Marry Me Chicken Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pizza is a rich and flavorful dish featuring a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and melty cheese atop a perfectly crisp pizza crust. This recipe combines comforting Italian-inspired flavors into a quick and impressive homemade pizza.

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 cup 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 and slice the remaining 1 oz. into bite-sized pieces; set the sliced pieces aside for later.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic. Stir until the garlic softens and the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt.
3. Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low to prevent boiling. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan until smooth, and 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 top with the shredded rotisserie chicken.
5. Step 5: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the bottom and edges are 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 extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey as a substitute for rotisserie chicken.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried basil and thyme can be used; reduce the amount by half.
• Pre-bake the pizza crust for 2-3 minutes if your oven doesn’t reach high temperatures to prevent sogginess.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to retain the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a slightly different melt and flavor, or add a sprinkle of goat cheese for tanginess.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water or olive oil before chopping to soften and bring out their flavor.