White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs Recipe
If you’re ready to upgrade your homemade pizza game, look no further than this dazzling White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs. Imagine a crisp, golden crust slathered with creamy, garlicky white sauce, layered with juicy chicken, ribbons of red onion, and a melted blanket of cheese, all crowned with a shower of fragrant, just-chopped herbs. This pizza is pure comfort and vibrant flavor in every bite, and it’s the kind of easy, irresistible dinner you’ll come back to over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to this unforgettable White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs. Each addition brings its own personality—creamy, tangy, sharp, or herbaceous—to the party, making every slice sparkle with flavor and texture.
- Pizza Dough: The foundation for a perfectly chewy, golden crust. Go homemade for maximum freshness, or use your favorite store-bought ball for convenience.
- Cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch and prevents sticking—just a sprinkle goes a long way on your peel or baking parchment.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust edge for extra flavor and that inviting, bakery-style sheen.
- Unsalted Butter: Richness to start your white sauce off right, letting the other flavors shine without being greasy.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced and gently sautéed, it infuses the sauce with deep, mellow flavor that’s never overpowering.
- All Purpose Flour: Thickens the white sauce to the just-right spreadable consistency.
- Black Pepper: A dash gives the sauce a subtle, peppery warmth that’s unmistakable.
- Milk: Brings the sauce together into creamy smoothness—whole milk is best, but 2% will work in a pinch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the sauce, tying every other ingredient together.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—don’t be shy, but taste as you go!
- Shredded, Cooked Chicken Breasts: Tender, protein-packed bites soak up the sauce for ultimate satisfaction.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced and scattered on top, they roast sweet and mellow in the oven.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Classic gooeyness, melting into the perfect pizza cheese blanket.
- Fresh Oregano: Minced and sprinkled on at the end, it brings a peppery, slightly lemony brightness.
- Fresh Chives: For a mild, oniony pop that feels fresh and lively.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and an herby, clean finish that livens up every bite.
How to Make White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Surface
For that classic, pizzeria-style finish, crank your oven up to 500˚F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the center rack now to preheat and get gorgeously hot. This is how you’ll achieve that beautifully crisp crust. Sprinkle a light layer of cornmeal onto your baker’s peel or parchment—this prevents sticking and makes your pizza easy to transfer later.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Now for the fun part: rolling out your pizza dough. Flour your surface, then roll or stretch your dough into a big, roughly 14-inch circle. Don’t worry about a perfectly even circle—it’s the rustic edges that make homemade pizza special! Carefully lay it onto the prepared baker’s peel, and brush the border with a bit of olive oil for a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the fresh garlic and let it bloom for 30 seconds to a minute, just until it’s fragrant (don’t let it brown). Whisk in the flour and black pepper, cooking until the flour turns golden and nutty smelling. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking all the while. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook and thicken, stirring often. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan plus a pinch of salt to taste. This sauce is what makes the White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs so silky, rich, and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread a generous, even layer (about 1/2 cup) of your freshly made white sauce over the dough, leaving the olive-oiled border bare for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded chicken across the saucy base, making sure you get some in every bite. Scatter over the red onion slices for sweet tang, then rain down all the mozzarella. And yes, if you have a little extra white sauce, save it for serving!
Step 5: Bake
This is where wonderful things happen. Slide your pizza—along with the parchment, if using—onto your blazing-hot pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crust turns golden, the cheese is bubbling and bronzed, and the kitchen smells amazing.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve
Once your White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs emerges from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets just enough for easy slicing. Finish with a confetti of minced fresh oregano, chives, and parsley. Slice into wedges, serve with extra white sauce on the side, and savor every bite!
How to Serve White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Besides fresh oregano, chives, and parsley, a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper adds extra depth and color. A little drizzle of good olive oil just before serving never hurts, either—it’s the secret to that irresistible sheen and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs with a simple arugula and lemon salad, marinated olives, or roasted veggies for a fresh counterpoint. A crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade makes it feel even more like a cozy trattoria night at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the pizza into thin strips for a party appetizer platter, or bake mini versions as personalized flatbreads for a fun interactive meal. For a crowd, double the recipe and serve on a big wooden board with fresh herbs piled high—a true showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover slices of White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, and a quick reheating brings everything back to life. The herbs may lose their pop, so sprinkle fresh ones on after reheating for best results.
Freezing
To freeze, cool pizza slices completely and tightly wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Pizza will keep for up to 2 months. For a make-ahead option, you can also freeze just the rolled-out dough or fully assembled (but unbaked) pizzas, then bake straight from frozen—just tack on a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
For best results, reheat White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs in a 375˚F oven on a baking sheet or directly on the rack for about 8–10 minutes. This crisps the crust and refreshes the cheese. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in a skillet over medium-low heat works wonders, too. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust from going soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the pizza?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only a time-saver but adds extra flavor and moisture to White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs. Just shred or chop it before adding to the pizza.
Do I need a pizza stone to make this recipe?
No pizza stone? No problem! A preheated heavy baking sheet flipped upside down works nearly as well. The key is getting the surface nice and hot before sliding the pizza on.
What other herbs can I use?
If you want to switch things up, fresh basil, thyme, or tarragon are all delicious on White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs. Just sprinkle them on after baking for best flavor and color.
How can I make this pizza vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and double up on sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. The white sauce and herb combo shines with almost any topping you dream up.
Can I prepare the white sauce in advance?
Yes! The white sauce can be made up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge and gently rewarm before spreading onto the dough when assembling your White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs.
Final Thoughts
This White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs is truly a crowd-pleaser—vibrant, cheesy, and bursting with fresh, herby flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, I hope it becomes a recipe you return to again and again. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious, fragrant bite!
Print
White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 1 14-inch pizza 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious White Pizza with Chicken and Fresh Herbs that brings together the creamy goodness of a white sauce, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs on a crispy crust.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1–2 teaspoons cornmeal for sprinkling
- Olive oil for brushing
White Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded, cooked chicken breasts
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 500˚F with a pizza stone on the center rack, if using. Sprinkle cornmeal over a baker’s peel or parchment.
- Prepare Dough: Roll pizza dough into a 14-inch circle, place on prepared baker’s peel, and brush the edge with olive oil.
- Make White Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Whisk in flour, pepper, milk, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to create a thick sauce.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread white sauce over pizza dough, add chicken, onions, and mozzarella. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, top with fresh herbs, slice, and serve with remaining white sauce.
Notes
- For added freshness, you can sprinkle some arugula on top before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: White Pizza, Chicken, Fresh Herbs, Pizza Recipe
