Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Savor a creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pizza made with tender grilled chicken, rich homemade alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella on a crisp pizza crust. High in protein and simple to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you crave a comforting, homemade pizza.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 rolling pin (for pizza dough)
- 1 baking sheet or pizza stone
- 1 knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 homemade pizza crust
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into pieces
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup cooked chicken chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Start by making the rich, creamy sauce that will serve as the heart of your pizza. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, watching carefully so it doesn’t brown. Once melted, add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Immediately add the 2 ounces of cream cheese, cut into small pieces, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined, mix in 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, followed by 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the sauce is silky, smooth, and slightly thickened. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
- Roll Out the Pizza Crust: Prepare your pizza base by rolling or stretching the homemade dough into a large circle, approximately 12–14 inches in diameter, on a lightly floured surface. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to create a natural crust. If you prefer a crispier base, pre-bake the crust for 4–5 minutes at 425°F (218°C) on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Thin crust pizzas can skip pre-baking. This ensures your crust stays firm and supports the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Spread the Alfredo Sauce Evenly: Using a spoon or a small ladle, generously spread the prepared alfredo sauce over the pizza dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges for the crust. Spread the sauce evenly to ensure every bite gets that creamy, cheesy flavor. Be careful not to overload any single area to prevent the pizza from becoming too wet or heavy.
- Layer the Cheese: Begin layering with a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the alfredo sauce. This creates a gooey, cheesy base that melts beautifully under the chicken and toppings. Sprinkle it evenly across the surface so every slice will have the perfect balance of cheese and sauce.
- Add the Chicken Topping: Take 1 cup of cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and evenly distribute it over the layer of mozzarella. The chicken provides protein and substance, making this pizza a satisfying main meal. Ensure each slice will have a generous amount of chicken by spacing the pieces evenly.
- Top with More Cheese and Parmesan: After adding the chicken, sprinkle another layer of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese. This creates a golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy topping once baked. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan ensures a rich, flavorful crust that is irresistibly cheesy.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Carefully place the assembled pizza on a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes. Watch closely during the final few minutes; the cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, while the crust edges become crisp. Remove the pizza from the oven using a spatula or pizza peel.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut. Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to slice into 8 equal pieces. Serve immediately while warm and gooey. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza as a satisfying weeknight dinner, casual lunch, or shared treat with friends and family.
- Optional Garnish and Tips: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil over the top before serving. You can also add thinly sliced mushrooms or spinach during Step 5 for additional nutrients and flavor variety.
Notes
- Pre-bake the crust slightly: This prevents sogginess and ensures a firm base that holds the creamy sauce and toppings.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: It blends more smoothly with butter and milk, creating a silky, lump-free alfredo sauce.
- Whisk constantly when adding milk: This helps the sauce achieve a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides more flavor than pre-shredded or pre-grated versions.
- Layer toppings lightly and evenly: Avoid overloading to ensure even cooking, proper melting, and a balanced bite in every slice.
- Season carefully: A pinch of salt and pepper in the sauce is usually sufficient; you can adjust after baking if needed.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, or a light drizzle of olive oil enhance flavor and presentation.
