured work surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough to your preferred shape and thickness, making sure to leave some edge for the crust.
- Apply the White Sauce: Spread the prepared white sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them lightly. Dot the pizza surface with these mashed roasted garlic pieces to infuse deep roasted flavors.
- Top with Chicken and Cheese: Evenly distribute 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced) over the sauce and roasted garlic. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finish by lightly dusting with 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Slice into approximately 8 pieces and serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Roasting the whole garlic head mellows the garlic flavor and adds a sweet, caramelized taste to the pizza.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works fine as well.
- If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out thinner and adjust the baking time slightly.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh finish but are optional.
- Feel free to substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience.
