Mediterranean Chicken Pizza Recipe

Mediterranean cuisine is a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors—fresh herbs, sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, creamy cheeses, and succulent grilled meats. Combining these elements on a pizza base creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, balancing the familiar appeal of pizza with the bright, healthful notes of the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean Chicken Pizza is a perfect fusion that brings together tender grilled chicken, tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, fresh spinach or arugula, and a hint of garlic and oregano, all layered atop a crisp, golden crust. This pizza is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and an abundance of antioxidants.

While traditional Italian pizzas rely on simple toppings like mozzarella and tomato sauce, this Mediterranean variant elevates the experience by introducing layers of complexity and freshness. The chicken is marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection, infusing the pizza with smoky, aromatic notes. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs finish the dish, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Detailed Instructions for Mediterranean Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Option A: Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates the yeast is alive and active.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and activated yeast mixture.

3. Knead: Mix with a spoon until dough begins to form, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

4. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down and rest: Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before rolling out.

Option B: Store-bought Dough

For convenience, you can use pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store. Let it come to room temperature before rolling to make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Ingredients for marinade:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Cook chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 3: Prepare the Mediterranean Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (preferably low sodium)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to brown.

2. Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

3. Cool: Remove from heat and let sauce cool before spreading on dough.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

Gather and prep the following:

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach or baby arugula leaves (washed and dried)

• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

• Fresh herbs (oregano, basil, or parsley) for garnish

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven: If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C). If not, preheat a baking sheet.

2. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle (or desired shape). Transfer carefully to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal for easy transfer.

3. Add sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of the cooled Mediterranean sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust.

4. Layer toppings:

   • Evenly distribute sliced grilled chicken over the sauce.

   • Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion slices.

   • Scatter fresh spinach or arugula leaves on top.

   • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the pizza.

5. Drizzle: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the entire pizza for richness and to promote browning.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Slide pizza onto the hot pizza stone or place baking sheet in oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and crispy, cheese is bubbling, and toppings are slightly roasted.

2. Check doneness: The crust edges should be crisp and brown, and the chicken warmed through.

3. Finish with fresh herbs: Once out of the oven, scatter fresh oregano, basil, or parsley over the pizza for bright herbal notes.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes on a wire rack to prevent sogginess from steam.

2. Slice with a sharp pizza cutter or chef’s knife.

3. Serve immediately with optional sides such as a crisp green salad, tzatziki sauce, or lemon wedges for added brightness.