This recipe delivers a crispy crust topped with a creamy garlic-infused white sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. The combination of flavors and textures creates a pizza that’s both satisfying and elegant.
With a simple dough and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll achieve professional results. The white sauce adds richness, while the chicken brings a hearty, savory element to every bite.
Ingredients for Chicken Pizza with White Sauce
Simple dough, creamy white sauce, and hearty chicken make this pizza unforgettable with every bite.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Dough 🍕 | 1 lb | Store-bought or homemade, room temperature |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 🍗 | 1 lb | Diced into bite-sized pieces |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | 1 cup | Full-fat for richness |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced for white sauce |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Unsalted, melted |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 tbsp | For thickening white sauce |
| Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | ½ cup | Freshly grated from block |
| Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 | 2 cups | Shredded, low-moisture preferred |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Extra-virgin for brushing crust |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Divided for dough, sauce, and topping |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Dried Oregano 🍃 | 1 tsp | For seasoning chicken |
| Red Pepper Flakes 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Optional for heat |
| Fresh Spinach 🥬 | 1 cup | Chopped, for topping |
The dough sets the foundation—whole-milk mozzarella melts better than part-skim. For the white sauce, heavy cream from Organic Valley delivers the richest texture, but any full-fat brand works. Chicken should be fresh, not frozen (thawed meat releases too much moisture). I source my dough from Trader Joe’s—consistently good quality without the fuss of making it from scratch.
No heavy cream? Whole milk plus a splash of cream cheese gets you close. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for the sauce (jarred lacks depth). Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms if preferred. Parmesan can be Pecorino Romano at half the amount—sharper flavor, so use sparingly. The oregano is flexible: fresh thyme adds a nice earthy note if you have it.
Assembled pizza keeps 1-2 days in the fridge—reheat in a skillet for crispiness. Freeze dough for up to 3 months (thaw overnight). White sauce can be made ahead and stored 3 days—whisk before using as it thickens when chilled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Hero: I can have this from prep to plate in the time it takes to watch one episode of my favorite show. The store-bought dough does half the work.
- Garlic Cream Dream: That butter and heavy cream base with fresh garlic? It’s rich without being heavy—like a hug for your taste buds.
- Feeds the Crew: Perfect for game night or when the kids bring friends over. Everyone gets their fill, and I get zero complaints.
- Leftovers? Yes Please: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. The chicken soaks up that white sauce overnight like a flavor sponge.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pizza With White Sauce
This method ensures a crispy crust and velvety white sauce with perfectly cooked toppings.
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic White Sauce Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tbsp Butter. Add the 4 cloves Garlic Cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This prevents bitterness while building deep garlic flavor.
Whisk in the 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the 1 cup Heavy Cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese until melted. Season with ½ tsp Salt and ¼ tsp Black Pepper. The sauce should be smooth and glossy—this ensures a creamy base that won’t make your crust soggy.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Toss the 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast with ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, and ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes. This seasoning blend adds depth without overpowering the white sauce.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are cooked through and lightly browned. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have no pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F. On a lightly floured surface, stretch the 1 lb Pizza Dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the crust lightly with 1 tbsp Olive Oil to promote browning and crispness.
Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese over the sauce, then distribute the cooked chicken evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese and the 1 cup Fresh Spinach.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with light brown spots. The edges of the crust should be crisp and slightly puffed, indicating the dough is fully cooked.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp Olive Oil and a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes if desired. Slice with a sharp knife or pizza wheel and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the crust is crisp.
Pro Tips For Making Chicken Pizza With White Sauce
- Pre-Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken breast in butter first—raw chicken on pizza steams the dough and leaves it soggy. I learned this the hard way after three disappointing pies.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heavy cream with minced garlic on low heat for 8-10 minutes—it thickens the sauce and mellows the garlic’s bite. Skipping this makes a watery, harsh white sauce.
- Roll It Thin: Stretch the pizza dough as thin as you can without tearing, about 1/4-inch thick. Thicker crust won’t crisp up under all the toppings and wet sauce.
- Use Cold Cream: Pull the heavy cream straight from the fridge when making the sauce—it blends smoother with the butter and garlic. Warm cream can separate and look greasy.
Pro Cooking Tips for chicken pizza with white sauce
Sauce Perfection
Cook your garlic on medium heat for exactly 30 seconds—any longer and it turns bitter. I use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
Chicken Prep
Dice your chicken into uniform ½-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd your skillet—work in batches if needed. The 165°F internal temperature is non-negotiable for safety and juiciness. 🌡️
Dough Handling
Let your dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching. Use a rolling pin only if necessary—I prefer hand-stretching for a rustic look. Dust your surface with semolina flour for extra crispiness.
Baking Secrets
Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes with a pizza stone if you have one. Bake on the lowest rack for a crispier crust. Rotate your pizza halfway through for even browning.
Cheese Strategy
Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a soggy crust. Sprinkle half the cheese before toppings, then the rest on top. This creates a perfect melt without weighing down the pizza. 💡
Final Touches
Let your pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing—this keeps the toppings from sliding off. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil right before serving for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching to make it easier to work with.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Whole milk with a splash of cream cheese is a great substitute. Use ¾ cup milk plus ¼ cup cream cheese for a similar rich texture in your sauce.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Use low-moisture mozzarella and pre-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. This creates a barrier against moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the pizza without baking, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
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