Is chicken good with pizza?

Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world, with countless topping combinations to satisfy every taste bud. While pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and other classic toppings reign supreme, chicken has become an increasingly popular protein topping for pizza in recent years. But is chicken actually a good pairing for pizza? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of chicken pizza toppings.

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The Case for Chicken Pizza

There are several reasons why chicken can make a great topping for pizza:

Chicken provides protein – A slice or two of pizza can pack a decent amount of carbs. Adding chicken as a topping provides a good source of lean protein to help balance out the meal.
It offers variety – If you’re bored with the usual pepperoni or sausage, chicken is a tasty way to change up your pizza order. Shredded chicken, grilled chicken, breaded chicken cutlets, buffalo chicken and more can give your pizza an exciting new flavor and texture.
Chicken is versatile – It can work with lots of flavors and ingredients. Chicken pairs well with classic pizza toppings like onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives. It also handles bolder flavors like hot peppers, barbecue sauce and blue cheese crumbles.

Kid-friendly option – For parents looking for a pizza topping even picky eaters will enjoy, mild shredded chicken is a safe bet that goes over well with children.
Chicken is affordable – Unlike more expensive pizza meats like steak or shrimp, chicken is a budget-friendly protein option.

With its mild flavor, protein boost and versatility, it’s easy to see why chicken has become a go-to topping choice for customized pizzas.

Why Chicken and Pizza Can Be a Tricky Combo

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when adding chicken to pizza:

Moisture factor – Chicken releases moisture as it cooks. This can make the pizza crust soggy.
The texture issue – Some people don’t like the soft, shredded chicken texture on pizza. They prefer crispier, sliced toppings.

Flavor mismatches – Chicken has a relatively bland flavor on its own. It may get lost among bold pizza sauce and toppings.
Topping distribution problems – If the chicken is only added to half the pizza, it throws off the uniform topping distribution.
The flavor competition – Chicken and other toppings may compete, rather than complement each other.

With the wrong sauce, cheese and topping combinations, chicken can end up making a pizza bland, soggy and unevenly flavored. There are ways to prevent this, but it does take some finesse to pull off chicken pizza perfectly.

Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Pizza

Here are some useful tips to ensure chicken pizza success:

Use the right chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Diced grilled chicken breast and breaded chicken cutlets are other good options. Avoid using raw chicken, as it releases too much moisture when cooking.

Pre-cook the chicken – Partially cooking the chicken first prevents a soggy pizza crust.
Spread it out – Distribute chicken evenly over the entire pizza, rather than just half, for best flavor in every bite.
Dry it off – Pat chicken pieces with a paper towel before topping pizza to remove excess moisture.

Pair with the right flavors – Barbecue sauce, ranch, hot sauce, blue cheese, onions and peppers are great with chicken. Match sauces and toppings to the specific chicken used.
Put chicken on after baking – Add cooked chicken as a finishing touch after baking pizza, so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Use a well-raised crust – A thicker, airy crust has a better chance of standing up to moist toppings.

With the right preparation methods and topping combinations, chicken can be an amazing addition to pizza. The key is keeping the chicken and crust sufficiently dry and matched with flavors that enhance, rather than compete with, the chicken.

Popular Varieties of Chicken Pizza

Some of the most popular and delicious chicken pizzas out there are:

BBQ Chicken Pizza – Shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion, cheddar, barbecue sauce

Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Diced chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza – Grilled chicken, bacon, mozzarella, ranch dressing
Chicken Caesar Pizza – Grilled chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, Roma tomatoes, Caesar dressing, spinach

Chicken Fajita Pizza – Seasoned chicken, onion, pepper, cheddar, Mexican seasoning
Chicken Alfredo Pizza – Grilled chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic

The possibilities are endless for inventing your own signature chicken pizza! Try using different sauces, cheeses, vegetables and other toppings to customize your chicken pizza creation.

Should You Order Chicken Pizza from a Restaurant?

Ordering chicken pizza at a restaurant can be hit or miss. Here are some pros and cons to consider when ordering chicken pizza at a restaurant:

Pros

Convenience – No prep or cleanup required on your part.
No cooking – The pizza arrives hot and ready to eat.

More topping variety – Restaurants offer unique topping combinations you may not think to try at home.
High quality ingredients – Restaurants use high-end meats, cheeses and sauce.

Cons

Inconsistency – You don’t know how carefully they’ve prepared the chicken or crust.

Flavor mismatches – Bold restaurant flavors may overpower chicken.
Limited options – Your favorite chicken pizza variety may not be on the menu.
Expense – Restaurant pizza costs more than making your own.

To improve your chances of getting a great chicken pizza from a restaurant, read reviews to find pizzerias known for quality chicken pizzas. Stick to simpler varieties with ingredients you know you enjoy. And don’t be afraid to ask for modifications like extra chicken, well-done crust or sauce on the side.

Tips for Making Chicken Pizza at Home

For the best results, consider making chicken pizza yourself at home. Here are some tips for homemade chicken pizza success:

Choose the right crust – A from-scratch crust or a high-quality store-bought crust works best.

Partially pre-cook chicken – Browning chicken first keeps moisture low.
Layer cheese directly on crust – This prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Don’t overdo toppings – Restrain to 3 or 4 complementary toppings so chicken flavor shines.

Finish with fresh herbs – Chives, basil or oregano add a final punch of flavor.

With test runs at home, you can perfect the ultimate chicken pizza tailored to your taste. Experiment with crusts, sauces, cheeses and toppings until you create the perfect blend.

The Verdict on Chicken Pizza

So should chicken be counted in or out when it comes to pizza toppings? The final verdict is that chicken can be an amazing topping for pizza when done right. The keys are using properly prepped chicken, preventing a soggy crust, and pairing chicken with complementary flavors and textures. With the right techniques and ingredients, chicken pizza can be flavorful, satisfying and delicious.

While it may take some trial and error to come up with ideal chicken pizza combinations, the effort is well worth it. Chicken pizza offers a protein-packed meal that both kids and adults will devour. So be bold and give this creative twist a try on your next pizza night!