This Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza is a fun twist on a classic! It features tender chicken, creamy vodka sauce, and cheesy goodness all on a crispy crust. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up for a movie night. Plus, who can resist that cheesy, saucy goodness? It’s like comfort food with a twist! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you don’t have it, try instant yeast. You won’t need to activate it in warm water; just mix it directly with the flour.
Crushed Tomatoes: A key player in the vodka sauce. For a different flavor, you could use diced tomatoes or even tomato puree. I find crushed tomatoes give the sauce a nice texture.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream. The sauce will still taste good!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced rotisserie chicken works great, adding flavor and saving prep time. If you need a vegetarian option, roasted veggies or mushrooms are delicious instead.
Fresh Basil: It’s fantastic for garnish and adds freshness. If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can work too, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make the Perfect Pizza Dough?
Making pizza dough is simpler than it seems. The key is to get it right so your crust is just right. Follow these steps for great results:
- Start with warm water (110°F), which helps activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast!
- Let the yeast and sugar mixture sit until bubbly; this step is crucial for light, fluffy dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour.
- Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, this takes about an hour. A warm oven (turned off) is a great spot!
How to Make Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Vodka Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh thyme or oregano for garnish
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. This includes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and around 12 minutes for baking. Perfect for a fun dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the Vodka Sauce:
While the dough is rising, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vodka, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F). If you have one, place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
4. Shape the Pizza:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a circle that is about 12 inches in diameter.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of the vodka sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the shredded chicken and sliced bell pepper on top, and then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle fresh thyme or oregano and some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Slice the pizza and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if you like. Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Alla Vodka Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for thickness and baking times, and you can skip the dough preparation steps altogether!
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level in the Vodka Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can start with just a pinch, taste it after stirring in the cream, and gradually add more if desired. Conversely, if you like it spicier, feel free to add additional red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce!
Can I Use Other Cheeses for Topping?
Definitely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix it up with provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for a unique flavor. Just make sure to keep the total amount around 1 1/2 cups for the best melting experience.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but the oven will help keep the crust crispy!
