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Pesto Chicken Pizza Recipe

4.6 from 129 reviews

This Pesto Chicken Pizza recipe combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade basil pesto with tender cooked chicken and tangy artichoke hearts on a crispy pre-baked pizza crust. Topped with creamy fontina cheese and baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base and Sauce

  • ½ cup pesto basil sauce
  • 1 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust

Toppings

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast strips
  • 1 6-ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup shredded fontina cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pizza.
  2. Prepare Pizza Crust: Place the pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone to provide a stable surface for assembly and baking.
  3. Spread Pesto Sauce: Evenly spread the ½ cup of pesto basil sauce over the entire surface of the crust, which serves as the flavorful base for the toppings.
  4. Add Chicken and Artichokes: Arrange the cooked chicken breast strips evenly over the pesto-covered crust, then scatter the chopped artichoke hearts on top to add texture and tang.
  5. Sprinkle Cheese: Distribute the shredded fontina cheese evenly over the toppings to ensure an even melt and a deliciously cheesy finish.
  6. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the fontina cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier.
  8. Optional Garnish: For extra flavor and presentation, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked chicken strips for quick assembly and to ensure the chicken is tender.
  • If you prefer, substitute fontina cheese with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • For extra crispiness, bake on a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
  • Leftover pizza can be reheated in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispness.
  • To make your own pesto, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Keywords: Pesto Chicken Pizza, easy pizza recipe, basil pesto pizza, chicken pizza, Italian pizza, quick dinner recipe