Roasted Garlic Chicken White Pizza: The Ultimate Homemade Experience
Prepare to elevate your pizza night with this incredible Roasted Garlic Chicken White Pizza. Far from your ordinary white pizza, this recipe features a luxurious, homemade roasted garlic sauce as its foundation, topped with tender chicken, thinly sliced red onions, and a vibrant blend of fresh herbs. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises to delight your taste buds and stand out from any takeout option.
The secret to this pizza’s unforgettable flavor lies in the roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, which can be sharp and overpowering, roasting transforms it into a mellow, sweet, and intensely aromatic ingredient. This process brings out a depth of flavor that complements the creamy white sauce perfectly, creating a sophisticated base that truly sings. If you’ve never ventured into the world of roasting garlic, don’t fret! It’s a surprisingly simple technique that yields incredible results. You can find a comprehensive guide on How To Roast Garlic to walk you through every easy step, ensuring you master this essential skill for countless recipes to come.
One common perception of white pizza is that it can be overly rich and heavy. However, this recipe offers a delicious and lighter alternative. By carefully selecting ingredients like skim milk and a touch of half-and-half for the sauce, we achieve a wonderfully creamy texture without the excessive calories and fat often associated with traditional versions. This thoughtful approach allows you to savor every bite without any guilt, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying yet health-conscious meal.
The beauty of this white sauce is its adaptability. While I personally opt for lower-fat milk products to keep the calorie count in check, you are welcome to use whatever milk product you have on hand or prefer. If you desire an even richer, more indulgent sauce, heavy cream would be an excellent choice, adding an unparalleled luxuriousness. The key is to achieve a creamy consistency that binds the flavors together, and with the roasted garlic as the star, any choice of milk product will yield a fantastic result.
What You’ll Need for Your Homemade White Pizza
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards creating this culinary delight. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this pizza so special. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need. For the exact measurements and a printable recipe card, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza. You can save time with store-bought dough or impress everyone with a homemade version. My No Knead Pizza Dough recipe is simple and works wonderfully for this pizza.
- Butter: Essential for starting the roux and sautéing the garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
- Roasted Garlic: The star of the show! As mentioned, my How To Roast Garlic post provides all the tips for perfect roasting. This will infuse your sauce with unparalleled sweet, savory depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create the roux, which thickens the white sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a subtle warmth and balances the other flavors.
- Milk (Skim or your choice): I prefer skim milk for a lighter sauce, but whole milk or even heavy cream will yield a richer, more decadent result.
- Half and Half: Adds an extra layer of creaminess without making the sauce overly heavy, especially when combined with skim milk.
- Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty, and umami depth to the white sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken: A fantastic protein topping that makes this pizza a complete meal. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Red Onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and a beautiful pop of color, mellowing as it bakes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The classic pizza cheese, providing that irresistible melty, stretchy texture.
- Fresh Thyme: Aromatic and earthy, fresh thyme brings a wonderful herbaceous note.
- Dried Oregano: A staple in Italian cuisine, oregano adds a classic, slightly peppery flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, fresh parsley brightens the pizza with its clean, herbaceous taste.
Crafting Your Roasted Garlic White Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible white pizza from scratch is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps to create a pizza that will be the highlight of your next meal.
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic White Sauce: Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced roasted garlic and sauté it gently for just a couple of minutes until fragrant. This brief sauté further enhances its sweet notes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, continuously stirring until it forms a smooth, light golden brown roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Season with black pepper and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Prepare Your Pizza Crust: While your sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat thoroughly. Carefully spread your pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into your desired size and thickness, typically a 12-inch circle.
- Assemble Your Toppings: Generously spread the warm, creamy roasted garlic white sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust. Distribute the cooked shredded chicken, diced red onions, and mozzarella cheese across the sauce. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preference – a little less cheese allows the roasted garlic flavor to truly shine.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully puffed up and golden brown, and the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with a generous amount of fresh thyme, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley. The heat from the pizza will awaken their aromas. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving hot. Enjoy the layers of flavor in every bite!
For those looking to enjoy a delicious pizza without the typical heaviness, this recipe offers a fantastic solution. By slightly reducing the amount of mozzarella cheese, we ensure the delicate, sweet flavor of the roasted garlic remains the star, rather than being overshadowed. The addition of fresh herbs at the end provides a burst of vibrant flavor and aroma, adding a gourmet touch without any additional guilt. It’s all about balance, allowing each high-quality ingredient to shine.
What To Serve With This Delectable Pizza
Pizza night is all about indulgence and enjoyment, and this roasted garlic chicken white pizza pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re craving something fresh and light or want to double down on the carb-filled goodness, there’s a perfect accompaniment for every palate. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Antipasto Salad: A robust salad with various cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offers a refreshing contrast to the pizza’s richness.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks: For those who can never get enough bread, these soft, garlicky breadsticks are a perfect match for dipping in any leftover white sauce.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic choice, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory pizza.
- Parmesan Garlic Knots: More garlicky goodness in bread form! These knots are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce or simply enjoying on their own.
Exploring Topping Options for White Pizza Sauce
The beauty of white pizza sauce lies in its versatility. While our roasted garlic chicken and herb combination is undoubtedly a winner, this creamy base is incredibly forgiving and pairs well with a multitude of toppings. If it works on a traditional red sauce pizza, chances are it will be equally fantastic on a white pizza. Here are some of my favorite additions to inspire your next creation:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast, grilled chicken, or even smoked chicken.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully on top, adding a healthy green element and earthy flavor.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Sliced cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes add a burst of juicy freshness.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini or button mushrooms offer an earthy, umami depth.
- Broccoli: Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli florets provide a nice texture and mild flavor.
- Ham: Diced ham can add a savory, slightly salty punch.
- Shrimp: Cooked shrimp makes for a luxurious and flavorful seafood white pizza.
- Artichokes: Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) contribute a unique tanginess.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch.
- Caramelized Onions: A sweeter alternative to red onions, offering a rich, deep flavor.
Storing Your White Pizza and Sauce
One of the great advantages of homemade pizza is enjoying the delicious leftovers. This roasted garlic white pizza, or just its sauce, can be easily stored for future enjoyment, making meal prep a breeze.
If you find yourself with extra sauce, it’s incredibly versatile. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for a few days. Don’t limit its use to just pizza – this creamy sauce is also absolutely fantastic tossed with pasta, making for a quick and gourmet weeknight meal! It’s a wonderful way to ensure no delicious drop goes to waste.
For longer storage, this white sauce can also be frozen! Simply ensure the sauce is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags. When properly stored, it will last for a couple of months, ready to be thawed and used for your next spontaneous pizza night or pasta dish. Having homemade sauce on hand truly simplifies cooking and ensures a fresh, flavorful meal anytime. There’s nothing quite like the convenience and taste of homemade pizza!
More Tasty Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved this roasted garlic chicken white pizza, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of dinner recipes is packed with flavor and designed to make your weeknights delicious. Here are a few more favorites to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce: Dive deeper into the world of roasted garlic with this versatile cream sauce, perfect for pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines family-favorite ingredients into one satisfying meal.
- Chipotle Shrimp Tacos: Spice up your dinner routine with these vibrant and zesty shrimp tacos, bursting with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Easy Baked Cod: A simple, healthy, and quick recipe for tender, flaky baked cod that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fiesta Lime Chicken: Bright and refreshing, this chicken recipe brings a party to your plate with its zesty lime and bold fiesta flavors.
- Grilled Turkey Tenderloin: A lean and flavorful option for the grill, perfect for a lighter protein-packed meal.
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 8 cloves roasted garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cup boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with a siplat liner, or grease and sprinkle with cornmeal.
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Melt butter in a small saucepan. Saute roasted garlic for 1 minute.1 Tablespoon butter, 8 cloves roasted garlic
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Add flour, and mix until well blended. Cook for 1 minute.2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
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Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half. Mix in the pepper.1/2 cup skim milk, 1/4 cup half and half, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Cook for about 3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese.1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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Spread dough into roughly a 12 inch circle on prepared baking sheet. Spread white sauce over the dough. Top with chicken, red onions and cheese.1 pound pizza dough, 1 1/2 cup boneless skinless chicken breast, 1/4 cup red onion, 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden, and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from the oven, sprinkle with herbs. Cut and serve immediately.1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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