This Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza combines creamy vodka sauce with juicy chicken and gooey cheese on a crispy crust. It’s a delicious twist that pizza lovers will adore!
I’m a big fan of how simple it is to whip up. Just a few ingredients and a quick bake, and dinner is ready! Plus, leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or try making your own at home. If gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as a delicious alternative.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here. It has great flavor and saves time. Alternatively, leftover grilled or baked chicken works equally well!
Vodka Sauce: If you can’t find vodka sauce, try using marinara and add a splash of cream and vodka for a quick homemade version. This still brings that creamy essence to your pizza.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for a twist. For a stronger flavor, substitute pecorino Romano for the Parmesan.
Red Bell Pepper: Any sweet peppers can replace red bell peppers. You might even enjoy using sautéed mushrooms for a different taste.
How Do I Get a Crispy Pizza Crust?
A perfect pizza crust is key for a great pizza experience. Here are tips to make your crust crispy:
- Preheat your oven well, and consider using a pizza stone to mimic pizzerias.
- Avoid overloading toppings, as this can weigh down the crust. Keep toppings light and evenly spaced.
- Before you bake, let the rolled-out dough rest for about 10 minutes. This helps retain its shape.
Following these steps will ensure you enjoy a deliciously crispy crust every time! Have fun making your pizza!
Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough: store-bought or homemade, enough for 1 12-inch pizza
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast: sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup vodka sauce: store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small red bell pepper: thinly sliced
- 4-5 cloves roasted garlic: whole cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs: for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: optional for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes of preparation and around 10-12 minutes for baking, bringing your total time to about 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up, as this will help give you a crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches about 12 inches in diameter. If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the package for best results. Now transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Build Your Pizza:
Take the vodka sauce and spread it evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, sprinkle the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the sauce.
4. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Scatter the thinly sliced red bell peppers and roasted garlic cloves across the pizza. This will enhance the overall taste and texture.
5. Drizzle and Cheese It Up:
Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the toppings for extra richness. Follow this by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Season and Bake:
Season your pizza with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a kick, if you like. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pizza is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an added touch of flavor and aroma. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve your delicious Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful creation and don’t forget to share with family and friends! 🍕
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Vodka Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought vodka sauce is a great time-saver and will still give you delicious results. Just choose a brand you enjoy or try a homemade version if you have a favorite recipe!
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftovers from grilled or baked chicken. Shred or slice it to evenly distribute the flavor across the pizza.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza up to the baking step, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. Just remember to remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover pizza in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or microwave it briefly for a softer option.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance! Enjoy your pizza-making experience!
