If you are craving a pizza that bursts with creamy, garlicky goodness topped with tender chicken and melty cheese, then this White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe is your go-to comfort dish. Imagine that golden crust layered with a luscious white garlic sauce, plenty of shredded chicken, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses—all baked to perfection. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients that come together effortlessly to deliver a pizza experience that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for any night of the week when you want to impress yourself or friends with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s the dough’s perfect texture, the richness of the sauce, or the delightful cheese blend that melts beautifully. Each element is simple but essential, ensuring your pizza hits every note of flavor and satisfaction.
- Warm water, 1 1/4 cups: Helps activate the yeast and create a soft yet chewy dough base.
- Sugar, 2 teaspoons: Feeds the yeast for a nice rise in the dough without adding noticeable sweetness.
- Active dry yeast, 2 1/4 teaspoons: The key to a fluffy, risen pizza dough with the perfect airy texture.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: Forms the structure of the dough, providing a sturdy but tender base for toppings.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons plus 1 tbsp for drizzling: Adds moisture and crispness to the dough and a subtle fruity finish.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (plus more to taste): Enhances flavor depth in the dough and sauce.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Creates a rich, velvety base for the white garlic sauce.
- Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Provides the signature pungent, aromatic punch in the white sauce.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Adds luxurious creaminess and body to the sauce.
- Milk, 1/2 cup: Lightens the sauce just enough without losing richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: Adds a tangy, nutty flavor that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Infuses a hint of herbaceous warmth into the creamy sauce.
- Ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Offers subtle heat and complexity.
- Cooked, shredded chicken, 2 cups: The hearty, protein-packed topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 cups: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible pizza pull.
- Shredded provolone cheese, 1/2 cup (optional): Adds an extra layer of flavor for cheese lovers.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped: Brightens the pizza with a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle if you like a little kick of heat to complement the creamy sauce.
How to Make White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start with activating the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit until it forms a foamy top—this means your yeast is alive and ready. Then combine the flour and salt in a larger bowl before adding olive oil and the yeast mixture. Mix everything into a rough dough, then knead it on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic—this develops the gluten for a chewy, satisfying crust. Finally, let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, which gives you that soft and airy pizza base you’ll love.
Step 2: Make the White Garlic Sauce
While the dough is rising, melt the butter gently over medium heat and add the fragrant minced garlic. Just a quick minute is all it needs to release those wonderful aromas without burning. Then blend in the heavy cream and milk, letting them simmer until the mixture thickens slightly to a perfect sauce consistency. Stir in Parmesan, oregano, and black pepper for layers of cheesy, herbal, and peppery notes. Taste and adjust salt to balance the flavors—the sauce should be creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Shape and Top the Pizza
After your dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a 12-inch circle, creating that classic pizza shape. Transfer it carefully to a greased pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure an evenly cooked base. To avoid sogginess, brush the dough with olive oil first. Next, spread a generous layer of the luscious white garlic sauce, leaving a little border for the crust. Now it’s time for the flavorful chicken and cheese — sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly, then top with mozzarella and provolone cheese for ultimate cheesiness.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Preheat your oven to a hot 475°F (245°C) so the pizza cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly and the crust turns golden. This hot oven finish locks in the creamy sauce and melts the cheese to gooey heaven.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Remove the pizza from the oven and adorn it with bright fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. For those who love a bit of a spicy surprise, sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes. Then drizzle a little olive oil over the top for that extra sheen and aroma. Now your White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe is ready to serve and devour!
How to Serve White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just for looks; it adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness of the garlic cream sauce. If you want an extra pop of flavor, crushed red pepper flakes add a kick that wakes up your taste buds perfectly. A final light drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances aroma and gives each bite a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This pizza fares wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness. A tangy vinaigrette is a great counterpoint and keeps the meal feeling fresh and well-rounded. If you prefer something heartier, garlic roasted potatoes pair beautifully and echo the garlic theme without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for that cozy, homestyle feel. For parties, consider cutting the pizza into smaller squares to make bite-sized appetizers. You can even add a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the presentation, making your homemade pizza look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its creamy garlic flavor and cheesy goodness. Simply pull a slice when you want a quick snack or light meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some pizza for longer, freezing works great. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. For best taste and texture, enjoy frozen pizza within 1-2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that oven-fresh quality, reheating in the oven or a toaster oven is your best bet. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warm and the cheese starts bubbling again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and diminish the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save you time, and it still bakes nicely with the creamy white garlic sauce and chicken toppings. Just be sure to stretch it out gently and follow the rest of the recipe as is for delicious results.
How do I make the white garlic sauce less rich?
You can lighten the sauce by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but keep in mind this will alter the sauce’s creamy texture slightly. Reducing butter amounts can also help, but the richness is part of what makes this pizza so special.
What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor. You can also use grilled or baked chicken breasts, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, to keep the focus on the sauce and cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the pizza?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions complement the white garlic sauce well without overpowering the flavors. Just add them after the sauce and before the cheeses.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, though the texture of the crust and sauce may change slightly after freezing and reheating. To preserve best quality, freeze the pizza before baking and cook fresh from frozen.
Final Thoughts
This White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly chewy crust—everything you want in a pizza packed with flavor but still comforting and easy. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Homemade pizza nights just got a whole lot better!
Print
White Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 1-2)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and flavorful White Garlic Chicken Pizza featuring a homemade garlic cream sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses on a freshly made pizza dough. Perfect for a gourmet homemade pizza night with a crispy crust and rich toppings.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
White Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough starts to form.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten for good texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Prepare White Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and milk, bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Coat Dough: Brush the surface of the shaped pizza dough with olive oil to prevent sogginess during baking.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread a generous layer of the white garlic sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the shredded cooked chicken over the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot to ensure it doubles in size properly; this affects the texture of the crust.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with any cooked chicken of your choice.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce based on your preference for intensity.
- For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- Provolone cheese is optional but adds a nice extra depth of flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add heat but can be omitted for a milder pizza.
