Finger-Lickin’ Good: How to Make Chicken Pizza That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance!

Ever found yourself staring at some leftover chicken in your fridge and wondering what to do with it? Well, let me tell ya, chicken pizza is the answer you’ve been searching for! As someone who’s made about a gazillion pizzas (okay, maybe not that many), I can confidently say that chicken pizza is not only delicious but also super versatile

I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about making chicken pizza – from traditional approaches to some crazy good alternatives that’ll blow your mind Let’s get cookin’!

What Makes Chicken Pizza So Darn Good?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why chicken pizza deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

• Protein packed: Chicken adds lean protein to your pizza, making it more filling
• Versatile: Works with practically ANY sauce – from classic tomato to pesto to buffalo
• Quick option: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner in a hurry
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters usually love it!

The Classic Chicken Pizza Recipe

Let’s start with a straightforward chicken pizza that’ll please just about anyone at your dinner table

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fully cooked (no pink left).

2. Prep the pizza base: Place your prebaked crust on a lightly greased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread the pesto sauce evenly across the crust, leaving about an inch around the edge for the crust.

3. Add toppings: Layer on your cooked chicken, followed by chopped tomato and black beans. Then sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

4. Bake: Pop it in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and melted.

5. Serve: Let it cool for a couple minutes before slicing (this helps everything set so it doesn’t slide off).

Voilà! A delicious chicken pizza ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Buffalo-Style Chicken Pizza – For Those Who Like It Spicy!

If you’re like me and love a bit of kick in your food, then buffalo chicken pizza is gonna be your new BFF.

Ingredients:

• 3 cooked chicken breasts, diced
• 1 (2 ounce) bottle hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle blue cheese salad dressing
• 1 (16 inch) prepared pizza crust
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a bowl, mix together the diced chicken, hot sauce, and melted butter until well combined.

3. Place your crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet.

4. Spread the blue cheese dressing over the crust (this acts as your sauce).

5. Top with the chicken mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake for about 5-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

7. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

The combo of spicy buffalo chicken with the cooling blue cheese is absolutely AMAZING. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Revolutionary Idea: Chicken AS the Pizza Crust!

Okay, here’s where things get really interesting. What if I told you that you could make a pizza where the chicken IS the crust? Yep, you read that right! This is perfect for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Ingredients for Chicken Pizza Crust:

• 20oz canned chicken, drained
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Prepare a pizza pan by covering it with parchment paper and spraying with cooking oil.

3. In a large bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, egg, Parmesan, and garlic powder.

4. Mix thoroughly with a fork, breaking up the chicken so there aren’t any large clumps.

5. Spread the mixture out on your prepared pan into a pizza shape, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick (thinner is better).

6. Bake for 30 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven, add your favorite pizza toppings.

8. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.

This chicken crust is a game-changer for anyone watching their carbs but still craving pizza! As one commenter on this recipe said, “This was AMAZING!! My non-keto husband loved it as much as I.”

Topping Ideas That Work Great with Chicken Pizza

The beauty of chicken pizza is how versatile it is. Here are some topping combos that work particularly well:

1. Mediterranean Style

• Chicken + pesto sauce + sun-dried tomatoes + feta cheese + olives

2. BBQ Chicken

• Chicken + BBQ sauce + red onions + cilantro + cheddar cheese

3. Alfredo Chicken

• Chicken + alfredo sauce + spinach + mushrooms + mozzarella

4. Taco Pizza

• Taco-seasoned chicken + salsa + black beans + Mexican cheese blend + avocado (added after baking)

5. Pesto Paradise

• Chicken + pesto + dollops of ricotta + cherry tomatoes + pine nuts

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pizza

After making a LOT of chicken pizzas over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks:

1. Pre-cook your chicken completely – Raw chicken won’t cook through during the short pizza baking time.

2. Chicken size matters – Cut your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces so you don’t need a knife to eat your pizza.

3. Don’t overload toppings – Too many toppings make for a soggy center.

4. Season your chicken well – The chicken carries a lot of the flavor, so don’t be shy with seasonings.

5. Use leftover chicken – This is a perfect way to use up that rotisserie chicken from earlier in the week!

6. Consider a light hand with sauce – Too much sauce can make your pizza soggy, especially when using chicken.

Troubleshooting Common Chicken Pizza Problems

Even the best of us run into issues sometimes. Here’s how to fix common chicken pizza problems:

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Pizza

Made too much pizza? (Is that even possible?!) Here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: You can freeze baked pizza! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Best reheating method: Skip the microwave! Reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until hot. Or try the skillet method – heat pizza in a covered skillet with a few drops of water for steam.

Why My Family Is Obsessed With Chicken Pizza

I’ll be honest with ya – my family used to be divided on pizza toppings. The kids wanted plain cheese, hubby wanted pepperoni, and I craved veggies. Then we discovered chicken pizza and it changed EVERYTHING.

Now we make chicken pizza at least twice a month, and everyone gets to customize their section. The kids like BBQ chicken, I go for the pesto version, and my husband loves the spicy buffalo style. It’s become our Friday night tradition!

FAQs About Chicken Pizza

Q: Can I use raw chicken on pizza?
A: No! Always fully cook your chicken before adding it to pizza. The pizza doesn’t bake long enough to safely cook raw chicken.

Q: What cheese goes best with chicken pizza?
A: Mozzarella is classic, but don’t be afraid to try others! Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and feta all work great with chicken.

Q: Can I make chicken pizza ahead of time?
A: You can prep components ahead (cook chicken, chop veggies), but for best results, assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on pizza?
A: Toss your cooked chicken in a bit of sauce before adding it to the pizza, and don’t overbake.

Q: Can I use canned chicken for pizza?
A: Absolutely! It’s a time-saver. Just drain well and break up any large chunks.

Wrapping It Up

Making chicken pizza isn’t rocket science, but a few simple tricks can take it from good to absolutely incredible. Whether you’re going traditional with a regular crust or trying out the mind-blowing chicken-as-crust option, you’re in for a treat.

The next time you’re wondering what to do with that leftover chicken in your fridge, remember this guide and whip up a pizza that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that chicken, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Oh, and if you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Drop a comment below or tag me in your pizza pics!