Garlic Parmesan Chicken Broccoli Pizza

Experience a gourmet dinner at home with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza. A flavorful thin-crust pizza featuring a creamy garlic-Parmesan white sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, it is perfect for a satisfying and unique twist on classic pizza night. The rich, savory sauce replaces traditional tomato, creating a sophisticated profile that highlights the freshness of the toppings.

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Combining American comfort with Italian-inspired flavors, this dish brings the elegance of a white-sauce pasta to a convenient pizza format. The combination of pungent garlic, nutty Parmesan, and vibrant green broccoli florets ensures every bite is balanced and delicious.

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

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

Step 2

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. Brush the edge with olive oil.

Step 3

Prepare the white 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). Remove from heat.

Step 4

Spread the garlic-Parmesan sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Step 7

Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, marinate the cooked chicken with a little olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs before topping the pizza. This adds depth to the protein and complements the white sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute cauliflower for broccoli if preferred, or add sliced mushrooms for an earthier taste. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for variety.

Serviervorschläge

This pizza pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness of the garlic-Parmesan sauce perfectly.

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza is a fantastic way to elevate your homemade pizza game. With its creamy sauce and fresh toppings, it's sure to become a new favorite for friends and family alike.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this preparation. Both fresh and refrigerated dough options yield excellent results. Just ensure the dough is at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.

→ Do I need to cook the broccoli before adding it to the pizza?

Yes, blanching the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes before topping ensures they cook through completely during baking. This prevents undercooked, tough broccoli and guarantees even texture with the tender chicken.

→ Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?

The garlic-Parmesan sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creamy consistency before spreading on the dough.

→ What vegetables work well as substitutes for broccoli?

Cauliflower florets, sliced mushrooms, or spinach make excellent alternatives. Blanch cauliflower similarly to broccoli. Sauté mushrooms or spinach briefly before topping to remove excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.

→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Preheating your oven thoroughly with a pizza stone inside creates optimal crust texture. If using a baking sheet, place it in the oven during preheating. Also avoid overloading with sauce, and blot blanched broccoli dry before topping.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?

Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time. Simply shred or dice the meat, removing skin and bones. The seasoned flavor from rotisserie chicken complements the garlic-Parmesan sauce exceptionally well.