Garlic Chicken White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Chicken White Pizza is a delightful departure from your typical tomato-based pizza. It features a rich, creamy white sauce base with no tomato in sight, allowing the garlic and chicken flavors to truly shine. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a satisfying cheesy texture, while the fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness. Plus, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pizza crust (I use my whole wheat pizza dough)
• ⅓ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 5 cloves garlic, 2 minced and 3 thinly sliced
• ½ cup cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup good quality Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, grated or torn
• 5-6 large fresh basil leaves

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s the size you prefer. Place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. In a small pan, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Sprinkle the sautéed garlic evenly over the ricotta.
6. Scatter the chicken pieces and thinly sliced garlic on top of the ricotta mixture.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza.
8. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
10. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4 (Depending on portion sizes)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a veggie-packed version of this pizza.
• Spicy Twist: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or drizzle a spicy olive oil over the top before serving.
• Different Cheeses: Swap out the ricotta for cream cheese for a slightly richer flavor or try a combination of different cheeses like goat cheese or fontina.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to maintain the crispy crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pizza crust for this recipe?

Yes, using a store-bought crust is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s unbaked.

2. How can I make this pizza gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free pizza crust or a cauliflower crust to make it gluten-free.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

4. Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen at 475°F for 15-20 minutes.

5. Can I use pre-minced garlic for convenience?

While fresh garlic adds the best flavor, pre-minced garlic can be used if you’re in a pinch.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy unless you add crushed red pepper flakes or another spicy ingredient.

7. Can I make the pizza without basil?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh basil, you can skip it or use other herbs like oregano or thyme.

8. How can I make the crust extra crispy?

For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

9. Can I use ricotta from a different brand?

Yes, any good-quality ricotta will work well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s not too watery.

10. Can I add more cheese to this pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more mozzarella or even try a blend of cheeses like provolone or gouda.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken White Pizza (Pizza Bianca) is a simple yet delicious recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home. It combines creamy ricotta, savory garlic, and tender chicken on a crispy crust, with mozzarella and Parmesan to add the perfect cheesy bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, this pizza is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings every time. Enjoy!

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