Chicken Artichoke Pizza

Chicken artichoke pizza is a great solution when you crave pizza but can’t face another pepperoni pie. This tasty gem belongs on a bistro menu instead of in a cardboard delivery box; the pesto brings that fresh basil punch, the chicken makes it a complete meal, and the artichokes level up your basic toppings. The best part? This easy pizza recipe uses a premade crust—the golden ticket to getting dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. It’s faster than delivery, and gives you more time to decide what you’ll binge-watch as you eat.

Ingredients for Chicken Artichoke Pizza

• Pizza crust: A premade pizza crust gives you a sturdy base without the stress of mixing, kneading or proofing fresh pizza dough.
• Pesto: Whether it’s store-bought or homemade pesto, the basil, garlic and Parmesan create an herby foundation that makes pizza taste like summer in Italy
• Chicken breast: Cubed, juicy chicken adds lean protein and turns this into a hearty meal. It’s a great way to use leftovers or that rotisserie chicken you snagged at the store.
• Marinated artichoke hearts: These tangy little gems bring brightness and texture, balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto. Drain the artichokes, but reserve the marinade. Use it for dips or dressings, or just drizzle it on top of the pizza when it comes out of the oven.
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the perfect melting cheese for pizza. Using part-skim keeps it just a touch lighter without skimping on stretch.
• Parmesan cheese and fresh basil: These finishing touches add a final pop of flavor. Parmesan gives you a salty punch, while basil adds fresh, peppery fragrance to every bite.

Directions

Step 1: Make the pizza

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the prebaked crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread the pesto evenly over the top. Arrange the chicken and artichokes on top, and sprinkle it with cheese.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t skimp on saucing the edges. Drag that spoon all the way to the crust so no corner is left out.

Step 2: Bake to golden perfection

Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots.

Step 3: Finish with flair

If desired, top the chicken artichoke pizza with Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil.

Chicken Artichoke Pizza Variations

• Try a tomato: For a sweeter, more intense flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of artichokes. Chop them up first because whole sun-dried tomatoes can be a little tough.
• Give it some grill flavor: Use grilled chicken instead for a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with pesto.
• Make it creamy: Make a white pizza version with Alfredo sauce instead of pesto and add some dollops of ricotta.
• Make it Mediterranean: Kalamata olives, feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking give this pizza a little international flair.
• Add veggies: Roasted red peppers, caramelized onions or spinach would bulk up the flavor and add even more nutrition.
• Try a blend of cheeses: Fontina, provolone or Gouda all melt beautifully and add complexity.

How to Store Chicken Artichoke Pizza

To store leftover chicken artichoke pizza, let the pizza cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Stack the slices with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking. The pizza will last up to four days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze chicken artichoke pizza?

Yes, you can freeze chicken artichoke pizza. Wrap individual slices in foil or storage wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag and freeze them for up to three months.

How should you reheat chicken artichoke pizza?

For best results, reheat chicken artichoke pizza in a 375° oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but tends to make the crust chewy.

Chicken Artichoke Pizza Tips

Can you make fresh pizza dough for chicken artichoke pizza?

If you’ve got the time and energy, making homemade pizza dough takes this meal to the next level. You can also get premade dough from the store and bake it yourself. Either way, parbake the crust before building the pizza.

What else can you serve with chicken artichoke pizza?

If you ask me, a pizza party always requires a Caesar salad and a massive tray of tiramisu. Feeding a crowd? Spaghetti and meatballs or a crock of minestrone soup will round out an Italian feast.