Chicken Pesto Pizza

Indulge in the delectable goodness of our Chicken Pesto Pizza, a true crowd-pleaser that has won the hearts of countless pizza lovers. The simplicity of the spices allows the flavors of the succulent chicken and vibrant vegetables to shine through, creating a delightful harmony that will leave you craving for more. This pizza not only tastes great but is also a healthier option, ensuring guilt-free enjoyment for you and your loved ones.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2¾ cups bread flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
• ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
• ½ each small green, sweet red and yellow peppers, julienned
• ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
• 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Beat in 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon oil, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the remaining flour; beat until combined.
2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken, onion, peppers, and mushrooms in the remaining oil until the chicken is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat; set aside.
4. Punch the dough down; roll it into a 15-in. circle. Transfer it to a 14-in. pizza pan. Build up the edges slightly. Spread with pesto. Top with the chicken mixture and cheese. Sprinkle with pepper and the remaining salt.
5. Bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes or until the crust and cheese are lightly browned.

YIELD: 8 slices

COOKING TIME: 20 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To make the pizza even more flavorful, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before cooking.
• For a burst of freshness, consider adding some cherry tomatoes or baby spinach leaves to the toppings.

TIPS:

• To save time on the day of baking, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and freeze it. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
• Customize the toppings to suit your preferences. You can add other veggies like zucchini, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a personalized touch.

In conclusion, our Chicken Pesto Pizza is a mouthwatering delight that brings together the best of flavors and textures in one unforgettable dish. The tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, colorful peppers, and earthy mushrooms perfectly complement each other, while the aromatic pesto adds a burst of herbal freshness. This pizza is a testament to the fact that keeping things simple can lead to extraordinary taste experiences.

Preparing the pizza dough from scratch adds a sense of accomplishment to the cooking process, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air, making it an enjoyable culinary endeavor.

The versatility of this pizza allows you to experiment with various toppings and create a pizza that caters to your specific tastes. Whether you enjoy it as a family dinner or serve it at a gathering with friends, our Chicken Pesto Pizza is sure to be a hit.

So, why settle for ordinary pizza when you can savor the deliciousness of this chicken and pesto-infused masterpiece? Give this recipe a try and elevate your pizza game to new heights!