This grilled pesto pizza is a tasty treat topped with juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and fluffy ricotta. The pesto gives it a fresh twist that’s hard to resist!
Whenever I make this pizza, I can’t help but gobble up the leftovers. Who could blame me? It’s like a flavor party on a crust! 🍕 I love grilling it outside for that smoky flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. If you’d like to make it gluten-free, there are good gluten-free alternatives available in stores or you can make your own using almond or coconut flour.
Pesto Sauce: Store-bought pesto is great, but homemade is even better if you have time! If you want a nut-free option, you can make pesto with sunflower seeds or use spinach and basil blended with olive oil.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for easy prep. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even swap it out for sautéed mushrooms to make it vegetarian.
Cheeses: Fresh mozzarella is perfect for that melty texture. If you can’t find it, you can use part-skim mozzarella. Ricotta adds creaminess; however, cottage cheese can be a lower-fat substitute if desired.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms are fantastic, but feel free to mix in any veggies you like. Bell peppers, spinach, or arugula work wonderfully as well.
How Do I Get My Pizza Crust Perfectly Grilled?
Getting the crust just right on the grill can be a little tricky, but it’s definitely doable! Here are steps to ensure a perfect grilled pizza:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. A hot grill helps the dough cook evenly.
- Roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Thinner doughs will cook faster.
- Brush one side of the dough with olive oil. This helps create that nice crust.
- Place the oiled side down on the grill and cook until golden (3-4 mins). Closing the lid traps heat and cooks the dough through.
- Flip carefully! Use tongs or a spatula, so the dough doesn’t stretch or tear.
- Add your toppings quickly to keep the heat inside, and close the lid again. This helps melt the cheese beautifully.
Let the pizza rest for a minute after grilling for easier slicing. Enjoy your great homemade pizza!
How to Make Grilled Pesto Pizza With Chicken, Mozzarella, And Ricotta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 prepared pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you can enjoy your grilled pesto pizza in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure a nice, crispy crust when you cook the pizza.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Take the prepared pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You can make it as thick or thin as you like—just remember, the thicker the dough, the longer it will take to cook!
3. Grill the First Side:
Brush one side of the rolled-out dough with olive oil. Place that oiled side down on the grill. Close the grill lid and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom turns a lovely golden brown.
4. Flip and Add Toppings:
Carefully flip the dough over to the uncooked side. Now, spread the pesto sauce evenly over the top. Get creative and pile on the toppings! Sprinkle on the shredded chicken, place slices of fresh mozzarella, add dollops of ricotta cheese, and top it off with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. Season with a little salt and pepper.
5. Grill Until Perfect:
Close the grill lid again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt perfectly and the crust to be crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Before serving, garnish it with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Now, slice it up and enjoy your delicious grilled pesto pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great and saves you time. Just make sure to check the ingredients for quality, and adjust the amount based on your taste preference—some brands can be stronger than others, so start with a little less and add more if needed!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a chicken substitute, you can use grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey would also work well if you want a similar texture and flavor without the cooking time!
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on to keep the crust crispy. You can also microwave them, but the crust might get a little chewy.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Pizza?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, spinach, or onions would all make excellent additions. Just be sure to slice them thinly to ensure they cook through on the grill!
