There’s something about the bold, garlicky aroma of basil pesto meeting warm, melty cheese that never fails to pull me into the kitchen—no matter how chaotic the day’s been.

This pesto chicken pizza is one of my personal go-to meals when I want something vibrant, satisfying, and yes—balanced. It’s not your everyday heavy pizza; the fresh herb sauce, lean protein, and lighter cheese combo make it feel cleaner and more energizing.

I often pair it with a crisp Cucumber Avocado Salad and sip on a Cortisol Cocktail for a wellness-forward meal that still feels indulgent. Trust me, it’s the kind of combo that makes your body and taste buds equally happy.

One of my favorite tweaks is using a pre-baked crust—because life’s too short to make dough on a Tuesday. This recipe hits that sweet spot: fast, flavorful, and lighter than traditional takeout pizza. No food coma, just clean, green, cheesy goodness.

With the rising interest in Mediterranean-style meals and low-inflammation eating, pesto chicken pizza has been trending for all the right reasons. In fact, meals centered on lean proteins and healthy fats can boost satiety and support weight loss goals without feeling restrictive.

So go ahead—make it your own, then let me know how it turned out.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Pesto Chicken Pizza?

Easy Pesto Chicken Pizza Recipe in 20 Mins!

Leftovers turned legend: The first time I made this was with leftover rotisserie chicken—and it became a fast family favorite. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless but tastes like a win.
A lighter way to satisfy a pizza craving: On days I want pizza without the extra heaviness of tomato sauce and loads of cheese, this is my go-to. It’s fresh, flavorful, and doesn’t weigh me down.
Endlessly flexible (and low-carb friendly): I’ve swapped the crust with naan, flatbread, and even cauliflower crust. No matter what I use, the pesto still shines and fits right into my low-carb routine.
That artichoke twist is everything: The briny bite of the artichokes cuts through the richness of the pesto just right. It’s a small detail that makes every slice more interesting.
Helps me stay full without feeling stuffed: It’s nourishing and satisfying—especially when I’m trying to eat clean and stay aligned with my wellness goals. Comfort food without the carb crash.

Pesto Chicken Pizza Recipe

This Pesto Chicken Pizza is a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on a classic—creamy pesto, juicy chicken, tangy artichokes, and melty fontina make it perfect for quick, craveable weeknight comfort.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion, Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 457 kcal

Equipment

Baking sheet or pizza stone
Oven
Spatula or pizza cutter
Small spoon (for spreading pesto)
Knife (for slicing toppings, if needed)

Ingredients

½ cup pesto basil sauce
1 12 inch pre-baked pizza crust
2 cups cooked chicken breast strips
1 6 ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained
½ cup shredded fontina cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place pre-baked crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread pesto sauce evenly over the crust.
Top with cooked chicken strips and chopped artichoke hearts.
Sprinkle shredded fontina cheese evenly over the toppings.
Bake in preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Info:

Nutrition	Value
Calories	457kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	30g
Fat	22g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	767mg

Quick Questions About This Recipe?

Q. Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Ans: Yes! Store-bought pesto works great. Just look for one with fresh ingredients like basil, olive oil, and real Parmesan for the best flavor.

Q. What kind of crust works best for this pizza?
Ans: I’ve used everything from regular pizza dough to naan and even cauliflower crust—it all depends on your preference or dietary goals.

Q. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Ans: Totally. Assemble everything on the crust, wrap it up, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to eat—perfect for meal prep or busy nights.

Q. Is this pizza good for weight loss or low-carb diets?
Ans: Yes, especially if you use a low-carb crust. Pesto and chicken are naturally low in carbs, and the toppings keep you full without heavy sauces or extra cheese.

Q. Can I skip the artichoke hearts?
Ans: Of course! But they add a tangy punch that really balances the creamy pesto. If you’re not a fan, try roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes instead.