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How to Make Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
1. Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it tightly in foil.
- Roast the garlic in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before handling. Once cool, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins into a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Add the roasted garlic to the sauce, mashing it with a spoon or fork to incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to make sure everything is well combined. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if you’re using a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 14-inch round. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
- Spread a generous amount of the white garlic sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Scatter the shredded chicken evenly over the pizza.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta cheese (if using). The ricotta will add a rich, creamy layer that enhances the overall flavor.
- Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top if you like a bit of heat.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking to make sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves or arugula for a peppery, fresh contrast to the creamy pizza.
- Slice and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
- Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellow flavor. If you want a more intense garlic taste, you can add a few finely minced raw garlic cloves to the white sauce, but roasted garlic is what gives this pizza its signature flavor.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Shredded chicken makes the pizza both easy and quick to assemble.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, caramelized onions, or mushrooms to give the pizza extra flavor and texture. You could even add some sautéed bell peppers or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the roasted garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the pizza.
- Get Creative with Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor.
