Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! This pie blends creamy vodka sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese on a crispy crust. Perfect for a fun dinner!
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top because who doesn’t want more cheesy goodness? 🍕✨
Making this pizza is super easy! Just spread the vodka sauce, add the chicken, sprinkle on cheese, and bake until bubbly. You’ll impress everyone with this delicious creation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Feel free to use store-bought dough for convenience. If you’re inclined to make your own, just remember that it can be a fun activity! Whole wheat flour dough is a healthier option.
Cooked Chicken: Besides rotisserie chicken, you can use any leftover chicken from other meals. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked frozen chicken pieces work well too. Just ensure they’re heated through before adding them to the pizza.
Vodka Sauce: If you can’t find vodka sauce, a creamy marinara with a splash of vodka can substitute nicely. Or, you can create a simple cream sauce with heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
Red Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper will work, or you could even use sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor! For a kick, try using jalapeños instead.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but mix in some provolone or gouda for a different spin. If you’re dairy-free, aim for a suitable plant-based mozzarella.
How Can I Ensure My Pizza Dough is Perfectly Rolled Out?
Getting the pizza dough just right can seem tricky. Here’s how to handle it:
- Start with a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough down gently, then use your fingers to shape it into a round before rolling it out.
- Roll from the center outwards, turning the dough often to maintain a round shape.
- A thickness of about 1/4 inch is ideal, but go thicker if you like a chewier crust.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time! Your pizza will still taste amazing.
How to Make Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup vodka sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced or 2-3 cloves roasted garlic
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or baby arugula, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to bake, making a total of about 25 minutes to have it ready for serving. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly tasty, ideal for a busy weeknight or a fun pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven right now so it gets hot while you prepare your pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 10-12 inches in diameter, or your favorite thickness. Once it’s rolled out, transfer the dough to either a baking sheet or a pizza peel if you’re using a stone.
3. Add the Vodka Sauce:
Spread the vodka sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust. This will help the crust stay nice and fluffy!
4. Layer the Chicken:
Now, scatter the diced chicken breast evenly over the vodka sauce. This chicken is what makes your pizza hearty and filling!
5. Add Veggies and Flavor:
Top the pizza with the sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic. This adds a lovely flavor and color to your pizza.
6. Cheese It Up:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the whole pizza, covering the toppings evenly. Cheese is a must for that gooey, delicious bite!
7. Season Your Pizza:
Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over everything if you like a little heat. This step enhances the flavor beautifully!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone). Bake it for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Dress It Up:
Once your pizza is done baking, take it out and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or baby arugula, and add some thyme if you want. It makes it look extra appetizing!
10. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice it up and serve! Enjoy your Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza with family or friends—it’s sure to impress!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sauce?
Absolutely! If you don’t have vodka sauce on hand, you can use marinara or even Alfredo sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change, so choose a sauce that complements the other ingredients. If using a thicker sauce, you may want to thin it slightly with a bit of cream or water.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust again, or use a microwave, though the crust won’t be as crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, diced eggplant, or extra bell peppers in place of chicken. For a heartier protein, cooked sausage or pepperoni can be great alternatives that pair well with the vodka sauce.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the pizza dough ahead of time! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and then roll it out as directed in the recipe.
