If you are craving a delicious dinner that combines creamy, garlicky sauce with fresh broccoli and tender chicken, you need to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe. This crowd-pleaser strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and something a bit fancy, featuring a crispy crust, rich white sauce, and melty cheese all topped with vibrant veggies and savory chicken. It is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes—flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up for any night when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in the dish’s signature flavor and texture. From the creamy sauce to the crispy crust and fresh toppings, every component is essential for that perfect harmony.
- 1 lb prepared pizza dough: This forms the sturdy, crispy base that holds all your delicious toppings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the crust for a golden finish and subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for your creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses bold, aromatic flavor into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the sharpness of the Parmesan.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Gives the sauce a classic Mediterranean touch.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced: Provides protein and hearty bite.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched and chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a crunch of healthy greens.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: A final drizzle that adds richness and helps bring the toppings together.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: Optional but perfect for a slight kick.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Brightens flavors and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 475°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven right away so it can get nice and hot, which is crucial for a crispy crust. Meanwhile, prepare your workspace with parchment paper or a baking sheet to roll out the dough.
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking and roll out the prepared pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. This size keeps your pizza perfectly portioned. Transfer the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel, and brush the outer rim generously with olive oil to achieve that golden edge.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan White Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant which usually takes about a minute – this step is key to infusing the sauce with that irresistible garlic aroma. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw taste before gradually whisking in the milk. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, then mix in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Remove from heat once it reaches a creamy, thick consistency.
Step 4: Spread the Sauce Base
Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce over your rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around. This sauce is the rich foundation that holds all the toppings together and gives the pizza its signature flavor.
Step 5: Add your Toppings
Scatter the diced cooked chicken breast and blanched broccoli evenly atop the sauce, making sure every slice gets some of each. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella followed by that extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for double cheesiness. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice if you like.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your pizza to the preheated oven or onto your hot pizza stone and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles up with that perfect gooey texture.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, remove your pizza from the oven and let it rest for two minutes. This slight pause lets the toppings set slightly so they won’t slide off when you slice. Then sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish before slicing and serving while still hot.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding pops of green and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the creamy sauce. You can also try a light sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes if people want a little more heat.
Side Dishes
Serve your pizza alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted garlic mashed potatoes for an indulgent comfort-food meal. A simple garlic bread also complements this pizza wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares for a party platter, or serve it open-faced with dips like ranch or a tangy marinara on the side. Wrapping slices in parchment paper also makes for a charming presentation if you want to bring this recipe to a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully after a day, making for even more delicious bites later.
Freezing
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe freezes nicely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months and can be enjoyed whenever a quick, tasty meal is needed.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm slices in a hot skillet or oven instead of the microwave. This helps keep the crust crispy, the cheese melty, and the toppings fresh without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli adds great texture and color, you can swap in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
Yes, it’s important to use cooked chicken in this recipe to ensure it’s safe to eat and has the proper texture. Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast work perfectly.
Can I make the white sauce dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter for olive oil and use a plant-based milk along with dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets. Just note the flavor will differ slightly.
What type of pizza dough is best to use?
Prepared pizza dough from the store or a homemade dough recipe both work well. Look for a dough that’s easy to roll out and crisp up in the oven.
How spicy is this pizza with red pepper flakes?
The pinch of red pepper flakes adds just a subtle zing without overpowering the other flavors, but you can always adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or skip it altogether.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your pizza game, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filled with good-for-you ingredients that feel indulgent. Give it a try for your next meal—you might just find a new favorite that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli pizza featuring a homemade white sauce, tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked on a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb prepared pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crust brushing)
White Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare surface: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Shape pizza dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel, brushing the edges lightly with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Prepare white sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Continue cooking while stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Spread sauce base: Evenly spread the garlic-Parmesan white sauce over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add toppings: Distribute the diced cooked chicken breast and chopped broccoli florets evenly over the white sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and, if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Bake pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the pizza stone if using) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool briefly for about 2 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blanch broccoli by boiling it for 1-2 minutes and then immediately placing it in cold water to keep its bright color and crisp texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
- If you don’t have pizza dough, store-bought dough or even naan bread can be used as a quick alternative.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
