Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli

Elevate your standard pizza night with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza. Featuring a thin, crispy crust and a rich, velvety white sauce, this dish offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional tomato-based pies. It is the perfect balance of savory chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a garlic-infused base that will satisfy any comfort food craving.

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The secret to this pizza lies in the homemade white sauce, which replaces the usual marinara with a decadent blend of butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy foundation complements the tender chicken and crisp broccoli florets perfectly.

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball (about 300 g / 10 oz) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• Garlic Parmesan White Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Toppings: 1 cup (125 g) cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), 1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets (blanched and chopped), 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.

Step 3

Prepare the garlic Parmesan white sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 4

Spread the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Step 5

Scatter the cooked chicken and broccoli evenly over the sauce.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.

Step 7

Drizzle olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.

Step 8

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice, and serve.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the broccoli is blanched and well-drained to avoid excess moisture on the pizza. If you are using a pizza stone, let it preheat for at least 30 minutes to ensure a perfectly crispy thin crust.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this recipe by substituting whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or sliced bell peppers.

Serviervorschläge

This pizza is excellent when paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad to complete the meal, and don't forget an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat.

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Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking for a new weekend favorite, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients in every slice!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making the white sauce?

While store-bought Alfredo sauce works in a pinch, the homemade garlic-Parmesan white sauce comes together in just 5 minutes and offers fresher flavor. You can adjust the garlic intensity and seasoning to your taste, which isn't possible with pre-made sauces.

→ Should I cook the broccoli before putting it on the pizza?

Yes, blanching the broccoli for 2-3 minutes ensures it becomes tender during the short baking time. Raw broccoli would remain too crunchy and may not cook through before the crust is done. Thawed frozen broccoli also works well if drained thoroughly.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust. Microwaving makes the crust soggy, while air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes also yields excellent results. The pizza keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and increase the broccoli to 1.5 cups, or add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also incorporate artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor depth.

→ Why is my white sauce lumpy?

Lumps usually form when the flour isn't fully incorporated into the butter before adding milk. Whisk constantly when adding the milk gradually, and ensure the roux cooks for a full minute. If lumps appear, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

→ Can I freeze the assembled pizza before baking?

Yes, assemble the pizza on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 475°F for 15-18 minutes, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the standard 12-15 minute bake time.