Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pizza recipe features a flavorful creamy sun-dried tomato sauce topped with shredded cooked chicken, mozzarella, shallots, and fresh herbs on a crispy homemade pizza dough base. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza offers a perfect balance of savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon, ideal for a satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Pizza
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 ounce sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (remaining amount for topping)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
- Additional fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well to ensure a crispy crust.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add 1 1/2 ounces of the drained sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour, combining well to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently.
- Flavor the Sauce: Add the fresh oregano, thyme, red chili flakes, and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely before using.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and shape the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the cooled marry chicken pizza sauce evenly over the pizza dough base. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, arrange the thinly sliced shallots, and scatter the shredded cooked chicken evenly on top.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or onto the hot pizza stone. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with the remaining 1/2 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, additional grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra fresh oregano. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Letting the sauce cool before spreading helps prevent sogginess in the crust.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for shredded cooked chicken to save time.
- Adjust red chili flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
- Fresh herbs brighten the flavor — avoid drying them out by adding at the end.