This Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza combines creamy vodka sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese on a warm, crispy crust. It’s a tasty twist on your usual pizza night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade is always a treat. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free dough or cauliflower crust can work well too.
Vodka Sauce: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find it, a mix of marinara sauce with a splash of cream can be a quick substitute.
Chicken: Cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for this pizza. If you’re vegetarian, try using sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies instead.
Cheese: I love the melty goodness of mozzarella. However, you can mix in some provolone or fontina if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Roll Out Pizza Dough Without it Sticking?
A common challenge with pizza dough is rolling it out without it sticking. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Always flour your surface and rolling pin generously before starting.
- Start with room-temperature dough; it’s easier to work with than cold dough.
- If the dough keeps sticking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Use a bench scraper to lift and turn the dough as you roll, ensuring it doesn’t stick.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly rolled pizza base ready for those delicious toppings!
Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup vodka sauce (creamy tomato vodka sauce)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach or basil, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or oregano sprigs, for garnish
Time Needed:
This easy and delicious pizza takes about 20 minutes to prep and approximately 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This will give you a nice crispy bottom!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness, aiming for about a 12-inch diameter. Transfer this to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet that’s been dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the rolled-out pizza dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the crust get a nice golden color.
4. Spread Vodka Sauce:
Pour the vodka sauce over the dough, spreading it evenly while leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
5. Layer the Toppings:
Next, distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the vodka sauce. Then, layer the thinly sliced red bell peppers and chopped spinach or basil on top.
6. Add Garlic and Cheese:
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the toppings evenly. Then, scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the pizza, creating a cheesy blanket of goodness.
7. Seasoning:
Finish with a sprinkle of salt, fresh black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
8. Bake:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown a bit.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or oregano sprigs for a burst of flavor. Slice and serve while warm!
Enjoy your flavorful Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza with the creamy tang of vodka sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbs! 🍕
FAQ for Easy Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza
Can I Use Store-Bought Vodka Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought vodka sauce is a great time-saver, and it’s typically delicious. Just choose a brand you enjoy, or feel free to make your own for a fresher option!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh thyme or oregano, you can use dried herbs instead—just use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or even bacon. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors in mind!
