Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features tender roasted chicken, caramelized garlic, mozzarella cheese, and a garlic-infused creamy sauce atop a crispy, thin crust, delivering a savory blend of bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press (optional)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or ladle (for sauce)
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12 oz / 340g)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or sliced roasted chicken
- 1 head garlic
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Roasted garlic is the key ingredient that infuses the creamy sauce with a rich, mellow flavor, so using fresh whole garlic rather than pre-minced will yield the best taste. Make sure to use cooked, shredded or sliced roasted chicken to easily layer the topping without drying out the pizza during baking. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a perfect balance of creamy meltiness and sharpness, enhancing the overall savoriness of your pizza. Heavy cream adds a velvety texture to the garlic sauce, so measure carefully to achieve the ideal consistency. Your homemade Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu will closely mimic the restaurant's signature blend of bold, indulgent flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in oven for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized; cool, then squeeze out cloves.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add roasted garlic and mash into butter.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; whisk until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano; set sauce aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Remove hot pizza stone or baking sheet from oven.
- Transfer rolled dough onto a floured pizza peel or parchment.
- Spread garlic cream sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and shredded roasted chicken.
- Bake pizza on the preheated stone or baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if using.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
The Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu combines tender roasted chicken, caramelized garlic, mozzarella, and a rich garlic cream sauce on a crispy thin crust for an authentic taste experience. If you don't have fresh roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute, saving time in preparation. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to maintain the sauce's creaminess. When caramelizing garlic, watch the heat carefully to avoid bitterness and achieve a sweet, mellow flavor. Your pizza will be just as delicious if you use a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone, though the stone more evenly distributes heat for a crispier crust.
Tips
Ensure the oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are thoroughly preheated to 475degF (245degC) for a crispy crust. When roasting garlic, wrap it tightly in foil to prevent moisture loss and achieve caramelization; squeeze cloves carefully to avoid adding any papery bits into your sauce. Use a floured surface and tools to roll out the dough evenly, preventing sticking and ensuring uniform thickness so it cooks properly. Your pizza will benefit from spreading the garlic cream sauce evenly, leaving a small border to create a perfect crust edge without sogginess.
Nutritions
Your Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza provides a rich source of protein from the roasted chicken and mozzarella cheese, essential for muscle repair and energy. The garlic-infused creamy sauce contributes antioxidants and healthy fats from olive oil and butter, supporting immune function. While the thin crust offers carbohydrates for quick energy, the heavy cream and cheese add saturated fat, so moderation is key to maintain a balanced diet. Enjoying this pizza occasionally can satisfy cravings while still aligning with nutritional goals.
Storage
Store leftover Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza in an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to prevent bacterial growth and flavor loss. When reheating, your oven set at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes will restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the roasted chicken with grilled shrimp or thinly sliced prosciutto for a different protein twist. Instead of heavy cream in the garlic sauce, try using a blend of cream cheese and milk for a tangier, thicker texture. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce to enhance the aroma and add complexity to the flavor profile. Consider using a cauliflower crust as a gluten-free alternative if you want to accommodate dietary preferences.
Allergies
Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella, heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The pizza dough typically includes wheat flour, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to garlic or poultry, as these primary ingredients are prominent in the dish.
Why this recipe?
The Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features a unique blend of tender chicken, roasted garlic, and a creamy white sauce that creates a rich, savory flavor profile. Its perfectly balanced toppings and crispy crust appeal to those craving a gourmet twist on traditional pizza. You'll find that recreating this popular menu item at home allows for customization and a cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza. The fresh ingredients and bold taste make it a standout choice worth replicating for pizza enthusiasts.