Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Roasted Garlic Sauce:
1 bulb garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pizza Toppings:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until the dough comes together, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Roast the Garlic:
While the dough is rising, roast the garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil.
Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and mash it with a fork. Set aside.
3. Make the Roasted Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mashed roasted garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Punch down the risen pizza dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and baking sheet.
Spread the roasted garlic sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano, if desired.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula for a fresh touch.
Slice and serve warm.
Tips:
Garlic Lovers: Add extra roasted garlic cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for extra flavor.
Cheese Variations: You can mix in some gouda or fontina cheese for a richer taste.
This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza is a comforting and flavorful pizza that will satisfy your craving for a creamy, savory dish. The combination of roasted garlic and tender chicken with a creamy sauce is a perfect balance of flavors! Enjoy!