Creamy Garlic Chicken Pizza

This roasted garlic white chicken pizza has completely changed my family's pizza night tradition. The combination of sweet roasted garlic, tender chicken, and that incredible homemade white sauce creates something that tastes genuinely restaurant-quality but can be made right in your own kitchen. I've perfected this recipe over countless Friday nights, adjusting the garlic roasting time and sauce consistency until it became the most requested meal in our home.

I first made this pizza during a particularly cold winter weekend when we couldn't go out. My husband declared it better than our favorite local pizzeria, and now even when we could order delivery, the family begs for this homemade version instead.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough store bought or homemade both work wonderfully here and give you flexibility based on your time constraints
• Head of garlic the star ingredient that transforms from sharp to sweet and mellow during roasting
• Olive oil helps the garlic caramelize properly during roasting
• Butter creates the rich base for our white sauce
• All purpose flour works with butter to thicken our sauce to the perfect consistency
• Whole milk provides creaminess that skim milk simply cannot match
• Parmesan cheese adds savory depth to the white sauce look for freshly grated for best flavor
• Salt and pepper these basics are crucial for proper seasoning
• Cooked chicken breast rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time
• Mozzarella cheese fresh or low moisture both work well freshly grated melts more evenly than pre shredded
• Italian seasoning this blend adds subtle herbal notes without overwhelming the delicate flavors
• Fresh herbs optional but the bright finish they provide is worth the extra step

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut just the top off a whole head of garlic to expose all the cloves inside. Drizzle thoroughly with olive oil making sure it seeps between the cloves. Wrap completely in foil creating a sealed packet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves turn golden brown and become soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. The garlic should smell sweet and nutty rather than sharp. Allow to cool until you can handle it comfortably.

Prepare the White Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble but not brown. Add flour and whisk continuously for one full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Very slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until perfectly smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool slightly so it thickens further.

Shape the Pizza

Increase oven temperature to 475°F and place pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to preheat. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer carefully to parchment paper to make sliding onto the hot stone easier. The parchment prevents sticking and makes transfer simple.

Assemble the Pizza

Spread the white sauce in an even layer across the dough leaving a one inch border for the crust. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their papery skins and mash lightly with a fork. Distribute small dollops of the mashed garlic across the sauce. Evenly spread the chicken pieces over the surface. Cover everything with an even layer of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning across the top.

Bake to Perfection

Carefully slide the pizza with parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes watching closely until the cheese bubbles and begins to develop golden brown spots and the crust becomes golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs if using.

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The roasted garlic is truly what makes this pizza special. I discovered its transformative power years ago when I accidentally roasted garlic for too long and found it turned incredibly sweet and spreadable. Now I often roast extra heads while making this pizza and keep them in the refrigerator for spreading on bread or adding to other dishes throughout the week.

Make-Ahead Options

This pizza works wonderfully as a meal prep option. You can roast the garlic and prepare the white sauce up to three days ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The garlic actually gets even better as it sits, developing deeper flavor. When ready to make your pizza, simply warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave until it returns to a spreadable consistency. This preparation makes weeknight pizza possible in under 20 minutes.

Variations Worth Trying

While this classic version is our family favorite, we occasionally mix things up with delicious results. Adding caramelized onions brings a wonderful sweetness that complements the roasted garlic. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms which provide a similar satisfying texture. Sometimes we add fresh spinach under the cheese layer for extra nutrition and color. For those who enjoy heat, adding a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking introduces a pleasant warmth that balances the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides that help cut through its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil makes the perfect complement. For a complete Italian inspired meal, serve smaller slices as a first course followed by a simple pasta dish. If serving for a gathering, cut into small squares as an appetizer that will disappear quickly. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer makes the perfect beverage pairing.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this pizza?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option that still delivers great flavor. Simply shred or dice the amount you need from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it directly to your pizza.

→ How can I ensure my pizza crust gets crispy?

For an extra-crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before adding your pizza. You can also pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Another tip is to avoid overloading with too many wet toppings that could make the crust soggy.

→ Can I make the roasted garlic ahead of time?

Yes! Roasted garlic can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even roast several heads at once and use them throughout the week in various dishes.

→ What can I serve with this white chicken pizza?

This pizza pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, a classic Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. For a complete meal, consider adding a light soup as a starter.

→ Can I freeze this pizza?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pizza either before or after baking. For pre-baked, assemble on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then wrap tightly. For leftover baked pizza, wrap individual slices tightly. Reheat frozen unbaked pizza directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For pre-baked slices, reheat in a 375°F oven until hot.

→ How can I add some extra flavor to this white pizza?

There are many ways to customize this pizza! Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze after baking, or incorporating caramelized onions under the cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or fresh arugula added after baking can also bring interesting flavor dimensions.