Delicious & Easy White Chicken Pizza with Homemade Ricotta
There’s something truly magical about the arrival of warmer days. The sun lingers longer, birds sing a more vibrant tune, and the world outside feels alive again. This week, the delightful spring weather even enticed me to enjoy a rejuvenating walk with a friend. My eight-year-old son, full of boundless energy, has happily resumed riding his bike to school, a sure sign that spring is not just in the air, but here to stay. This morning, he was particularly thrilled to spot a day in the 70s on the 10-day forecast. He’s more than ready to shed his pants for shorts, a fashion preference I’m learning to navigate with my ever-growing, “too cool for pants” boy.
As the seasons change, so too do our cravings for lighter, fresher meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. This feeling of renewal often inspires me to experiment in the kitchen, seeking out dishes that perfectly capture the essence of spring. That’s precisely why this **White Chicken Pizza** has become a family favorite, especially when we’re looking for a delightful twist on our usual dinner routine.
Why White Chicken Pizza is a Game Changer
While traditional pizza with its rich tomato sauce holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes it’s wonderful to explore new flavor horizons. This **White Chicken Pizza** offers a fantastic deviation from the norm, yet remains comforting and familiar enough to please even the most discerning palates – including the “pizza purists” in my own home! It’s an ideal way to mix things up without venturing too far into uncharted territory, ensuring everyone leaves the dinner table happy.
What makes this white pizza truly exceptional is its incredibly flavorful base. Instead of tomato sauce, we’re building a foundation of rich, garlic-infused goodness, topped with a delightful blend of cheeses and tender chicken. The vibrant kick of fresh herbs elevates every bite, making it a surprisingly gourmet experience for a homemade meal. Plus, it feels a little lighter and, dare I say, a bit healthier than some of its saucier counterparts, especially when you consider the fresh ingredients and the homemade touch. You certainly can’t say that about every pizza out there!
The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Ricotta
The true star of this **White Chicken Pizza recipe** is the creamy, luscious “sauce” made from homemade ricotta. And here’s the best part: it’s incredibly simple to make right in your microwave, using plain Greek yogurt as its foundation! This method transforms humble yogurt into a fresh, tangy, and wonderfully creamy ricotta in under 10 minutes. The resulting texture is unparalleled, providing a perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken and sharp cheeses.
Crafting your own ricotta might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s easier than boiling water. By gently heating Greek yogurt with a touch of milk and vinegar, you encourage the milk solids to separate, creating delicate curds that form this exquisite cheese. The flavor is far superior to many store-bought varieties, offering a fresh, bright taste that really shines on the pizza. If you’re truly pressed for time, a good quality store-bought ricotta can be a convenient substitute, but I highly encourage you to try the homemade version – it makes all the difference for this **homemade white pizza**.
Building Your Perfect White Chicken Pizza
Once you have your incredible homemade ricotta base, the rest of the assembly is a breeze. Each individual pizza round is spread with a generous layer of this creamy ricotta mixture, then adorned with two kinds of cheese for maximum melty goodness: a flavorful Italian cheese blend and classic mozzarella. Next comes the star protein: succulent shredded chicken. For ultimate convenience, rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, or you can repurpose any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand, making this an ideal **weeknight dinner solution**.
A generous sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds an aromatic, earthy note that beautifully complements the other flavors. The process is designed for ease and speed, ensuring you can have a gourmet-tasting dinner on the table in minutes. And for those who love to plan ahead, these **individual white chicken pizzas** are incredibly freezer-friendly. Bake them partially, cool, wrap, and freeze, and you’ll have delicious, homemade pizza ready to reheat and enjoy any night of the week. This makes meal prep a dream, providing a wholesome and tasty option for busy schedules.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Pizza Experience
- Dough Matters: While the recipe calls for pizza dough, feel free to use your favorite! A homemade no-knead pizza dough is fantastic for flavor and texture, but store-bought dough from your local grocery store or pizzeria works wonderfully for speed. For extra convenience, consider using pre-made individual crusts.
- Garlic Oil Perfection: Don’t skip infusing the olive oil with garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. This step is crucial for developing the rich, savory base that defines this **garlic chicken pizza**. The strained oil adds incredible flavor without overwhelming the pizza with raw garlic.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh thyme and basil aren’t just garnishes; they provide bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can be used, but use about half the amount as their flavor is more concentrated.
- Customization is Encouraged: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Perfect Crust: Achieving a crispy crust is essential. Preheat your oven adequately and consider using a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to ensure a perfectly golden-brown bottom.
Individual White Chicken Pizza
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds pizza dough
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, , chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 garlic cloves, , crushed
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, , nonfat
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 2/3 cup Italian cheese blend
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, , torn
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
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In a small sauce pan combine olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, garlic cloves, and sprigs of thyme. Heat over medium heat for 4-5 minutes; until garlic starts to brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Pour oil through a strainer, saving the oil in a small bowl.
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Combine milk, Greek yogurt, and vinegar in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 6 minutes. Gently stir to form small curds. Strain curds through a fine mesh strainer. Let stand for 5 minutes.
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Combine oil, curds, and salt, mixing well.
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Roll out pizza dough into 12 small rounds. Spread about 1 1/2 Tbls of oil mixture over each round of dough. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend and Mozzarella cheese. Spread chicken evenly over each pizza. Sprinkle thyme leaves over pizzas.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and the edges of the crust are starting to turn golden brown.
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Remove from oven. Spread basil leaves and black pepper over pizzas.
Notes
To Freeze: Only bake the pizzas for 5 minutes. Cool completely before wrapping in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place frozen pizza in a 450 degree oven for 10-14 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Making Ahead and Freezing for Ultimate Convenience
One of the many benefits of this **individual white chicken pizza recipe** is its fantastic freezer-friendliness, making it a dream for meal prep or those busy evenings when cooking from scratch just isn’t an option. The recipe notes suggest partially baking the pizzas for just 5 minutes before freezing. This par-baking step is key; it sets the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy when reheated, ensuring a crisp and delicious pizza every time.
After par-baking, allow the pizzas to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming and ruining the texture. Once cool, wrap each individual pizza tightly in aluminum foil, followed by a layer of plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This double layer of protection helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps your pizzas fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply pop a frozen pizza (still wrapped in foil for the first part of reheating to prevent over-browning) into a 450-degree oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. It’s like having a gourmet pizza delivery service right in your freezer!
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This **garlic and herb white chicken pizza** is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for a casual family dinner or a more elaborate gathering. For a light and refreshing meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken, creating a balanced meal. A Caesar salad or a caprese salad would also be excellent choices.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli can add a lovely vegetable component. For a touch of elegance, consider a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the herbaceous notes and creamy ricotta. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon or a homemade iced tea are also wonderful choices, especially on those warm spring and summer evenings.
Embrace the Joy of Homemade Pizza
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from making pizza from scratch, especially one as flavorful and adaptable as this **White Chicken Pizza**. From the simple pleasure of preparing the dough (or choosing a high-quality store-bought option) to crafting your own creamy ricotta and topping it with fresh, vibrant ingredients, every step is a rewarding experience. It’s a meal that brings people together, offering customizable options that cater to everyone’s preferences, making it ideal for families with diverse tastes.
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of home cooking: it’s wholesome, incredibly tasty, and surprisingly easy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in creating these pizzas. So, as the days get warmer and the urge to cook fresh, delightful meals grows, give this **homemade white chicken pizza** a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simple pleasures of good food and great company.