We’ve always been fans of reinventing pizza classics and our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza is no exception. It brings together tender grilled chicken crispy bacon and tangy artichokes for a flavor-packed twist that’s far from ordinary.
This recipe captures the hearty essence of comfort food while adding a fresh gourmet edge we know you’ll love. Whether you’re firing up the oven for a family dinner or a casual get-together it’s an easy way to elevate your pizza night.
Perfect for home cooks seeking bold tastes without the fuss.
Ingredients
To bring our flavorful Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza to life, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that deliver bold tastes with minimal effort. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, from base to toppings, with prep notes for clarity.
Pizza Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade; let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (we recommend a tangy marinara for a classic base; spread evenly)
Proteins
- 1 cup grilled chicken (cooked and diced; use boneless, skinless breasts seasoned with salt and pepper for juicy results)
- 6 slices bacon (thick-cut and cooked until crispy; crumble after cooling to add crunch)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts (drained and quartered; opt for marinated ones for extra tang)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced; provides a mild sweetness that complements the bacon)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced; fresh garlic elevates the aroma and flavor profile)
Cheese and Seasonings
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded; use full-fat for the best melt and stretch)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated; sprinkle on top for a nutty finish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (adds an herby note; mix into the sauce if desired)
- Salt and pepper (to taste; season the chicken and dough for enhanced depth)
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza together seamlessly after preparing the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools and equipment. These essentials help us achieve a crispy crust, even cooking, and effortless assembly, ensuring our pizza turns out perfectly every time.
Here’s a detailed list of the tools we recommend, organized by their role in the process:
- Oven: A standard home oven preheated to 475°F (245°C) is ideal for baking. We prefer a convection setting if available, as it promotes even browning and a crispier crust on our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: Use a large baking sheet for easy handling or a pizza stone for authentic results. The stone absorbs moisture and delivers a professional-quality base, making our pizza’s flavors—grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy artichokes—shine through.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the pizza dough to an even 12-inch circle. We find this tool helps create a uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking and ensuring every bite of our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza is delightful.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining and proofing the dough or mixing toppings. We opt for a sturdy, non-slip version to keep things tidy during prep.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a stable cutting board is crucial for slicing ingredients like red onion, garlic, and artichoke hearts. This setup allows us to prepare toppings quickly and safely, enhancing the fresh flavors in our pizza.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success. We use these for ingredients like marinara sauce and cheeses, ensuring balanced tastes without guesswork.
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For slicing the finished pizza. A wheeled pizza cutter makes clean cuts through the melted cheese and toppings, letting us serve our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza with ease.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and focus on the joy of creating a gourmet pizza at home. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece.
Instructions
We guide you through creating our flavorful Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza with simple, step-by-step directions that highlight bold tastes and easy preparation. Let’s transform those fresh ingredients into a gourmet delight.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we prepare our toppings to ensure everything is ready for assembly. Start by grilling or cooking 1 cup of chicken until it’s juicy and tender—season it with a pinch of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. Next, chop 6 slices of crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces after cooking them until golden and aromatic. Drain and slice 1 can of artichoke hearts into quarters, and thinly slice 1/2 red onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic to release their pungent essence. Grate 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese for that perfect melt; this step sets the stage for the pizza’s irresistible cheesy pull and savory depth.
Cook the Toppings
We focus on cooking the toppings to build layers of taste in our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic and sliced red onion for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen. Separately, if your chicken isn’t pre-grilled, cook it in the same skillet for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s succulent and ready to complement the crispy bacon. For the bacon, fry it until crisp and golden, which takes about 5 minutes; this adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tangy artichokes.
Assemble the Pizza
With toppings cooked, we assemble our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza on the prepared dough for a harmonious blend of flavors. Roll out 1 pound of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, then spread 1/2 cup of tangy marinara sauce evenly across the base, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Layer on the grilled chicken, crispy bacon pieces, sliced artichoke hearts, and sautéed red onion and garlic, distributing them uniformly for balanced bites in every slice. Top with 2 cups of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, sprinkling a dash of dried oregano for an herby finish; envision the cheeses melting into a gooey, golden blanket that ties together the hearty toppings.
Bake the Pizza
Finally, we bake our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza to achieve a crispy crust and bubbling toppings that deliver mouthwatering results. Preheat your oven to 475°F using a baking sheet or pizza stone for even heat distribution. Transfer the assembled pizza to the hot surface and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of smoked bacon and herbs. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to set the structure before slicing.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza preparation and maximize flavor without last-minute rush, we can prepare several components in advance. This approach allows us to focus on assembly and baking when we’re ready to enjoy a crispy, gourmet pizza bursting with tangy artichokes, smoky bacon, and tender grilled chicken.
Prepping Toppings Ahead
We recommend making the toppings ahead to save time and build deeper flavors:
- Grilled Chicken: Grill 1 pound of chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of dried oregano. Once cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This step ensures the chicken remains juicy and infuses the pizza with a savory depth.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, chop into pieces, and refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to 4 days. Pre-cooking the bacon ahead delivers that irresistible crunch without the wait.
- Artichokes and Vegetables: Drain and chop 1 can of artichoke hearts, slice 1/2 red onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Store these in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freshly prepped veggies like these maintain their tangy bite and enhance the pizza’s vibrant layers.
Dough and Sauce Preparation
For the base, we can get a head start on the essentials:
- Pizza Dough: Prepare 1 pound of dough as per our recipe, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly crust.
- Marinara Sauce: Mix 1/2 cup of marinara with any additional seasonings like garlic powder. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld for a richer spread on our pizza.
Storage Tips and Timeline
To keep everything fresh and safe, we outline key storage guidelines in the table below. Proper make-ahead practices help preserve the dish’s mouthwatering textures and tastes.
| Component | Make-Ahead Method | Storage Duration | Refrigerator Temp (in °F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Cool and store in airtight container | Up to 3 days | 40 or below |
| Crispy Bacon | Chop and seal in a bag | Up to 4 days | 40 or below |
| Artichokes and Veggies | Chop and use separate containers | Up to 2 days | 40 or below |
| Pizza Dough | Wrap tightly in plastic | Up to 24 hours | 40 or below |
| Marinara Sauce | Seal in a jar | Up to 3 days | 40 or below |
By following these steps, we ensure our Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza comes together effortlessly, delivering bold, comforting flavors every time.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza recipe as it brings fresh excitement to your home cooking. It’s a simple way to create gourmet flavors that impress family and friends.
We’re sure you’ll find it rewarding and versatile so go ahead and experiment with your own twists for even more delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza?
Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza is a gourmet twist on a classic pizza, featuring grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy artichokes for bold flavors. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting yet elevated taste with simple home cooking.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza?
You’ll need 1 pound of pizza dough, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup grilled chicken, 6 slices bacon, 1 can artichoke hearts, 1/2 red onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 cups mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and seasonings like oregano, salt, and pepper. These ingredients deliver rich flavors with easy preparation.
What tools are required to make this pizza?
Essential tools include a preheated oven at 475°F, a baking sheet or pizza stone, rolling pin, mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board, and measuring cups/spoons. A pizza cutter helps with serving. These items streamline the process for a perfect homemade pizza.
How do I prepare Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza?
Start by prepping ingredients: grill chicken, chop bacon and veggies. Sauté garlic and onion, then assemble by rolling dough, spreading sauce, adding toppings and cheese. Bake at 475°F for a crispy crust. The whole process is straightforward for home cooks.
Can I make Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, grill and store chicken, cook bacon, and prep veggies in advance. Prepare dough and sauce ahead too, refrigerating them for freshness. This allows quick assembly, making it easy for busy schedules while keeping flavors intact.
How should I store leftovers of Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.