Save Experience a sophisticated twist on pizza night with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza. Featuring a velvety homemade white sauce instead of traditional tomato, this thin-crust dish combines tender chicken and blanched broccoli for a meal that is both indulgent and wholesome. It is an American-Italian fusion that provides a gourmet flavor profile in just 40 minutes.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the balance between the garlicky, cheese-infused sauce and the crunch of the thin crust. Whether you are using store-bought dough for convenience or a homemade batch, the high-heat baking process ensures a professional-quality finish that makes this pizza a standout main course.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 1 lb (450 g) prepared pizza dough, 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Garlic-Parmesan White Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp dried Italian herbs (optional).
- Toppings: 1 cup (150 g) cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), 1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets (blanched and chopped), 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp olive oil, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), fresh parsley (chopped).
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Brush the edge with olive oil.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook, stirring, until thickened (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Layering
- Spread the garlic-Parmesan sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
- Step 5: Add Toppings
- Evenly scatter the chicken and broccoli over the sauce. Top with mozzarella and additional Parmesan. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 6: Bake
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 7: Serve
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, marinate the cooked chicken with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs before topping the pizza. This ensures every bite of protein is seasoned to perfection.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by substituting cauliflower for the broccoli if preferred, or by adding sliced mushrooms to the topping mix for more texture.
Serviervorschläge
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a chilled Pinot Grigio, to complement the creamy garlic sauce and savory chicken.
Save With its bubbling mozzarella and fragrant garlic-Parmesan sauce, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delicious blend of fresh ingredients and creamy textures in every slice.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought white sauce instead?
While homemade garlic-Parmesan sauce delivers the best flavor, you can substitute with a quality store-bought Alfredo sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste as commercial sauces vary in saltiness.
- → Should I cook the broccoli before topping?
Yes, blanching broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes ensures they become tender during baking without drying out. Raw broccoli may remain too crunchy or char before the crust finishes.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled breast, or poached chicken all work excellently. Avoid using highly seasoned chicken as it may compete with the delicate garlic-Parmesan flavors.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the white sauce up to 2 days in advance and store refrigerated. Chop chicken and broccoli ahead, but assemble the pizza just before baking to prevent soggy crust.
- → How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Preheat your oven thoroughly at 475°F and use a pizza stone if available. Avoid overloading with sauce, and ensure vegetables are properly blanched and drained before topping.