Pin It This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza offers a sophisticated and flavorful alternative to the usual tomato-based pies. Combining a rich, creamy white sauce with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, it is a satisfying dish that brings a touch of gourmet Italian-American flair to your kitchen.
Pin It The secret to this pizza's success lies in the balance of the ingredients. The thin crust provides the perfect canvas for the thick, velvety sauce, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a bubbly, golden topping that is impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 1 lb (450 g) prepared pizza dough, 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing).
- Garlic-Parmesan White Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp dried Italian herbs.
- Toppings: 1 cup (150 g) cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), 1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets (blanched and chopped), 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp olive oil, pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Step 2
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Brush the edge with olive oil.
- Step 3
- Prepare the white sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook, stirring, until thickened (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 4
- Spread the garlic-Parmesan sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
- Step 5
- Evenly scatter the chicken and broccoli over the sauce. Top with mozzarella and additional Parmesan. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 6
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 7
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your pizza doesn't become soggy, make sure the blanched broccoli is dried thoroughly before placing it on the sauce. Additionally, keeping the white sauce thick enough to coat a spoon will help maintain the integrity of the thin crust during the high-heat bake.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra depth, try marinating your cooked chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs before topping. You can also swap broccoli for cauliflower or add sliced mushrooms to suit your personal preference.
Serviervorschläge
This pizza is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Serve it hot with a light side salad for a well-rounded and impressive dinner.
Pin It Enjoy this unique twist on a classic favorite! The Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza is a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings creamy, savory, and fresh flavors together in every slice.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this. Both homemade and pre-made dough yield excellent results with the creamy white sauce and toppings.
- → Should broccoli be cooked before topping?
Blanch the broccoli florets briefly before adding to the pizza. This ensures they become tender during baking without burning or drying out.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast, either diced or shredded, works well. Leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled breast both provide excellent flavor and texture.
- → Can I make the white sauce ahead?
The garlic-Parmesan sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated. Reheat gently before spreading on the dough.
- → What vegetables can substitute broccoli?
Cauliflower florets, sliced mushrooms, or spinach make excellent alternatives. Blanch vegetables beforehand to ensure proper cooking time.