Ever craved pizza that’s a little more “grown-up” than your average pepperoni slice? You know, the kind that makes you feel like you’re at a fancy restaurant, but you’re actually just in your pajamas, covered in flour, and laughing at your own cooking fails? Well, buckle up, because today I’m sharing my go-to Garlic Butter Chicken White Sauce Pizza Recipe—a dish that’s equal parts comfort and sophistication, and seriously easy to whip up at home.
This isn’t just any pizza. It’s a creamy, garlicky, cheesy masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, a rich white sauce, and the magic of garlic butter. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried a million pizza variations, but this one? This one hits different. It’s the pizza you make when you want to impress your friends, treat yourself, or just feel like you deserve a little extra cheese in your life. Let’s dive in!
Why This Pizza Recipe Stands Out
Not Your Average Cheese Bomb
Look, I love a classic cheese pizza as much as the next person, but sometimes you need something with a bit more oomph. This recipe is all about layers—juicy chicken, a creamy white sauce, and that unmistakable garlic butter aroma. It’s not just tasty; it’s downright addictive.
Ever wondered why some pizzas just feel more satisfying than others? It’s all about the sauce. Most pizzas rely on tomato sauce, but swapping it out for a white sauce opens up a whole new world of flavor. And when you add garlic butter? Well, let’s just say your taste buds won’t know what hit them.
Perfect for Pizza Night
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something cozy for dinner, this pizza is a winner. It’s easy to customize—swap out the chicken for veggies if you want, or add extra cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so you don’t have to worry about anyone turning their nose up at it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk ingredients. You’ll need:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought—no judgment here)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- Butter
- Garlic (lots of it—because why hold back?)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Oregano (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh basil (for that final touch)
FYI, you can totally use leftover grilled chicken if you’re in a rush. I’m all about shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor!
Step-by-Step: Making the Magic Happen
Prepping the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Then, cook them in a pan with a little oil until they’re golden and cooked through. Set them aside—these little guys are going to be the star of the show.
Garlic Butter White Sauce: The Secret Weapon
This is where the magic happens. In the same pan, melt a generous amount of butter (because butter makes everything better). Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn—nobody wants bitter garlic.
Next, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This sauce is the reason this pizza feels so special. IMO, it’s the MVP of the whole recipe.
Assembling the Pizza
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. If you’re using store-bought, just unroll it and place it on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter white sauce over the dough, leaving a little border for the crust.
Sprinkle the cooked chicken pieces over the sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese—go heavy if you’re feeling cheesy. Then, drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the top for that extra punch of flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Pop your pizza in a preheated oven (around 425°F or 220°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. If you want a little extra crisp, broil it for the last minute or two. Just keep an eye on it—nobody wants a burnt pizza!
Finishing Touches
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil on top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Slice it up, grab a plate, and get ready to dig in.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken White Sauce Pizza
Don’t Skimp on the Garlic
Garlic is the soul of this pizza. Use fresh garlic whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to add extra. The aroma alone is worth it.
Use Quality Cheese
Cheap cheese can make or break a pizza. Go for a good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan—they melt better and taste richer. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Customize It Your Way
This recipe is super flexible. Add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes if you want to mix things up. The possibilities are endless.
Let the Sauce Cool Slightly
If your garlic butter white sauce is too hot when you spread it on the dough, it can make the pizza soggy. Let it cool for a minute or two before assembling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading the Pizza
It’s tempting to pile on toppings, but too much can make your pizza soggy and hard to cook evenly. Stick to a moderate amount of chicken and cheese for the best results.
Skipping the Basil
Fresh basil might seem like an afterthought, but it really brightens up the flavor. Don’t skip it!
Burning the Garlic
Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it when you’re sautéing. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the whole sauce.
Why This Pizza Is a Game-Changer
Creamy, But Not Heavy
One of my favorite things about this pizza is how creamy it is without feeling heavy. The white sauce is rich, but the fresh basil and garlic keep it light and flavorful.
Perfect for Leftovers
Leftover pizza? Yes, please. This one reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
Impressive, But Not Complicated
This pizza feels fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Version
Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies. The garlic butter white sauce works just as well with veggies.
Spicy Kick
Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the white sauce for a little heat.
Extra Cheesy
If you’re a cheese lover, add some ricotta or goat cheese to the mix. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Sauce?
Absolutely! While the garlic butter white sauce is my go-to, you can experiment with Alfredo sauce or even a creamy pesto for a different twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pizza that’s creamy, garlicky, and totally satisfying, this Garlic Butter Chicken White Sauce Pizza Recipe is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, even if you’re just throwing it together on a lazy Sunday. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to customize, and always a hit with friends and family.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make the most delicious pizza of your life. And hey, if you burn the garlic or overdo the cheese, don’t worry—those little mistakes are part of the fun. After all, isn’t that what cooking is all about?
Now, go forth and pizza like a pro. And don’t forget to share your masterpiece with someone special.
Garlic Butter Chicken White Sauce Pizza: Creamy, Cheesy, & Totally Irresistible
Course: MainCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes15
minutes450
kcal35
minutesThis creamy, garlicky pizza is a game-changer—tender chicken, a rich white sauce, and that irresistible garlic butter aroma make it a must-try for pizza night. It’s easy, indulgent, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Prep Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook in a pan with a little oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter White Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble Pizza: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of white sauce, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Scatter cooked chicken over the sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the top. Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Broil for the last minute if you want extra browning.
- Finish: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Notes
Customize: Swap chicken for mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Pro Tip: Let the white sauce cool slightly before spreading to avoid a soggy crust.