Description
This Savory Chicken Peach Ricotta Pizza with Arugula Bliss is a delightful blend of flavors combining juicy peaches, shredded chicken, and creamy ricotta on a whole wheat pizza crust. Finished with fresh arugula, basil, and a balsamic glaze, this 30-minute pizza brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a peppery bite and a fresh herbaceous finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base and Cheese
- 1 pound Whole Wheat Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese (divided use: 1/2 cup and remaining for dollops)
- 4 ounces Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Fillings and Toppings
- 1.5 tablespoons Pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; rotisserie chicken recommended for convenience)
- 2 small Peaches (sliced thin)
- 1 cup Arugula (fresh)
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- Torn Basil Leaves (for garnish)
- Balsamic Glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy and golden pizza crust.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough into a 10-12 inch circle. Place the rolled-out dough on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy transfer into the oven.
- Make Ricotta Pesto Spread: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese with the pesto and mix until smooth. This flavorful spread will form the base layer of the pizza.
- Assemble Pizza: Evenly spread the ricotta-pesto mixture over the pizza dough. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by an even layer of cooked shredded chicken breast and thinly sliced peaches. Finally, add dollops of the remaining ricotta cheese across the surface for extra creaminess.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the mozzarella cheese has melted beautifully.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Once out of the oven, top the pizza with fresh ground black pepper, a generous handful of peppery arugula, and torn basil leaves to add freshness and texture.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the savory and fruity elements of the pizza perfectly.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenience.
- Thinly slicing the peaches ensures they cook slightly and meld well with other flavors without becoming mushy.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast of warm melted cheese and fresh arugula.
- Whole wheat dough adds fiber and a nutty flavor, but you can substitute with your favorite pizza dough.
- The balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar or store-bought for ease.
