Savory Grilled Chicken and Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream

Get ready to discover the ultimate homemade pizza experience! This **Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce** isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelation. Forget about your usual frozen, take-and-bake, or even delivery pizzas – this incredible creation will quickly become your new favorite. With its rich garlic cream sauce, savory grilled chicken, and crispy bacon, every bite is a flavor explosion that truly stands out. Plus, I’ll share my secret for a quick and easy prep time, making gourmet pizza night a breeze!

The Quest for the Perfect Recipe

Finding the perfect recipe can often feel like a culinary adventure. In this digital age, while Google and Pinterest are overflowing with options, my approach has evolved. I no longer cast a wide net across the internet for every dish. Instead, I’ve cultivated a network of trusted food bloggers whose recipes consistently deliver exceptional results. Their insights and culinary expertise have become my reliable “go-to” sources, much like beloved cookbooks were in years past.

When I’m searching for a specific type of casserole or a comforting dessert, I know exactly which blogs to visit. This method ensures that the recipes I choose are not just random finds, but proven winners from people I respect and trust in the food community. This trust factor is precisely why I was so excited to dive into this particular recipe for **Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce**.

This isn’t just another pizza recipe I stumbled upon online. It’s a gem from a fellow blogger whom I admire and whose creations I frequently replicate for my own family. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with a group of these talented bloggers – all of whom I follow closely and whose recipes I regularly enjoy – I knew I couldn’t pass it up. It was a chance to bring something truly special to my readers, knowing it came from a place of genuine culinary passion and proven deliciousness.

Our collaboration involves each of us recreating and sharing a recipe from another blogger in the group. This arrangement is perfect because I already adore the dishes they create, and it brings me immense joy to share their culinary genius with you in a fresh and exciting way. First up on our recipe-sharing adventure is this absolutely divine Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce, a magnificent creation originally from Jaren over at Diary of a Recipe Collector.

Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce: A Culinary Delight

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Before we delve deeper into this mouthwatering pizza, let me confess a personal preference: when I order pizza, I almost always gravitate towards a white sauce over traditional marinara. There’s a particular white sauce pizza I adore from California Pizza Kitchen that I always get when I visit my hometown, but it’s hard to find anything quite like it elsewhere. I used to be able to find a decent frozen version, but their “White Garlic Chicken” option is no longer available, and the current alternatives simply don’t compare. Given that it’s been nearly a decade since I last visited home for a vacation, it’s been just as long since I last savored my beloved white sauce pizza.

So, when I browsed through Jaren’s extensive collection of recipes to select one to share, this one, of course, immediately caught my eye. The moment I saw “Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce,” I knew I had to make it. And oh, am I glad I did! This pizza was nothing short of magnificent. It was everything I had been missing and so much more. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the crust was ideally crisp, and the creamy garlic sauce was rich and decadent. It tasted every bit as good as it looks in the photos – an absolute culinary triumph!

Common Questions About Homemade Chicken and Bacon Pizza

Can I customize the toppings on this pizza recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of homemade pizza is its versatility. While the grilled chicken and bacon are essential for this specific recipe, feel free to add other toppings that your family loves. We often incorporate savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, tender artichoke hearts, and even more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. If you have a particular favorite, don’t hesitate to experiment! For instance, my husband and kids are big fans of anchovies, so we frequently add those to our half of the pizza. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your pizza creation.

What is the best way to store leftover homemade chicken pizza?

Truth be told, we rarely have leftovers of this particular homemade pizza – it’s just too delicious to resist! However, on those rare occasions when we do, I find that the best way to store it is by wrapping a couple of slices tightly in aluminum foil or placing several slices in a large zip-top bag. Make sure to refrigerate them promptly, ideally within an hour of cooking, to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, a quick reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer will bring back some of that delicious crispness.

Can this be made with homemade pizza dough?

Indeed! Jaren, the original creator of this recipe, used a fantastic homemade dough recipe from Pioneer Woman. While I often enjoy making my own dough from scratch – my 2-ingredient pizza dough recipe is incredibly simple and consistently yields great results – I opted for a ready-made crust this time for speed and convenience. It worked out beautifully, proving that you can achieve a fantastic pizza even on a busy weeknight. Whichever dough you choose, make sure to prick it all over with a fork before adding your sauce and toppings to prevent large bubbles from forming during baking.

When baking, I highly recommend using a perforated pizza pan. This kitchen essential is a game-changer for homemade pizza, as it allows air to circulate, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust every single time. It’s truly a must-have for any serious pizza maker.

**For Jaren’s ORIGINAL RECIPE and to explore more of her wonderful creations, be sure to visit Diary of a Recipe Collector.**

How many slices will this recipe make?

The number of slices you get from this recipe can vary depending on how large you make your dough (if you’re creating it from scratch) and how you choose to cut it. On average, we typically yield about 8 generous slices. This makes it a perfect size for a delightful dinner for two, or a fantastic appetizer for a small gathering. You can easily adjust the portion sizes to suit your needs, making it a flexible option for any meal.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, absolutely! I often find myself doubling the ingredients for the rich garlic cream sauce and the generous amount of toppings. I then divide these bountiful additions between two pizza crusts. This method works wonderfully, especially when feeding a larger family or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! They love helping spread the sauce and arrange the toppings before the pizzas go into the oven, making it a fun and interactive family activity.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce

Creating this incredible pizza is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot (if using). Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to create a roux.
5. Gradually pour in the wine (or beer or chicken broth), stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Slowly add the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Stir in the dried basil.
9. Continue to stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes over medium heat until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
10. Remove the sauce from the heat.

For the Pizza Assembly:

11. Spread your pizza dough evenly onto a pizza pan or baking stone. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
12. Generously spread the prepared garlic cream sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
13. Evenly top the sauce with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, a blend of shredded Colby Jack cheese, and slices of mozzarella cheese.
14. Bake in the preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Essential Tools for Your Homemade Pizza

What pan do you recommend for the best pizza?

For achieving that perfect crispy crust, I highly recommend this pizza pan. It’s not only the ideal size for a family-sized pizza but also incredibly easy to clean and very affordable. Its design promotes even heat distribution, which is key to a perfectly baked pizza every time.

Can this chicken pizza be frozen?

I’ve never personally attempted to freeze this pizza, mainly because the recipe comes together so quickly and easily that I’ve never felt the need for extensive meal prep in advance. However, I generally don’t recommend freezing this pizza after it has been baked. I suspect that once thawed and reheated, the crust might become a bit soggy, compromising the wonderful texture that makes this pizza so special. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven!

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Irresistible Pizza:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup bacon bits (real bacon, not imitation)
• Pizza dough (homemade or ready-made crust)
• Salt and pepper or creole seasoning, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 shallot, chopped (OPTIONAL)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup wine (or beer or chicken broth)
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Products I Love for Making This Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce:

This Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe is so wonderfully simple and yields incredibly delicious results. You likely already have many of these staple ingredients in your pantry, just as I do! If you’re new to making homemade pizza, you might feel a little apprehensive, but trust me, this recipe will transform your dinner routine into something special and effortless. To help you on your way, I’ve compiled a list of the kitchen essentials and specific products that I find indispensable when preparing this savory chicken bacon pizza:

• Quality bacon bits
• Ready-made pizza crust (for convenience)
• All-purpose flour
• Creole seasoning (adds a fantastic kick!)
• Perforated pizza pan (for a perfectly crispy crust)
• Good quality olive oil
• Chicken broth (as an alternative to wine/beer for the sauce)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

This truly is the most delicious homemade pizza recipe you’ll ever make!

Scroll down for the Printable Recipe Card

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with this **Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce** recipe, then you’re definitely going to enjoy these other quick and easy dinner ideas. Each link below leads to a simple, printable recipe that will help you create more delicious meals for your family!

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Share Your Love for This Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza!

If you found this **Grilled Chicken & Bacon Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce** as delightful and easy to make as I did, please consider leaving a five-star review below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this incredible recipe. Also, don’t forget to spread the deliciousness by sharing this recipe on Facebook and Pinterest with your friends and family!

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