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Homemade Chicken Pesto Pizza recipe photo

Chicken Pesto Pizza

A flavorful gluten-free pizza topped with roasted chicken, mushrooms, spinach, mozzarella, and pesto.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 large crimini mushrooms chopped
  • 1 lb gluten-free pizza dough for a 12-inch pizza
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese grated
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce or to taste

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 12-inch pizza tray or baking sheet
  • baking sheet or casserole dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the raw chicken and chopped mushrooms in a baking sheet or casserole dish; drizzle with 1 Tbsp oil and 2 Tbsp lemon juice, then sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt (and pepper to taste), 2 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast the chicken and mushrooms at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then chop the chicken into bite-size pieces; set the chicken and roasted mushrooms aside.
  5. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the 1 lb pizza dough on a 12-inch pizza tray.
  6. Pre-bake the crust for 10–15 minutes, until it feels slightly firm and begins to brown.
  7. Spread 1/2 cup pesto sauce evenly over the par-baked crust, then arrange the baby spinach leaves on top of the pesto.
  8. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the spinach, then distribute the chopped roasted chicken and mushrooms across the pizza.
  9. Bake the pizza at 425°F for 10–15 minutes, until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  10. If you prefer a crispier, more browned top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
  • You can skip roasting the mushrooms and add them raw if preferred.
  • Pre-made pizza dough from the store works well for convenience.
  • Adjust pesto amount to taste.