This Easy Grilled Pesto Chicken Pizza is a tasty treat that comes together quickly! Topped with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh pesto, it’s super satisfying.
Who knew pizza could be this easy? I love grilling it for that smoky flavor. Perfect for family nights—everyone gets a slice and a smile! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using pre-made dough is a time-saver! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough is great too. Gluten-free dough is a fantastic option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Basil Pesto: Fresh basil pesto brings vibrant flavor. If it’s unavailable, you can use store-bought pesto or make your own easily with basil, garlic, and olive oil. Spinach or sun-dried tomato pesto are great substitutes, too!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for flavor and convenience. If you’re vegetarian, grilled zucchini or eggplant can create a hearty pizza, or use chickpeas for added protein.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but if you’re in a pinch, try provolone or gouda. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella or vegan cheese alternatives.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Grilled Pizza Crust?
Grilling pizza can seem tricky, but it’s all about timing! Pre-grilling the dough gives it a nice texture and prevents sogginess from toppings. Follow these steps for success:
- Preheat your grill so it’s hot enough to create those great grill marks.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to avoid sticking; a thin crust works well on the grill.
- Grill the plain side for just 2-3 minutes—this firms it up.
- Flip it quickly, and while the second side grills, be sure to work swiftly adding toppings!
Remember, monitoring your pizza is key. Grilling must be done closely to avoid burning. If you’ve got a grill lid, use that to help melt the cheese evenly!
Easy Grilled Pesto Chicken Pizza with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or store-bought pizza crust)
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill, making it a quick meal perfect for busy evenings or fun family nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your pizza cooks evenly and gets delicious grill marks!
2. Grilling the Vegetables:
In a bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. On the grill, lightly grill these for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender and have nice grill marks. Once done, set them aside for later!
3. Preparing the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Carefully place the rolled dough directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom has nice grill marks and starts to firm up.
4. Assembling the Pizza:
Remove the dough from the grill and flip it over. Spread the prepared basil pesto evenly over the grilled side of the dough. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Follow with the shredded cooked chicken, grilled mushrooms, onions, and tomato slices.
5. Final Grilling:
Place the assembled pizza back on the grill. If you can, cover it to help the cheese melt thoroughly. Grill for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
6. Serving Your Pizza:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the grill. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Slice it up and serve warm!
Enjoy your delicious, Easy Grilled Pesto Chicken Pizza bursting with fresh flavors and gooey cheese! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Pesto Chicken Pizza
Can I Use Homemade Pesto Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto can add a fresher, more personalized flavor to your pizza. Just blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese for a delicious twist.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian version, consider using grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You could also substitute shredded chickpeas or a veggie protein if you’re looking for a protein boost!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or briefly in the microwave; just be mindful that the crust may lose some crunch in the microwave.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
To make it ahead, prep the toppings and dough earlier in the day. Assemble the pizza just before grilling for the best taste and texture. If you have a lot of prep, you can grill the veggies in advance and store them in the fridge!
