Pin It Switch up your standard pizza routine with this sophisticated Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza. Featuring a thin, crispy crust and a rich, creamy white sauce, this recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional red-sauce pies. Ready in just 45 minutes, it is the perfect blend of comfort and gourmet flavor for your next main dish.
Pin It This pizza stands out thanks to its unique white sauce, which starts as a simple roux of butter and flour before being transformed with whole milk and nutty Parmesan cheese. It provides a luxurious base for tender chicken breast and blanched broccoli florets, creating a balanced meal that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 1 ball (about 300 g / 10 oz) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Garlic Parmesan White Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Toppings: 1 cup (125 g) cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), 1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets (blanched and chopped), 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Oven Prep
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Step 2: Shape the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
- Step 3: Make the White Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and cook until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Scatter the cooked chicken and broccoli over the sauce, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella.
- Step 5: Drizzle and Bake
- Drizzle olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice, and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a convenient shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken and frozen broccoli that has been fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Serviervorschläge
This flavorful pizza is excellent when paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager to balance the richness of the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Pin It Serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza fresh from the oven for the ultimate texture and flavor experience. It is a hearty, satisfying meal that brings a taste of Italian-American comfort right to your kitchen table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought fresh or refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly. Just let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before rolling to ensure it stretches easily.
- → How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water. This partially cooks them while preserving crispness. Pat dry thoroughly before topping.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also incorporate artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes directly on the oven rack or a preheated pizza stone. This restores crispiness better than microwaving.
- → Can I freeze the assembled pizza before baking?
Yes, assemble the pizza on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake from frozen at 475°F for 16-18 minutes.