Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, featuring the bright, herbaceous flavors of homemade garlic scape pesto. Garlic scapes, the green shoots of garlic plants, are only available for a short season in early summer, making this dish a seasonal highlight. Their mild garlic flavor enhances the pizza without overpowering it, creating a savory experience that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. This recipe combines fresh ingredients with an easy pizza dough that you can whip up in no time, making it a fantastic choice for quick weeknight dinners or gourmet pizza nights with friends. The unique essence of the garlic scapes paired with tender chicken creates a harmonious blend that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or just treating yourself to a culinary delight, this Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• For the Pizza Dough:
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Garlic Scape Pesto:
  • 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work well)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Toppings:
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (grilling chicken for pizza adds a smoky flavor)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough. This step is crucial as it ensures your dough will rise properly and give you that delightful fluffy crust.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated for a smooth texture. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky; adjust with a bit more flour if needed.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, which is crucial for a chewy crust. Make sure to stretch and fold the dough, which helps to build its structure. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size, indicating it has risen properly. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for this.
4. Make the Garlic Scape Pesto: While the dough rises, combine garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor. The pesto should be vibrant and aromatic, with the garlic scapes providing a unique depth that differentiates it from traditional basil pesto.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, which helps achieve a crispy crust. A hot oven is essential for perfecting your Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza, as it cooks quickly and evenly.
6. Shape the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone, ensuring the dough can slide off easily when baking. Don’t worry about a perfect circle; rustic shapes often look charming!
7. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous layer of garlic scape pesto over the dough, making sure to cover the edges for a flavorful crust. Top with shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese, distributing evenly for balanced flavor in every bite. The combination of flavors will meld beautifully as it bakes.
8. Bake the Pizza: If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes to prevent burning; you want that perfect, melty cheese and a crisp base.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot to enjoy the combination of flavors at their peak. The fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall aroma and taste of the Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, use high-quality ingredients for your pesto, as this will significantly impact the overall flavor. Fresh, vibrant garlic scapes will provide the most aromatic and robust flavor. If you cannot find garlic scapes, consider substituting with fresh basil or spinach for a different yet delicious pesto variation. When grilling chicken for this pizza, marinate it beforehand with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for extra flavor, as this enhances the overall dish. You can also make the pizza dough and pesto ahead of time; the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and the pesto can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can learn more about this topic.

For those looking for healthy pizza options, this recipe can be adapted by using whole wheat flour for the dough and reducing the cheese for a lighter version. Additionally, feel free to load up your pizza with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition. These elements not only offer a colorful presentation but also add various textures. Check out our related guide for more tips on how to elevate your pizza-making experience. Enjoy the process and make it your own by trying different topping combinations!

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Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Recipe by amine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

1 hr 30 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

—

Chicken Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, featuring the bright, herbaceous flavors of homemade garlic scape pesto.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Garlic Scape Pesto:
• 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work well)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1.

Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2.

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

3.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.

4.

Make the Garlic Scape Pesto: Combine garlic scapes, Parmesan cheese, nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.

5.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

6.

Shape the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface.

7.

Assemble the Pizza: Spread garlic scape pesto over the dough, top with shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese.

8.

Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza onto the stone and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

9.

Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.