Chicken Pesto Pizza: A Deliciously Healthy Recipe

Pizza has always been one of the most popular comfort foods around the world. Its versatility allows for endless combinations of toppings, and when paired with a fresh, vibrant pesto sauce and succulent chicken, it creates a meal that is both satisfying and healthy. If you’re craving something a bit different from your usual pizza, the Chicken Pesto Pizza is a must-try. This flavorful dish combines the classic appeal of pizza with the herby freshness of pesto and the lean protein of chicken.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making a mouthwatering Chicken Pesto Pizza. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, we’ll share some ideas on how to make it healthier and how to use any leftovers in creative ways.

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pizza

Before you get started, here’s a quick list of ingredients you’ll need for this Pesto Chicken Pizza Recipe. The best part is that you can easily adjust the quantities based on your preferences or how many people you’re serving.

For the Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 dentes de alho
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
1/2 xícara de queijo Parmesão ralado
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sal e pimenta a gosto

For the Pizza:

1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (perfect for using leftover pesto chicken)
1/2 cup pesto sauce (from the recipe above)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but adds a fresh burst)
A handful of fresh arugula (optional for garnish)

Add-Ons:

Red onion, thinly sliced
Red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

This Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza uses a combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients that make it a healthier option compared to traditional pizzas loaded with processed meats and cheeses. You can adjust the toppings to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Making the Pesto Sauce

The key to a fantastic Chicken Pesto Pizza lies in the pesto sauce. Making your own pesto sauce is incredibly easy and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought sauces can’t replicate. Here’s how to prepare it:

Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste.
Add the Olive Oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Season: Taste your pesto and add salt and pepper to suit your preference. You can also adjust the garlic or Parmesan depending on how garlicky or cheesy you want the pesto to taste.

This fresh pesto sauce is full of bold flavors and is a perfect complement to the mild, savory taste of chicken. It also works as a great topping for pasta or even as a dip for breadsticks.

Preparing the Chicken for Pesto Chicken Pizza

For this recipe, we recommend using cooked, shredded chicken. If you have any leftover chicken from another meal, this is the perfect time to use it! Leftover Pesto Chicken Recipes are always handy, and they help speed up the cooking process.

Here’s how you can prepare the chicken:

Grill or Roast the Chicken: If you don’t have any leftover chicken, you can grill or roast chicken breasts. Season them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook until they’re fully done.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also chop it into small cubes if you prefer.
Mix with Pesto: In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with a few tablespoons of your fresh pesto sauce. This ensures that the chicken is coated with the pesto flavor, making each bite savory and satisfying.

Assembling the Pesto Pizza

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the Chicken Pesto Pizza!

Pré-aqueça o Forno: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s heating to get it nice and hot.
Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. You can opt for a thin crust if you prefer a crispy base or a thicker crust if you like a chewier texture.
Add the Pesto Sauce: Spread a generous amount of the pesto sauce over the base of the pizza. Use the back of a spoon to evenly distribute it.
Top with Chicken: Scatter the pesto-coated chicken over the pizza. Be sure to spread it out evenly so that every bite has a good amount of chicken.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and pesto. You can also add a little extra Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Add Optional Toppings: If you’re using cherry tomatoes, red onion, or any other toppings, add them now.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. If you’re using a pizza stone, you may need to bake it a little quicker.

Making the Pizza Healthier

If you’re looking to make your Chicken Pesto Pizza a bit healthier, here are some tips:

Use Whole Wheat Dough: Swap out the regular pizza dough for a whole wheat crust for added fiber and nutrients. This will make your pizza more filling and provide a better source of whole grains.
Lean Chicken: Opt for lean cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, to keep the dish lower in fat. Grilled or baked chicken is a healthier option than fried chicken.
Low-Fat Cheese: Choose part-skim mozzarella cheese or a combination of mozzarella and goat cheese to lower the fat content while still providing creamy texture and flavor.
Add Vegetables: Add more veggies to your pizza to make it even healthier. You can include mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra nutrients.

By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy pizza without sacrificing taste.

Leftover Pesto Chicken Recipes

One of the best parts of this Chicken Pesto Pizza is that it’s a great way to use up leftover pesto chicken. If you have extra chicken left over after making the pizza, you can use it in a variety of other meals. Here are a few ideas:

Pesto Chicken Flatbread: Use the leftover pesto chicken to make a quick flatbread. Simply spread some pesto on flatbread or tortilla, add the chicken, and top with a bit of cheese. Bake for a few minutes until the cheese melts, and you’ve got a quick, delicious meal.
Pesto Chicken Salad: Shred the leftover pesto chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light dressing. This creates a flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and light.
Pesto Chicken Wraps: Wrap the pesto chicken in a whole wheat tortilla with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, for a delicious and portable meal.

Final Thoughts on Pesto Chicken Pizza

The Chicken Pesto Pizza is an incredibly versatile dish that brings together the flavors of fresh pesto, savory chicken, and creamy mozzarella, all on a crispy pizza crust. Whether you’re using leftover pesto chicken or cooking the chicken fresh, this pizza is both delicious and easy to make. By following the tips for a healthier pizza, you can enjoy a guilt-free meal that satisfies your pizza cravings.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for pizza, give the Pesto Chicken Pizza a try. With its vibrant flavor and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this pizza is bound to impress everyone at the table.