Chicken Florentine Pizza: A Creamy, Savory Delight
Chicken Florentine Pizza is a decadent twist on the classic pizza, combining tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach on a crispy pizza crust. With the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this pizza is loaded with rich flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner, as a weekend treat, or serving it at a family gathering, this pizza is a guaranteed hit.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and advanced techniques for making the perfect Chicken Florentine Pizza. Plus, we’ll provide helpful tips for storage, dietary adaptations, and frequently asked questions to ensure that every bite is as delicious as the last.
For more pizza inspiration, check out our pizza recipes or these easy chicken pizza ideas.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
This Chicken Florentine Pizza comes together quickly and is sure to impress. The creamy ricotta cheese and spinach combination paired with tender chicken will make this a family favorite.
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Chicken Florentine Pizza Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
This Chicken Florentine Pizza combines the rich flavors of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, and sautéed spinach, all topped on a crispy pizza crust. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a mouthwatering, easy-to-make pizza that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups cooked chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cubed
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pizza topping mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked, cubed chicken, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Prepare the spinach mixture: In another bowl, mix the thawed and squeezed dry spinach with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the chicken and ricotta mixture evenly over the prebaked pizza crust. Then, layer the spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture on top of the chicken.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust is crispy.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, or grill or bake chicken breasts ahead of time.
- For added flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the pizza before serving.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
- You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chicken Florentine Pizza Recipe
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prebaked 12-inch pizza crust on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Chicken and Spinach Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, thawed spinach (squeezed dry to remove excess moisture), ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the spinach and chicken mixture evenly over the pizza crust. Be sure to cover the entire surface, ensuring every bite has a balanced ratio of chicken and spinach.
- Top with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese: Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken and spinach mixture. Then, top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that complements the creamy ricotta.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of your Chicken Florentine Pizza.
Advanced Techniques
To elevate your Chicken Florentine Pizza, consider these advanced techniques to add more flavor and texture to the dish:
Add Fresh Herbs
For a burst of freshness, add fresh basil or oregano on top of the pizza just before serving. The aroma of fresh herbs will add a lovely touch and enhance the flavor profile of the pizza.
Make Your Own Pizza Dough
Instead of using store-bought prebaked crust, you can make your own pizza dough from scratch. Homemade dough will create a fresh, chewy base that adds an extra level of authenticity to the pizza.
Season Your Chicken
For more flavor, season your chicken before cooking it. Try marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before grilling or baking. This will infuse the chicken with added flavor and make it even more tender.
Try a White Sauce Base
Instead of using ricotta cheese alone, create a creamy white sauce by combining butter, flour, milk, and garlic. Spread this sauce on the pizza crust before adding the spinach and chicken mixture for an extra creamy, rich texture.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Chicken Florentine Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips for storing and maintaining the pizza’s deliciousness:
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover Chicken Florentine Pizza will last for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate the pizza within 2 hours of baking to prevent any bacterial growth.
Reheating Leftovers
Reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. You can also microwave it for about 1 minute, but reheating in the oven will help preserve the crispiness of the crust.
Freezing
To freeze the pizza, first, allow it to cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the whole pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
If you need to adjust the recipe to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some ideas:
Gluten-Free Version
To make this pizza gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza crust. There are many gluten-free options available, both in stores and online. Alternatively, you can make your own gluten-free crust using a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Version
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. There are many plant-based cheese options available that melt well and work wonderfully as substitutes for traditional cheese.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version, skip the pizza crust altogether and use a cauliflower crust or a zucchini base. You can also make a crustless pizza by simply layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking it until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
FAQs About Chicken Florentine Pizza
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Simply sauté it lightly to reduce moisture and wilt it before adding it to the pizza. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water before using it on the pizza.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or cube the chicken and add it to the spinach and ricotta mixture.
3. Can I make this pizza without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them or substitute them with fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a similar flavor profile.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! You can use other cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or even cheddar. However, keep in mind that the flavor will change, but it will still be delicious.
5. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can assemble the pizza in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it later. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to bake.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Chicken Florentine Pizza is the perfect combination of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses all layered on a crispy pizza crust. This pizza is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a great choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, like adding fresh herbs, changing up the cheeses, or using a homemade crust. Whatever you choose, this pizza is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!