If you are craving a pizza that feels like a warm hug and bursts with flavorful charm, this Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a crispy, golden crust topped with a creamy blend of roasted garlic-infused ricotta and mozzarella, tender chicken pieces seasoned with fragrant herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to punch up the cheesiness. Every bite sings with freshness thanks to the herby notes and a luscious garlic depth that elevates this pizza far beyond the ordinary. Whether for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe makes the art of pizza night effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and familiar yet essential in bringing this Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe to life. Each element contributes its own unique texture and flavor—creamy cheeses balance savory chicken, while roasted garlic melts into the base for a rich, mellow aroma.
- 1 ball of pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, the perfect foundation with a crispy yet chewy crust.
- 1 head of garlic: Roasted until sweet and soft, this sets the deep, rich garlic flavor that defines the pizza.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to roast the garlic and add a subtle fruity note to the dough and toppings.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates a smooth, luscious layer atop the pizza base.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding stringy, gooey goodness that pizza dreams are made of.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that lifts the whole flavor profile.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Brings hearty protein and savory satisfaction.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend of oregano, thyme, and basil that unites the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
How to Make Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Garlic
The magic of this recipe starts with roasting the garlic. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil. Roast it in the oven at 400°F (about 200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the cloves turn soft and sweet. This slow roasting transforms raw garlic’s sharpness into mellow richness that will soon be spread over your pizza base.
Step 2: Mash the Roasted Garlic
Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft cloves out of the skins and mash them into a smooth paste. This roasted garlic paste acts like a flavor-packed sauce that infuses every bite with subtle, aromatic warmth. Mixing this with ricotta cheese will create a dreamy, creamy base layer for your pizza.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into your desired shape and thickness. A circle about 12 inches wide works great for this recipe, providing enough dough to hold the toppings without overwhelming them. This is where your creativity can shine—feel free to make it round, oval, or even a fun freeform shape.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza
Start by spreading the roasted garlic and ricotta mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top followed by the cooked chicken pieces. Dust with the dried Italian herbs and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese all around. This layering balances creaminess, herbs, and a hint of sharpness while making sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Transfer the assembled pizza onto a baking stone or sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (about 230°C) for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the crust turns golden brown with a slight crisp, cheese is melted and bubbly, and the aroma fills the kitchen with irresistible promise.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your pizza from the oven and add a final flourish of fresh parsley or basil. This fresh herb garnish lifts the flavors and adds a beautiful pop of green to brighten up every slice.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect for finishing touches, providing a burst of freshness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the golden cheese and roasted garlic base. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top before serving can also add a subtle fruitiness and shine.
Side Dishes
You can keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of marinated olives. The clean, fresh flavors of such sides complement the rich, creamy notes of the pizza without overpowering it. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also pair wonderfully if you want a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, slice the pizza into small squares or strips for easy snacking. For a family meal, serve it as large triangular slices on colorful plates with a sprinkle of extra herbs or red pepper flakes for guests who like a little heat. Even stacking leftover slices with fresh greens and a handful of nuts makes a fantastic next-day pizza salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even better the next day, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save slices for longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pizza slices keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To revive your Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe leftovers, heat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes. This method crisps up the crust and melts the cheese nicely without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and tenderness to this pizza. Just shred or dice it before topping.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can work as a creamy alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How do I make sure the roasted garlic isn’t too overpowering?
Roasting garlic reduces its pungency significantly. Still, use the paste sparingly and spread it evenly to ensure it enhances the pizza rather than dominates it.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! If making dough from scratch, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out for best results.
Is this pizza suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free dough mix or pre-made gluten-free pizza crust.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen and for anyone who loves rich, fresh, and utterly satisfying homemade pizza. From the golden, crispy crust to the generous layers of cheesy, herby goodness and that unforgettable roasted garlic warmth, it’s a recipe that invites you to relax, share, and savor every moment. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your pizza nights!
Print
Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Roasted Garlic, Chicken & Herb White Pizza is a flavorful and easy-to-make homemade pizza featuring a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with tender roasted garlic and seasoned cooked chicken. The pizza dough is topped with a rich garlic paste, Italian herbs, and garnished with fresh parsley or basil, delivering a deliciously savory white pizza perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic and baking the pizza.
- Roast the garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft and tender.
- Prepare the garlic paste: Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, squeeze or mash the softened garlic cloves into a smooth paste.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into your desired size and shape. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the roasted garlic paste evenly over the surface of the dough as the base. Dollop ricotta cheese around the pizza, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Add chicken and herbs: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces on the pizza, then sprinkle the dried Italian herbs over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, slice, and enjoy while hot.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken such as rotisserie or grilled chicken.
- You can prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled out dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or red pepper flakes after baking for extra flavor.
- This recipe works well with both store-bought and homemade pizza dough.
