Leggera Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress features tender grilled chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a drizzle of basil pesto on a thin, crispy pizza crust, delivering a light yet flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Oven
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Grater (for mozzarella)
- Spoon (for spreading sauce/pesto)
- Tongs (for grilling chicken)
- Grill pan or skillet
- Wire rack (optional, for cooling)
Ingredients
- 1 ball (about 250g) pizza dough
- 150g cooked grilled chicken breast
- 100g mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
When preparing your Leggera Pollo ad Astra pizza, use high-quality, fresh cherry tomatoes to enhance the natural sweetness and balance the savory grilled chicken. Opt for mozzarella cheese with a good fat content to achieve a creamy melt that complements the crisp pizza crust. Ensure the grilled chicken breast is cooked but moist, avoiding dryness for optimal tenderness. Fresh basil pesto should be evenly drizzled to provide an herbaceous aroma without overpowering other flavors. Your copycat Leggera Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress can closely replicate the original by maintaining these key ingredient standards while using a thin, crispy pizza dough as the base.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F) with a pizza stone or baking tray inside.
- Slice grilled chicken breast and cherry tomatoes.
- Grate mozzarella cheese.
- Lightly flour a surface; roll out pizza dough into a thin round.
- Transfer dough onto parchment paper or a floured peel.
- Brush dough lightly with olive oil.
- Scatter grated mozzarella evenly over the base.
- Arrange grilled chicken slices and cherry tomato halves on top.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer pizza to preheated stone or tray in the oven.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until crust is crisp and golden.
- Remove from oven; drizzle basil pesto over pizza.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).
- Slice and serve immediately.
Substitution
The Leggera Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress copycat menu offers a delicious combination of grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto on a thin, crispy crust. If fresh cherry tomatoes are not available, you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor. When using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it is well-seasoned and warmed before adding it to the pizza to maintain juiciness. You can replace basil pesto with a light spread of garlic-infused olive oil if pesto is not on hand. Keep an eye on the crust's crispiness by baking on a preheated pizza stone or tray for the best results.
Tips
Make sure your oven and pizza stone or tray are fully preheated to 240degC (465degF) before baking to achieve a crispy, evenly cooked crust. When rolling out the dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring, which can dry the crust. Spread the mozzarella evenly to ensure consistent melting, and avoid piling toppings too thickly, as this can make the pizza soggy. After baking, drizzle the basil pesto on top to preserve its fresh flavor, and serve your Leggera Pollo ad Astra immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutritions
Leggera Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress provides a balanced source of lean protein from the grilled chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The fresh cherry tomatoes contribute antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Mozzarella cheese offers calcium and protein but should be consumed in moderation due to fat content. Your meal also benefits from heart-healthy fats found in olive oil and basil pesto, promoting cardiovascular wellness while keeping the pizza light and flavorful.
Storage
To keep your Leggera Pollo ad Astra fresh, store any leftover pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat in an oven preheated to 180degC (350degF) on a baking tray for about 5-7 minutes to maintain the crust's crispness and thoroughly warm the toppings. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and alter the texture of the mozzarella and chicken.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with roasted turkey slices for a slightly different protein option while maintaining a lean, light profile. Swap the fresh cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes to add an intense, concentrated flavor and a chewy texture. Instead of drizzling basil pesto at the end, try swirling a mixture of garlic-infused olive oil and fresh herbs directly onto the dough before baking to infuse a fragrant aroma throughout the crust. For a dairy-free variation, use sliced vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast sprinkled over the pizza before baking.
Allergies
Leggera Pollo ad Astra contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella cheese and nuts from basil pesto, which often includes pine nuts. Individuals with allergies to milk or tree nuts should exercise caution or consult with staff before ordering. Your sensitivity to these ingredients should guide your choice to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Leggera Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress combines tender grilled chicken with a light tomato base and fresh rocket, creating a balanced and flavorful low-calorie pizza option. Its fresh ingredients and thin, crispy base appeal to health-conscious diners seeking a tasty yet guilt-free meal. You'll find it worth recreating at home to enjoy a wholesome, restaurant-quality pizza that complements your nutritious lifestyle. Making this copycat version allows you to control ingredient quality while savoring the popular flavors that make this dish a customer favorite.