Description
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza features a flavorful blend of creamy ricotta, shredded chicken, and a trio of cheeses atop a perfectly roasted garlic base. With a crispy golden crust and aromatic herbs, it’s a deliciously satisfying homemade pizza that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Roasted Garlic Sauce
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, then drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic head tightly in foil and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the cloves are soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Garlic Paste: Once the roasted garlic has cooled, squeeze the cloves out of the skin and mash them into a smooth paste using a fork or spoon.
- Preheat the Oven: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the mashed roasted garlic paste over the pizza dough, creating a flavorful base layer in place of traditional tomato sauce.
- Add the Cheeses: Dollop and spread the ricotta cheese over the garlic base, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across the pizza.
- Add the Toppings: Distribute the cooked shredded or diced chicken over the cheese layer. Sprinkle dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic deeply enhances its flavor and mellows its sharpness, making it perfect for the pizza base.
- Use a pizza stone if available to achieve a crispier crust.
- You can substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftover pizza can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
