Garlic White Chicken Pizza

This roasted garlic white chicken pizza has become my weekend ritual when I crave something both comforting and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy homemade white sauce with sweet roasted garlic creates a flavor foundation that elevates this beyond your standard pizza night offering. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and stretchy mozzarella that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made this pizza during a stormy weekend when we couldn't order delivery, and now my family requests it even when the weather is perfect. The roasted garlic perfumes the whole house with its rich aroma, turning a simple dinner into a special occasion.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Store bought or homemade brings the perfect chewy foundation for our toppings
• Whole head of garlic: Transforms into sweet mellow goodness when roasted that completely changes the flavor profile
• Olive oil: Helps the garlic caramelize properly for maximum flavor
• Butter: Creates the rich base for our white sauce giving it that velvety texture
• All purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without making it gummy or heavy
• Whole milk: Produces the creamiest sauce possible substitute lower fat milk if needed but the texture will be slightly less luxurious
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth to the white sauce look for freshly grated for best melting
• Cooked chicken breast: Provides protein and substance I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect stretchy pizza experience use whole milk mozzarella for best melt
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes that tie everything together
• Fresh herbs: For garnish brighten the whole pizza visually and flavor wise

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast The Garlic:

Preheat oven to 400°F and slice the top off a garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil making sure it seeps between the cloves then wrap tightly in foil. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves turn golden brown and become spreadably soft. The garlic should be fragrant with a mellow sweetness rather than sharp bite. Allow to cool enough to handle before squeezing the softened cloves from their papery skins.

Prepare The White Sauce:

While garlic roasts melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it foams slightly but doesn't brown. Add flour and whisk constantly for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look like wet sand and smell slightly nutty. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until completely melted then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble The Pizza:

Increase oven temperature to 475°F with pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Roll dough on floured surface to desired thickness making sure it's even to ensure proper cooking. Transfer to parchment paper for easy movement. Spread white sauce in an even layer leaving a border for the crust. Distribute mashed roasted garlic cloves evenly across the surface pressing slightly into the sauce. Scatter shredded chicken pieces ensuring even coverage then top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Bake To Perfection:

Carefully slide the prepared pizza with parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes watching closely as oven temperatures vary. Look for a deeply golden crust with bubbling cheese that has brown spots. Remove when perfectly cooked and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs if using and serve while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

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You Must Know

• Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully in a hot oven
• Contains approximately 450 calories per slice depending on crust thickness
• Can be prepared partially ahead of time for quicker weeknight assembly

The roasted garlic is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I once made this pizza without taking the time to roast the garlic properly and the difference was remarkable. The slow roasting process transforms harsh raw garlic into something almost candy sweet and complex that infuses the entire pizza with incredible depth.

Make Ahead Options

This pizza offers several opportunities to save time through advance preparation. The roasted garlic can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature before using. The white sauce can also be made a day in advance then gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. For maximum convenience prepare all components separately then assemble and bake just before serving for that fresh from the oven experience that makes homemade pizza special.

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Crust Variations

While traditional pizza dough works beautifully in this recipe do not hesitate to experiment with different crust options to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. A cauliflower crust provides a lower carb alternative that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy toppings. For a quicker version consider using a prebaked flatbread naan or even a split French bread loaf as your base. Whole wheat pizza dough adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber that complements the roasted garlic wonderfully. Whatever base you choose adjust baking time accordingly watching for golden edges and a firm bottom as indicators of doneness.

Topping Additions

The beauty of this white pizza lies in its versatility as a canvas for additional toppings. Baby spinach wilted slightly under the cheese adds color and nutrition. Caramelized onions bring sweet complexity that enhances the roasted garlic notes. For mushroom lovers sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms add earthy depth and meaty texture. Thinly sliced Roma tomatoes provide fresh acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly. During spring months consider adding tender asparagus tips or fresh peas for seasonal flavor. Remember that additional toppings may release moisture so precook vegetables when possible to prevent a soggy crust.

Serving Suggestions

Create a complete meal by pairing this pizza with complementary sides. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides peppery freshness that balances the richness. Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts with garlic continue the roasted theme while adding nutritional balance. For a beautiful presentation serve slices on wooden boards with small bowls of red pepper flakes honey for drizzling and extra roasted garlic on the side. This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Belgian style beer that will not overwhelm the delicate flavors.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I know when my roasted garlic is done?

Your roasted garlic is done when the cloves feel soft when pressed and have turned a golden caramel color. They should be fragrant and easily squeeze out of their papery skins. This typically takes 35-40 minutes in a 400°F oven.

→ Can I make this pizza with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a wonderful time-saver that adds great flavor. Simply shred or dice the amount needed from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and distribute it evenly over the white sauce.

→ Why should I preheat my pizza stone or baking sheet?

Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet creates an initial blast of heat that helps the bottom of the crust cook quickly, resulting in a crispier texture. This mimics the high-heat cooking methods used in professional pizza ovens.

→ 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 some roasted vegetables. A glass of crisp white wine or light beer also complements the creamy flavors nicely.

→ How can I make this pizza spicier?

To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking, add some sliced jalapeños as a topping, or drizzle with hot honey after baking. You could also mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into your white sauce for a more subtle heat throughout.

→ Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the garlic and prepare the white sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be cooked and shredded ahead of time. When ready to use, warm the sauce slightly to make it easier to spread.