If you love the creamy, savory goodness of classic spinach artichoke dip and crave the satisfying heartiness of pizza, then this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. It artfully combines tender chicken, luscious cream cheese, fresh spinach, and tangy artichokes on a perfectly crispy crust, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want a delicious dinner with a gourmet touch, this pizza delivers big on flavor and comfort in every single slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is what makes this recipe truly shine. Each component is carefully chosen to add a unique texture, taste, or burst of color that transforms an ordinary pizza into an irresistible culinary experience.
- Basic Yeast Dough: Use a whole wheat version or a storebought 16-oz dough for an easy and sturdy base that bakes up crispy yet chewy.
- Cooked Chicken: About 1 cup of shredded or chopped chicken breast brings protein and a tender bite.
- Low Fat Cream Cheese: This creamy element creates the signature spinach artichoke sauce base and adds richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A pinch of earthy herbs elevates the overall flavor profile perfectly.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These seasonings add layers of savory depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): Just a hint adds a warm, subtle complexity to the cream cheese mixture.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to balance all flavors and bring everything to life.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Bright, tender greens that offer a fresh contrast and pop of color.
- Artichoke Hearts: Drained and quartered, they add a pleasant tang and unique texture that complements the creamy base.
- Small Bell Pepper: Thin strips provide crunch and a mild sweetness to the topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, slightly nutty finish that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by rolling out your dough on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape with slightly raised edges to hold the toppings in place. If you’re using storebought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to stretch. This foundation is crucial as it needs to be thin enough to cook through while supporting the generous toppings without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Spinach Artichoke Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the low fat cream cheese with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the fresh baby spinach and quartered artichoke hearts. This creamy mixture will be the luscious ‘sauce’ that delivers all the signature flavors of the spinach artichoke dip right onto your pizza.
Step 3: Assemble the Toppings
Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border. Next, scatter the shredded chicken and thin bell pepper strips over the top. Finally, add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over everything. These toppings not only add varied textures and flavors but also make the pizza incredibly colorful and appetizing.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a hint of browning. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning and remove promptly for the best texture.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, garnish your pizza with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an exciting finishing touch to elevate each slice.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted garlic hummus and warm pita bread for an extra Mediterranean-inspired feast. You might also consider serving it alongside a light vegetable soup for comforting contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pizza into small squares and serve on a wooden board as a party appetizer. Alternatively, slice it thinly and stack a few pieces with fresh arugula and cherry tomatoes for a casual pizza sandwich sensation that’s perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. This helps maintain freshness and keeps the crust from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by placing parchment paper between each slice and storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month for an easy quick meal later on that doesn’t lose much of its deliciousness after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crisp crust and melts the cheese beautifully, unlike microwaving which can make crusts chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh artichokes can add an even brighter flavor, but require more prep such as steaming or boiling before using. Canned artichokes are perfectly convenient and still delicious for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores or make your own using gluten-free flours.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. The creamy spinach artichoke base is hearty enough to stand on its own.
What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
If you prefer, provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar can work well here. Each cheese will slightly change the flavor but melt nicely to keep the pizza gooey and satisfying.
How do I ensure the crust doesn’t become soggy?
Using a hot oven and baking on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet helps create a crisp crust. Also, avoid overloading with wet ingredients and make sure to drain the artichokes well before adding.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe that brings comfort and delight with every bite. It’s a wonderful way to reinvent pizza night with bold, fresh flavors and creamy textures that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
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Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza is a delicious and nutritious twist on classic pizza, combining tender cooked chicken, creamy low-fat cream cheese, fresh baby spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of flavorful cheeses on a whole wheat or store-bought dough base. Seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, it’s perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- ½ batch Basic Yeast Dough (using whole wheat flour and adding 1 tbsp olive oil) OR 16 oz store-bought pizza dough
Chicken and Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
- 1 cup low fat cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 small bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup shredded low fat mozzarella cheese (or regular mozzarella for preference)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: If using homemade, prepare the basic yeast dough with whole wheat flour, adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil as specified. Allow the dough to rise according to recipe instructions (approximately 60 minutes). Alternatively, use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
- Mix the chicken cheese spread: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped or shredded cooked chicken with low fat cream cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of ground nutmeg (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined to create a creamy spread.
- Assemble the pizza: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Distribute fresh baby spinach leaves, quartered artichoke hearts, and thin strips of bell pepper evenly on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over all.
- Bake the pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cooked through and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful spinach artichoke chicken pizza.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adding the pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture but is optional.
- For a more indulgent pizza, use regular cream cheese and cheeses instead of low-fat versions.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
