If you’re ready to take pizza night to the next level, this Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a piping hot, golden crust that’s totally grain-free, swiped with vibrant homemade dairy-free pesto, topped with juicy shredded chicken and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes. Every bite is herby, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor — all without a hint of gluten or dairy. This is a deliciously healthy spin that everyone can agree on, and it fits Paleo diets like a charm. Grab a slice (or three) and discover why this Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza is about to make your meal routine a lot more exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} does double duty: simple and clean, but chosen for maximum flavor, color, and that classic “pizza night” satisfaction. These building blocks bring a beautiful contrast—creamy pesto, savory chicken, juicy tomatoes—so every bite is crave-worthy and nourishing.
- Pine nuts: Provide creamy richness and that unmistakable pesto flavor that makes each bite sing.
- Almonds: Add structure and a hint of sweetness, plus extra nuttiness in the dairy-free pesto.
- Basil leaves: The heart of classic pesto; they bring vibrant green color and fresh herbal depth.
- Kale and/or spinach: Boosts nutrition and gives the pesto a lovely earthy note; choose either or both for extra greens.
- Garlic cloves: Adds bold, zesty flavor and irresistible aroma—don’t skimp here!
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the pesto and balances all the rich flavors.
- Nutritional yeast: Brings cheesy, savory undertones without any actual cheese.
- Sea salt: Essential for making every flavor pop; start with less and adjust to taste.
- Light olive oil: Helps the pesto blend smoothly and keeps everything luscious.
- Paleo pizza crust: The base for everything—choose your favorite recipe or store-bought prepare and prebake as directed.
- Pesto: The vibrant, dairy-free sauce you just whipped up—this will be the star on your pizza.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all that pesto flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sliced and scattered for little bursts of sweetness and color.
- Sea salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that finish everything off just right.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Sprinkled over the top, they make everything bright, aromatic, and dinner-party ready.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza
Step 1: Prepare Your Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees so it’s nice and hot. Prepare your favorite paleo pizza crust and bake it for 10–12 minutes, just until it starts to turn golden at the edges. This pre-bake is crucial for a sturdy, not-soggy base that holds up beautifully under your toppings. Keep the oven hot for the final bake!
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Dairy-Free Pesto
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pine nuts, almonds, basil, kale (or spinach), garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the light olive oil until everything blends into a luscious, creamy green sauce. Take a moment to taste — this pesto is so good, you might want to keep it on hand for everything!
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF}
Now for the fun part. Dollop about 4 tablespoons of your fresh pesto over the pre-baked crust and gently spread it into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the shredded chicken generously over the pesto, then add the sliced cherry tomatoes. To finish, spoon the remaining pesto in little pools over the top, and scatter on chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the assembled pizza back into your preheated oven. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are crisp and golden and the toppings are hot and flavorful. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as it bakes!
Step 5: Slice and Savor
Once your Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then slice it up. Each piece will have bubbling pesto, moist chicken, and vibrant tomatoes — enjoy every bite while it’s warm!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza
Garnishes
Garnishing makes the whole experience feel special. Try a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley over just-baked slices, a finishing drizzle of olive oil for shine, or a dusting of extra nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe. Little extras like a crack of black pepper or a few chili flakes can take your Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} right over the top.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with so many sides. Keep it simple with a tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon, roasted veggies, or even zucchini noodles tossed with any extra pesto. These fresh sides keep everything light while still making the meal feel hearty and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} into a showstopper by serving it on a wooden board, slicing it up into appetizer squares, or topping each slice with a few microgreens or edible flowers. If you’re hosting, try a pizza bar with extra toppings like roasted red peppers or olives for guests to mix and match their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap up any leftover slices in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. Kept this way, your Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {GF, DF} will stay just as flavorful for up to three days — it actually makes for a surprisingly delicious next-day lunch!
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, let it cool completely first. Wrap slices individually in parchment and then foil, or stack them with parchment between. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The pesto and toppings freeze well, so nothing goes to waste!
Reheating
To bring your pizza back to life, pop slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (375 degrees works well) for about 5–8 minutes. The crust crisps up beautifully, and the flavors become almost as fresh as the day you made it. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza?
You can, but for the true magic, homemade dairy-free pesto really makes a difference — it’s fresher, brighter, and you control all the ingredients. If you do go store-bought, check labels to make sure it’s truly gluten and dairy free.
What type of paleo pizza crust works best for this recipe?
Any sturdy, grain-free paleo pizza crust will shine here, whether you whip it up from scratch or use a favorite store-bought brand. Just make sure to prebake it before adding the toppings so it can hold up to all that tasty pesto and chicken.
Can I make Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken for your favorite roasted veggies — think mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted sweet potato — and pile them high. The pesto base and other toppings will still be packed with flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavors are familiar and the vibrant colors make it inviting for little ones. You can let kids help with spreading the pesto and scattering the toppings to get them in on the fun.
How do I store and use leftover pesto?
Keep any leftover pesto tightly covered in the fridge for up to a week. It’s fantastic tossed with zucchini noodles, as a dip for fresh veggies, or used in other recipes like stuffed sweet potatoes or over your favorite grilled proteins.
Final Thoughts
When you’re craving something utterly satisfying and nourishing, Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza answers the call every time. It’s simple enough for a cozy night in, but impressive enough to serve to friends and family. I hope you give it a try — and that it becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine!
