Introduction to Garlic White Chicken Pizza
A pizza with a velvety white base, fragrant garlic, and tender bites of chicken—no red sauce or pepperoni in sight—has a certain allure that defies convention. With its golden crust and melted cheese, Garlic White Chicken Pizza is a savory love story that isn’t your typical Friday night meal.
What Makes This Pizza a Must-Try
It’s balanced but rich. Not heavy, but creamy. Garlicky without being overpowering. This pizza is the type of meal that instantly makes your evening more special and causes your taste buds to celebrate in a small way. Ideal for foodies, finicky eaters, and all in between.
Why Garlic and Chicken Are the Perfect Pair
The earthy, rich scent of garlic and its strong flavor complement chicken’s delicate, juicy texture. Like a culinary power couple that is always in sync, the combination brings out the best in both.
The Flavor Profile Breakdown
The Creamy White Sauce Magic
This beauty’s foundation is a rich Alfredo-style white sauce, usually infused with garlic. It’s rich, a little cheesy, and has a hint of nutmeg for depth. Like a warm blanket, it covers the crust.
The Role of Roasted Garlic in Every Bite
Garlic with a PhD in flavor is what roasted garlic is. Its sweetness and buttery texture are enhanced by slow roasting, which also gives the pizza a rich, caramelized flavor that raw garlic simply cannot match.
Tender Chicken and Melty Cheese Perfection
Every bite feels decadent without being over the top thanks to the juicy chunks of chicken breast sandwiched between gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan shreds. Imagine creamy and enticing.
Ingredients:
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1 lb pizza dough
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1 tbsp butter
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8 cloves roasted garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup skim milk
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1/4 cup half and half
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
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1/4 cup diced red onion
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3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a baking sheet or use a silicone mat. Sprinkle with cornmeal if you like a crispy crust.
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In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
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Slowly whisk in milk and half and half. Add black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
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Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle and place on prepared baking sheet.
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Spread the white sauce on the dough. Top with chicken, red onion, and Mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
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Sprinkle with thyme, oregano, and parsley. Slice and serve hot.
Homemade White Sauce 101
How to Make a Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Start with butter and minced garlic, whisk in flour for a quick roux, then pour in heavy cream and a handful of shredded Parmesan. Cook until thick and glossy.
Tips for Getting the Right Sauce Consistency
Thin sauces make soggy pizza. Thicken the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or broth works wonders.
Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently with a bit of cream to loosen it up before using.
Building the Perfect Pizza
How to Layer the Ingredients Like a Chef
Start with dough, then sauce, cheese, chicken, roasted garlic, more cheese. The key is balance—no one ingredient should dominate.
Avoiding a Soggy Crust with Creamy Sauces
Use a preheated pizza stone or bake on the lowest rack. Brush dough with olive oil before saucing for extra protection.
Adding Fresh Herbs for a Final Flavor Kick
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh basil adds color and brightness. Chives or thyme also play well here.
Baking It to Golden Perfection
Best Oven Temperatures and Techniques
Crank your oven to 475–500°F. High heat gives you that crispy-bottomed crust and bubbly cheese top.
How to Know When It’s Done
The cheese should be golden and bubbling, and the crust should be puffed and browned. If in doubt, peek underneath.
Crispy Edges and Gooey Center: Tips and Tricks
Par-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings. Let the finished pizza rest a minute or two before slicing.
Creative Twists on the Classic
Add Bacon or Pancetta for a Smoky Finish
A sprinkle of crispy bacon or diced pancetta adds a rich, smoky note that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Swap in Spinach or Mushrooms for a Veggie Boost
Sautéed spinach or earthy mushrooms add depth, color, and nutrients. Bonus: they make you feel kinda virtuous.
Spice It Up with Crushed Red Pepper or Jalapeños
Add a touch of heat to contrast the creamy base. Go bold or keep it subtle—your call.
Pairing Garlic White Chicken Pizza with Sides
Best Salads to Serve on the Side
Think fresh and crisp: Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a classic garden salad to cleanse the palate.
Appetizers That Complement the Flavor
Garlic knots, stuffed mushrooms, or bruschetta. Keep it savory, simple, and shareable.
Drinks That Enhance the Pizza Experience
Chardonnay, wheat beer, or sparkling lemonade all pair wonderfully. It’s pizza—have fun with it!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
How to Store Pizza Without Losing Flavor
Wrap slices individually and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for longer.
Reheating Tips for a Crispy, Fresh Bite
Skip the microwave. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Simple Tweaks to Tone Down the Garlic
Use less garlic or swap in a mild white sauce. Add familiar toppings like mozzarella sticks or chicken nuggets (yes, seriously).
Fun Pizza Night Ideas for the Whole Family
Let kids build their own mini pizzas. Set out toppings buffet-style and let creativity flow. Messy = memories.
Entertaining with Garlic White Chicken Pizza
Serving It at Parties and Gatherings
Slice into squares for easy sharing. Serve on wooden boards with a side of roasted garlic for dipping.
How to Make It a Pizza Bar Experience
Offer different white sauce bases, toppings, and crusts. Everyone builds their own masterpiece—it’s dinner and a party activity.
Making It Gluten-Free or Keto-Friendly
Low-Carb Crust Options That Still Taste Great
Cauliflower crust, almond flour dough, or cheese-based “fathead” crusts are all tasty alternatives.
Gluten-Free Dough Tips for the Perfect Texture
Use a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch for stretch and chew. Let it rest to avoid a crumbly texture.
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works just fine. Make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Can I make this pizza without roasted garlic?
While roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor, you can substitute with fresh garlic. Just sauté it lightly to reduce the sharpness.
What other toppings can I add to this pizza?
Feel free to experiment! Bacon, spinach, mushrooms, or even artichokes can complement the white sauce and chicken beautifully.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the white sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before spreading it on the pizza.
Is this pizza gluten-free?
The recipe as written contains gluten in the pizza dough. However, you can use gluten-free dough to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza after baking. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.
Conclusion:
A delicious take on a classic pizza is Garlic White Chicken Pizza. Its melty cheese, roasted garlic, soft chicken, and creamy white sauce are the ideal balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This pizza will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, whether you’re making it for a laid-back dinner or to wow guests at a party. A pizza is as personal as it gets, so don’t be scared to add your own twist and be creative with the toppings. Feel free to sample and savor the deliciousness!
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Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza You Need Tonight
- Author: Olivia
Ingredients
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1 lb pizza dough
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1 tbsp butter
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8 cloves roasted garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup skim milk
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1/4 cup half and half
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
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1/4 cup diced red onion
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3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone liner or lightly grease and sprinkle with cornmeal for a crisp crust. -
Make the white garlic sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced roasted garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. -
Add the dairy:
Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half. Add black pepper and continue whisking for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. -
Assemble the pizza:
Roll or stretch your dough into a 12-inch round and place it on your prepared baking sheet.
Spread the garlic white sauce evenly over the dough.
Layer with shredded chicken, red onion, and Mozzarella cheese. -
Bake it up:
Bake for about 17 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection. -
Finish with herbs:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley.
Slice, serve, and prepare to impress.
Notes
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Cooking Time: 17 minutes of baking time, plus about 5 minutes for sauce preparation.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the white sauce and roast the garlic in advance to save time.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.350-400
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 25g