Name: Chicken Pesto Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough; 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional); Olive oil (for drizzling, optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, pizza night, here we COME! Let’s be real, who *doesn’t* love pizza? But sometimes you want somethin’ a little…fancier than plain ol’ pepperoni, right? That’s where my easy Chicken Pesto Pizza comes in. It’s seriously one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t take ALL DAY. I’m Lisa, by the way, and I’m all about those simple kitchen wins! I remember the first time I made this for friends – total hit! Everyone thought I’d spent hours, but shhh, it’s our little secret how easy it *really* is. This recipe totally fits my love of unfussy meals that still feel a bit gourmet, you know?

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe

Seriously, where do I even begin? This Chicken Pesto Pizza is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s:

Quick! From start to finish, you’re lookin’ at maybe 30 minutes.
Flavor-packed! That pesto with the chicken? *Mwah!* Chef’s kiss!
Family-friendly! Even picky eaters can get behind pizza, trust me.
Super customizable! Add your fave veggies, swap cheeses…make it YOURS!

Honestly, it’s less “recipe” and more “dinner inspiration,” which is *exactly* what I’m all about.

Ingredients for Your Chicken Pesto Pizza

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing pizza:

1 pre-made pizza crust or enough homemade dough for a 12-inch pizza
½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought is totally fine, I won’t judge!)
1 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded – leftover rotisserie chicken is PERFECT here!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but makes it look fancy!)
Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

See? Nothin’ too crazy. Most of this stuff you probably already have!

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pizza: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cookin’? It’s seriously easy-peasy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delish Chicken Pesto Pizza in no time. And hey, if you mess up? Pizza’s still pizza, right?

Preheat time! Crank that oven up to 425°F (220°C). If you’ve got a pizza stone, pop it in there while the oven heats up. Helps get that crust nice and crispy!
Crust prep. Pop your pizza crust onto a baking sheet. If you’re feelin’ fancy, dust the sheet with cornmeal first. It’ll keep the crust from stickin’.
Pesto power. Grab that pesto and spread it all over the crust. Leave a little space around the edge for the crust – you don’t want a soggy pizza!
Top it off! Now comes the fun part! Scatter that cooked chicken evenly over the pesto. Then, pile on the mozzarella, those halved cherry tomatoes, and the thinly sliced red onion. Get creative! Just don’t go too crazy or you’ll end up with a pizza landslide.
Parmesan sprinkle. A little Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. Go ahead and sprinkle it on!
Bake, baby, bake! Slide that pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re lookin’ for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, slightly browned cheese. Mmm!
Garnish and GO! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait that long!). Then, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Makes it look SO pretty, doesn’t it?
Slice and devour! Slice it up and dig in! Careful, it’s hot! And try not to eat the whole thing yourself… but I won’t judge if you do.

See? Told ya it was easy! Now go enjoy that amazing homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza. You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Chicken Pesto Pizza

Okay, wanna take your Chicken Pesto Pizza from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few of my fave tips:

Crispy Crust, FTW! If you like a super crispy crust (and who doesn’t?!), pre-bake it for about 5 minutes *before* you add the toppings. It makes a HUGE difference.
Pesto Perfection: Seriously, use a good pesto. Store-bought is fine in a pinch, but a good quality pesto makes all the difference. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade is ALWAYS better!
Cheese, Please! (But Don’t Go Crazy): More cheese isn’t *always* better. Overloading the cheese can make your pizza soggy. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
Bake it ‘Til You Make It: Keep an eye on that pizza while it’s baking! You want the crust golden and the cheese bubbly, but burnt is a no-go. Every oven is different, so start checkin’ around the 12-minute mark.

These little tricks? Game changers, I tell ya!

Variations for Your Chicken Pesto Pizza

Alright, so you’ve mastered the basic Chicken Pesto Pizza? Awesome! Now let’s get a little wild, shall we? One of my favorite things about pizza is how easy it is to switch things up. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:

White Sauce Wonder: Swap out the pesto for a creamy white garlic sauce. OMG. Seriously, it’s SO good.
Spinach Power: Toss some fresh spinach on there before baking for a little extra green goodness. It wilts down beautifully!
Sun-Dried Tomato Boost: Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist. Just pat them dry first so they don’t make your pizza soggy!
Grilled Goodness: Grill that pizza! Brush the crust with olive oil and grill it for a few minutes per side before adding toppings. Adds a smoky flavor that’s outta’ this world!
Cheesy Dreams: Swap the mozzarella for goat cheese or feta. Adds a totally different flavor profile that’s surprisingly delicious!

Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect Chicken Pesto Pizza creation!

Chicken Pesto Pizza Toppings Ideas

Okay, so you’ve got the Chicken Pesto Pizza basics down – now let’s talk *toppings*! This is where you can really get creative and make it your own. Think of it as your own personal pizza canvas! Pesto and chicken are already a fab combo, but these additions? They take it to the NEXT LEVEL.

Artichoke Hearts: Seriously, don’t knock ’em ’til you try ’em! Adds a salty, slightly tangy bite.
Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky, and totally gorgeous on a pizza. Roast ’em yourself for extra points!
Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that balances the pesto perfectly. Crumble it on AFTER baking for the best flavor.
Prosciutto: Okay, this is a little fancy, but OH-SO-GOOD. Adds a salty, savory richness. Add it after baking so it stays nice and tender.

The key is to balance the flavors. You don’t want to overload the pizza with too many toppings, but a few well-chosen additions? *Chef’s kiss*!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pesto Pizza

Got questions about my Chicken Pesto Pizza recipe? I sure hope not (because I think I explained it all pretty darn well!), but just in case, here are a few of the most common things I get asked:

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Listen, I’m all about keepin’ things easy. Homemade pesto is amazing, but store-bought works just fine. Just try to find a good quality one – it makes a difference in the flavor! Some brands can be a bit oily, so just pat it dry a little before spreading it on your pizza.

What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Pesto Pizza?

Honestly, whatever kind you like! Leftover roasted chicken is fantastic, or rotisserie chicken from the store is super convenient. But grilled chicken? Also delicious! Just make sure it’s cooked and diced or shredded before you put it on the pizza.

Can I freeze Chicken Pesto Pizza?

You *can*, but I don’t really recommend it. The texture of the crust and cheese can change when it’s frozen and thawed. If you *really* want to freeze it, I’d suggest freezing individual slices and reheating them in the oven. They’ll be a little better that way!

How do I make my pizza crust crispy?

Ah, the million-dollar question! A pizza stone is your best friend for a crispy crust. If you don’t have one, preheating your baking sheet can help. Also, don’t overload the pizza with toppings or the moisture will make the crust soggy. Another trick? Brush the crust with a little olive oil before adding the pesto. That helps it crisp up nicely!

Is Chicken Pesto Pizza Healthy?

Okay, let’s talk health! Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the deal: the nutrition info on this Chicken Pesto Pizza can vary *a lot* depending on what ingredients you use. Store-bought crust versus homemade? Different cheeses? It all makes a difference! So, I can’t give you exact numbers, but just know that it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy a slice (or two!), and maybe pair it with a nice side salad.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza!

Woohoo! You did it! You made your very own Chicken Pesto Pizza. Wasn’t that easy? Now, do me a favor and let me know what you thought! Rate the recipe below, leave a comment, and be sure to share your pizza masterpieces on social media! And hey, thanks for hanging out with me in the kitchen. Happy pizza-making!