When I’m craving pizza but want something more sophisticated than delivery, this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza delivers restaurant-quality results right from my kitchen. The creamy white garlic sauce paired with tender chicken creates the perfect high-protein comfort food that even my pickiest eaters request for pizza night.
I discovered this recipe during one of those “what’s for dinner” moments when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and wanted something special. After testing this countless times, I learned the key is roasting the garlic ahead – it transforms from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow. What makes this recipe truly special is how the fresh herbs brighten every bite while delivering impressive protein content – about 35-40 grams per pizza. My teenagers actually choose this over their usual pepperoni, which tells you everything about how delicious it really is. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
I always prepare my roasted garlic ahead of time since it adds incredible depth compared to fresh garlic. My go-to method is roasting a whole bulb wrapped in foil at 400°F for 45 minutes – the cloves squeeze out like sweet, caramelized butter.
- 1 pound pizza dough (room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 cloves roasted garlic, minced – I recommend roasting extra for future recipes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup whole milk (skim works but whole milk creates richer sauce)
- ¼ cup half and half – My preference is using real cream for that restaurant richness
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded – Pro tip: shred while still warm for easier handling
- ¼ cup red onion, diced small – I usually mince these for even distribution
- ¾ cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ⅓ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, making a smooth white sauce is all about temperature control and constant whisking – patience prevents lumps every time.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then sprinkle lightly with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Create the white sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browning.
Step 3: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a light roux. This step eliminates the raw flour taste and helps thicken your sauce properly.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half, adding about ¼ cup at a time to prevent lumps. Add salt and black pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Remove from heat before stirring in Parmesan cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Roll your room-temperature pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet, keeping edges slightly thicker for a proper crust border.
Step 7: Spread the white garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust. Top with shredded chicken, diced red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Bake for 14-17 minutes (14 for thin crust, 17 for thicker) until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully after 12 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 9: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley for maximum herb flavor and color contrast.
What to Serve with Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
This rich, creamy pizza pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides that balance the indulgent white sauce without competing for attention.
Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad: The earthy beets and tangy feta create a colorful, protein-rich side that complements the pizza’s Mediterranean flavors while adding extra nutrition.
Simple Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a refreshing contrast to the mellow roasted garlic and rich cheese.
High Protein Breakfast Bowls (adapted for dinner): Use the bowl concept with fresh vegetables to create a light, protein-packed side that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add fiber and nutrients while their caramelized edges echo the roasted garlic’s sweetness.
Easy 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Flatbread: For extra carb lovers, this high-protein flatbread makes an excellent appetizer or side that maintains the meal’s protein focus.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend separating slices with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking together.
For reheating, use a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust texture. Pro tip: place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack to prevent the toppings from drying out. Avoid the microwave as it makes the crust soggy.
This pizza freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble completely on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
This recipe is incredibly versatile – try adding spinach like in our cottage cheese flatbread, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables. The white sauce base works with almost any protein, making it perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken while maintaining that sophisticated taste your family craves.
Conclusion
This Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza proves that homemade pizza can be both elegant and easy. With its impressive protein content and sophisticated flavors, it’s become our go-to recipe for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. The combination of creamy white sauce and tender chicken makes every bite satisfying while delivering the nutrition your body needs. Give this recipe a try and discover why this might just become your new favorite pizza night tradition!
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, then sprinkle lightly with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Make white sauce: Melt butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced roasted garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browning.
- Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a light roux. This eliminates raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half, adding about ¼ cup at a time to prevent lumps. Add salt and black pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
- Roll room-temperature pizza dough into 12-inch circle on prepared baking sheet, keeping edges slightly thicker for proper crust border.
- Spread white garlic sauce evenly over dough, leaving ½-inch border for crust. Top with shredded chicken, diced red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 14-17 minutes (14 for thin crust, 17 for thicker) until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully after 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley for maximum flavor and color contrast. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
