Description
A quick and flavorful Pesto Chicken Pizza featuring a pre-baked crust topped with savory pesto basil sauce, tender cooked chicken strips, artichoke hearts, and melted fontina cheese, perfect for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 12 inch pre-baked pizza crust
Toppings
- ½ cup pesto basil sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast strips
- 1 6 ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ cup shredded fontina cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature for melting cheese and baking the pizza evenly.
- Prepare Base: Place the 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone, which will provide a crisp and sturdy foundation for the toppings.
- Spread Pesto: Evenly spread ½ cup of pesto basil sauce over the surface of the pizza crust, making sure to cover the entire base for maximum flavor.
- Add Chicken and Artichokes: Distribute 2 cups of cooked chicken breast strips and the chopped artichoke hearts over the pesto-covered crust for a hearty, satisfying topping.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle ½ cup of shredded fontina cheese across the toppings, which will melt beautifully during baking to bind all ingredients.
- Bake Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fontina cheese is bubbly and has a golden hue.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, then slice and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
- Optional Garnish: Add a fresh touch by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Use a pre-baked crust to reduce overall cooking time and ensure a crispy base.
- Cook chicken breast strips ahead to streamline pizza assembly.
- Artichoke hearts should be well-drained and chopped for even distribution.
- Fontina cheese melts smoothly and has a mild, creamy flavor ideal for this pizza.
- Optional garnishes like fresh basil or olive oil add extra aroma and enhance presentation.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone if available.
- Letting the pizza rest after baking helps prevent burning when slicing.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Pizza, Pesto Pizza, Chicken Pizza, Easy Pizza Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pizza, Artichoke Pizza
