Pesto Chicken Pizza
I found the fabulous pizza crust recipe I just posted about while searching for a recipe for pesto. I had a jar of pesto that I wasn’t sure how to use, so, as I usually do in these types of situations, I searched my favorite food blogs for inspiration. I happened on this recipe for pesto chicken pizza on Annies Eats, which is how I found my new favorite pizza crust recipe. This was a great pizza, and the perfect way to showcase the pizza crust. It’s similar to our favorite Margarita pizza, but with pesto taking the place of basil, and with the addition of chicken. We both really liked it, and a great variation on our usual pizza. I think we could eat homemade pizza at least 3 nights a week without getting tired of it, so it’s probably best if I rotate a few different recipes. This was delicious and filling, and will definitely be going in the pizza rotation.
Chicken Pesto Pizza
Ingredients:
1/2 batch perfect pizza crust dough (enough for 1 pizza), at room temperature
Olive oil, for brushing
prepared pesto
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grilled chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 of one chicken breast)
Cherry tomatoes, sliced into thirds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Place a pizza stone in the oven while it is preheating, and let it heat up for at least 30 minutes. Place a round of parchment paper (or a pizza peel) on a work surface and lightly sprinkle it with cornmeal. Place the pizza dough in the center and roll it out into a large round using a lightly floured rolling pin, and/or a pulling/stretching motion with floured hands. Leave a 1-inch border that is thicker around the edges for the crust. Lightly brush this outer edge of the crust with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of pesto on the pizza crust using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with grilled chicken pieces and sliced cherry tomatoes. (Don't skimp on the tomatoes. I would add extra next time). Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Carefully transfer the parchment round to the preheated pizza stone. Place in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is lightly browned, about 12-15 minutes. Slice and serve immediately.
from Annies Eats