This Cherry Balsamic Chicken Pizza is a gourmet twist on classic pizza night. Sweet cherries, tangy balsamic reduction, and tender roasted chicken come together on a creamy white sauce base to create a flavor combination that feels both elegant and comforting. Perfect for summer when cherries are in season, this pizza is vibrant, colorful, and bursting with sweet-savory goodness.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want to treat yourself to a homemade artisan pizza, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. The balance of sweet cherries, sharp red onion, creamy mozzarella, and that glossy drizzle of balsamic reduction makes every bite unforgettable.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough about 12–14 inches
- 1/2 cup roasted chicken shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup white pizza sauce alfredo or garlic cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/3 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar for reduction
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a crisp, restaurant-style crust.
- While the oven heats, make the balsamic reduction: in a small saucepan, simmer the balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 8–10 minutes). Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12–14 inch round. Transfer it to a floured pizza peel.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then spread the white sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses as the base layer.
- Evenly distribute the roasted chicken, halved cherries, and sliced red onion over the cheese.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle generously with balsamic reduction. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Fresh cherries are ideal, but you can use thawed frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available—just pat them dry first.
- Try goat cheese or gorgonzola in place of Parmesan for a sharper, tangier profile.
- Add crushed walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
FAQ ?
FAQ 1: Can I make Cherry Balsamic Chicken Pizza without white sauce?
Yes! While the white sauce adds creaminess, you can substitute olive oil and garlic for a lighter version, or even use a thin layer of ricotta cheese as your base.
FAQ 2: What kind of cherries work best for pizza?
Fresh, firm cherries (like Bing or Rainier) work best. Avoid overly ripe cherries since they release too much juice, which can make your pizza soggy.
FAQ 3: Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making a reduction?
Absolutely. Store-bought balsamic glaze saves time and works beautifully, though homemade reduction often has a fresher, more balanced flavor.
FAQ 4: What cheeses pair well with cherries on pizza?
Mozzarella is the base cheese, but tangy cheeses like goat cheese, gorgonzola, or feta add a gourmet touch and balance the sweetness of the cherries.
FAQ 5: How do I store leftover Cherry Balsamic Chicken Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in the oven for best results.
