This grilled pesto pizza is a tasty treat topped with tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The pesto adds a fresh zing that makes every bite special!
Making this pizza is a fun way to enjoy dinner with friends. I love how easy it is on the grill, and leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good cold. Yum! 🍕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pizza crust or even a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb choice.
Pesto Sauce: Pesto is essential for flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you can’t find it, a mix of basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan can work too. For dairy-free diets, look for vegan pesto.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its flavor. You can substitute canned chicken or grill your own. Tofu or a mix of grilled veggies works well for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is creamy and delicious. If you can’t find it, try using shredded mozzarella. Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute with goat cheese for a tangy taste, or skip it entirely if you want a lighter pizza.
Veggies: Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms are great, but feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts! Mix it up based on what you like or have on hand.
How Do I Get My Pizza Dough Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling pizza dough can be a bit tricky but with some tips, you can get it just right. The key is managing the heat and timing. Start by rolling out the dough evenly and use plenty of flour to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your grill well to get that crispy crust. A pizza stone helps, but a grill works fine directly.
- Brush one side of the dough with olive oil for crispness. When placing it on the grill, do it oil-side down and keep the grill lid closed for even cooking.
- Check the crust after 2-3 minutes. You want it golden and crisp before adding toppings.
Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll grill pizzas like a pro! After grilling, always let the pizza rest for a few minutes to set the toppings before slicing. Enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Pesto Pizza With Chicken, Mozzarella, And Ricotta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pesto pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can have a beautiful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to preheat it on the grill as well. This will help make your pizza nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Dough:
Take your pizza dough and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s the thickness you like. Once it’s rolled out, transfer it to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet. This makes it easy to move to the grill later!
3. Grill the Dough:
Brush one side of the dough with olive oil. Carefully place the dough on the grill, oil-side down. Let it grill for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom looks golden and crisp. Don’t worry; we’ll flip it!
4. Add the Pesto:
While the bottom is grilling, take the opportunity to spread a layer of pesto evenly over the top side of the dough. This will give your pizza a flavorful base!
5. Layer the Toppings:
Next, evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the pesto. Then, layer on the mozzarella slices and add dollops of ricotta cheese for that creamy goodness.
6. Finish with Veggies and Seasoning:
Now, add your halved cherry tomatoes and sliced mushrooms on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
7. Grill to Perfection:
Close the grill lid carefully and let the pizza cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is beautifully golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pizza is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit before slicing. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, and enjoy your delicious grilled pesto pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
What Can I Substitute for Pesto Sauce?
If you don’t have pesto, you can use a garlic and herb olive oil, pizza sauce, or even a homemade blend of herbs and olive oil. For a different flavor twist, try using a sun-dried tomato spread!
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to get the crust crispy again, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and load up on more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You can also add more cheese or use a plant-based cheese if you prefer!
