Save to Pinterest A flavorful thin-crust pizza featuring a creamy garlic-Parmesan white sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, perfect for a satisfying and unique twist on classic pizza. This American-Italian dish brings a sophisticated richness to your dinner table in just 40 minutes.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are looking to change up your pizza night or find a way to make broccoli the star of the show, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza offers a delicious solution. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a bubbling, golden topping that perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces.
Ingredients
- For the Pizza Dough: 1 lb (450 g) prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought), 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- For the 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)
- For the 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 for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- 1. Oven and Dough Prep
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. 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 and brush the edge with olive oil.
- 2. Prepare 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), then remove from heat.
- 3. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the garlic-Parmesan sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border. 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.
- 4. Bake and Serve
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, ensure your broccoli florets are blanched and chopped small. Using a preheated pizza stone will help achieve a crisper crust at the high oven temperature of 475°F. Always allow the pizza to rest for 2 minutes after baking to let the cheese set before slicing with a pizza cutter.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer different vegetables, you can easily substitute cauliflower for broccoli or add sliced mushrooms to the topping mix. To elevate the flavor profile, try marinating the cooked chicken with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and extra Italian herbs before placing it on the sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pizza pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. Serve it hot as a main dish for four people, perhaps accompanied by a light side salad to balance the garlic-Parmesan sauce.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this satisfying meal that provides 430 calories, 18g of fat, and 39g of carbohydrates per serving. It is a hearty American-Italian classic that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious, high-protein dinner.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly. Use 1 lb (450 g) of refrigerated or frozen pizza dough, thawed if frozen. Homemade dough adds extra flavor but either option yields excellent results.
- → Should I cook the broccoli before putting it on the pizza?
Yes, blanch the broccoli florets briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before topping. This ensures the broccoli cooks through in the same 12-15 minutes it takes for the crust to crisp and cheese to melt.
- → Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. Consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to maintain the satisfying protein content and flavor profile.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breast. Dice or shred into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs before adding.
- → Can I freeze the white sauce?
The garlic-Parmesan sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- → Do I need a pizza stone?
A pizza stone creates a crispier crust but isn't essential. A baking sheet works fine—just preheat it in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the pizza to help achieve a crispy bottom crust.