Are you ready to take your pizza night to a whole new level? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of Pesto Balsamic Chicken Pizza, where the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto meet the succulent taste of shredded chicken, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This Italian-inspired delight is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up two mouthwatering pizzas that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure—read on to discover how to create your own masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This ensures that your pizza crust will bake evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all the ingredients: pre-made pizza crust, pesto sauce, cooked shredded chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil.
- Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If using a baking sheet, consider lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Spread 1 cup of pesto sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza crust. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to make sure it reaches all the edges.
- Evenly distribute the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken over the pesto layer. Make sure to spread it out so that each slice has a good amount of chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken, ensuring that it covers the pizza evenly. This will create a delicious cheesy layer once baked.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the cheese. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the pesto and chicken.
- Repeat the above steps for the second pizza, if desired, or save the ingredients for later use.
- Place the baking sheet or pizza stone in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Once the pizzas are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a minute or two.
- Before serving, drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the top of each pizza for extra flavor and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Pesto Balsamic Chicken Pizza!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the shredded chicken and pesto sauce in advance. This way, when you’re ready to make the pizza, all you need to do is assemble and bake!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your pizza. Look for fresh basil leaves and whole milk mozzarella for the best results.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza! Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Perfect the Crust: If you prefer a crispier crust, try pre-baking the pizza crust for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. This will help achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
- Balsamic Glaze: Don’t skimp on the balsamic glaze! Drizzling it both before and after baking will enhance the flavor profile and add a beautiful presentation.
- Slice Smart: Use a sharp pizza cutter or a large chef’s knife to slice your pizzas. This will ensure clean cuts and make serving easier.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Pesto Balsamic Chicken Pizza hot out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a fresh salad or a glass of wine for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
