This grilled pesto pizza is loaded with tasty chicken, creamy mozzarella, and fluffy ricotta. The pesto adds a fresh twist that makes every bite a delight!
When I make this, I love watching the cheese melt and bubble on the grill. It’s a pizza party in my backyard, and I’m always ready for a slice (or two)! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use pre-made dough for convenience, but homemade dough gives a fresher taste. If you’re short on time, naan or pita bread works great as quick alternatives!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for quick prep. For a vegetarian option, try using grilled mushrooms or a mix of veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds great texture, but you can swap it with shredded mozzarella or even provolone for a different flavor. Just ensure it melts well!
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is creamy and light. If you want a bit more flavor, try substituting with goat cheese or feta. This will give your pizza a nice tang!
Pesto Sauce: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own for a fresh punch. If you don’t have pesto, a mix of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs can work too.
How Do I Grill Pizza Without Burning It?
Grilling pizza can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll be in control! The goal is to get nice grill marks without burning the crust. Here’s how:
- Preheat the Grill: Always start with a hot grill, medium-high heat works best.
- Oil the Dough: Brush one side of the dough with olive oil, ensuring it will crisp nicely on the grill.
- Time it Right: Grill the first side for 3-4 minutes; keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Flip Carefully: Use tongs to flip the dough; do this gently to keep its shape.
- Close the Lid: Once topped, close the lid to melt the cheese and cook the pizza evenly for 5-7 minutes.
Letting the pizza rest before slicing allows flavors to settle, making each piece even better. Enjoy your tasty creation!
How to Make Grilled Pesto Pizza With Chicken, Mozzarella, And Ricotta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pesto pizza takes about 20 minutes to prepare and grill. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing your ingredients, with cooking taking around 15 minutes. Get ready for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those nice grill marks on the dough!
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness, about 1/4 inch works well. Make sure it’s not too thick so it grills nicely!
3. Oil the Dough:
Brush one side of the dough with a little olive oil. This will help it to crisp up and keep from sticking to the grill. Once oiled, place that side down on the grill.
4. Grill the Dough:
Grill the dough for 3-4 minutes until it has those wonderful grill marks and is starting to set. This step adds amazing flavor!
5. Flip and Add Toppings:
With a pair of tongs, carefully flip the dough over. Now it’s time to spread the pesto sauce evenly over the grilled side. Following that, layer on the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, sliced mushrooms, and tomato. Don’t be shy with the toppings!
6. Season and Cook:
Sprinkle a bit of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes on top to taste. Then, close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get all gooey and bubbly, and the crust should be fully cooked.
7. Finish Up:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the pizza from the grill and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps everything settle and makes slicing easier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your pizza with fresh basil leaves, slice it up, and enjoy your scrumptious grilled pesto pizza! It’s a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a convenient and tasty alternative to homemade. Just make sure to choose a brand that you enjoy, as the flavor will influence the overall taste of the pizza. If it’s particularly thick, you can thin it out with a little olive oil for easier spreading.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your pizza with other toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or spinach. You can also use different cheeses like feta or gouda to switch things up. Just make sure not to overload the pizza as this can prevent the crust from cooking thoroughly.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain its crispy texture, or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Yes, you can use any pizza dough you like! Options include whole wheat, gluten-free, or even naan bread for a smaller pizza. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly, as thinner doughs will cook faster than thicker ones.
