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chicken pizza recipe

Classic Chicken Pizza

A classic homemade chicken pizza with tomato sauce, cooked chicken, plenty of mozzarella, and a golden crispy crust baked at high heat.
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Cook Time 12 minutes
Dough Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Dough
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for flouring
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 packet yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Sugar optional, a pinch
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil a drizzle
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
For the Toppings
  • 1–1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Olive oil for brushing the crust
  • Onions optional
  • Peppers optional

Equipment

  • Pizza pan or baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Measuring cups
  • Pastry brush
  • Pizza Cutter

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast in the warm water for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 475°F for at least 15–20 minutes.
  8. Lightly coat a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil.
  9. Roll the rested dough into a 12–14 inch circle.
  10. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.
  11. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes with minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil.
  12. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
  13. Sprinkle about 1 cup of mozzarella over the sauce.
  14. Arrange the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese.
  15. Add onions or peppers if desired.
  16. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  17. Brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil.
  18. Bake at 475°F for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  19. Check that the bottom of the crust is firm and toasted.
  20. Let the pizza rest for at least 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Oven Temperature: 475°F.
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes.
Homemade Dough Rise Time: about 90 minutes.
Rest the risen dough for about 10 minutes before shaping.
Preheat the oven for at least 15–20 minutes.
Cook fresh chicken completely to 165°F before adding it to the pizza.
Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be used as a shortcut.
Allow the pizza to rest for at least 2 minutes before slicing.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.