Marry Me Chicken Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pizza is an indulgent, creamy pizza topped with tender rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This unique pizza combines a rich, flavorful sauce with melty mozzarella and Parmesan for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 5 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, divided
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
• 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for sprinkling
• 16 oz. store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 2 oz. mozzarella, shredded
• 4 oz. rotisserie chicken, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 550°F. Finely chop 4 oz. of the sun-dried tomatoes. Slice the remaining 1 oz. into bite-sized pieces and set aside for garnish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic, stirring until the garlic softens and the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the chopped basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing heat to medium-low if it starts boiling. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Stretch the pizza dough into a 12- to 14-inch round and place it on a round pizza pan or large baking sheet. Spread the cooled sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2- to 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then evenly distribute the shredded rotisserie chicken on top.
5. Step 5: Bake the pizza until the bottom and edges turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with the reserved sliced sun-dried tomatoes, additional fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a less spicy sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Try substituting rotisserie chicken with grilled or roasted chicken for a homemade touch.
• For a thinner crust, roll the dough out slightly larger and bake a little longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet, tangy finish.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes have a higher water content and milder flavor, so they won’t provide the same concentrated taste or texture. If using fresh, consider roasting them first to reduce moisture and intensify the flavor.

What type of pizza dough works best?

Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well. Opt for a dough you like that crisps nicely in a hot oven. If you have time, letting dough rest and rise improves texture and flavor.