Chicken pizza

Homemade Chicken Pizza with Aromatic Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Do you remember the enticing aroma of a freshly baked pizza? Pizza is not just a delicious dish but also a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Today, I will guide you step by step in making a homemade pizza with chicken, ham, and an aromatic tomato sauce that will remind you of the best moments spent at meals with loved ones.

The history of pizza is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It is said that pizza evolved from a simple flatbread topped with various ingredients, quickly becoming a symbol of gastronomy. Whether you prefer it plain or with many toppings, pizza is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes.

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 350 g flour (choose type 00 flour for a finer texture)
- 20 g fresh yeast (make sure it is fresh for optimal rising)
- 30 ml olive oil (use quality oil for a more intense flavor)
- 75 ml warm water (you can substitute with milk for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)

For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (preferably homemade or of high quality)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (adds a Mediterranean flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:
- 100 g chicken ham (you can also use smoked ham for a stronger flavor)
- 150 g chicken breast pastrama (or any other preferred meat)
- 100 g grated cheese (choose a fatty red cheese for a pleasant color and taste)

Step by step, here’s how to make the perfect pizza:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step not only improves the texture of the dough but also helps eliminate lumps. After sifting the flour, make a well in the center, like a small crater. Here, add the fresh yeast along with the sugar and a few tablespoons of warm water. Let the yeast activate for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Adding the ingredients:
Once the yeast has activated, pour the olive oil and the remaining warm water (or milk) into the well in the flour. Use a spatula or a fork to start incorporating the flour with the liquid until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. The dough should be easy to shape but not sticky. If it is too dry, you can add a little water or milk.

3. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. It will grow and double in volume, and the aroma will become even more intense.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the tomato sauce. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the olive oil, cold water, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This sauce will add a fresh and delicious note to your pizza.

5. Assembling the pizza:
After the dough has risen, roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until you achieve a circular or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Transfer the dough to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to make a few holes in the dough to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

6. Applying the sauce:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a few centimeters at the edges. This will become a delicious crust once the pizza is baked.

7. Adding the fillings:
Evenly distribute the chicken ham and chicken breast pastrama over the tomato sauce. You can be creative here and add vegetables, olives, or other preferred ingredients.

8. Baking the pizza:
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust becomes golden and crispy. Five minutes before removing the pizza from the oven, sprinkle the grated cheese on top so it melts perfectly.

9. Serving:
Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it. You can serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and a little fresh oregano on top for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for activation.
- What is the secret to a perfect crust?
Make sure the dough is well-risen and that the oven is preheated before placing the pizza inside.
- What other ingredient combinations can I try?
You can experiment with fresh vegetables, various cheeses, or even seafood for a delicious variation.

Nutrition:
A serving of chicken and ham pizza has about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the varied ingredients.

This pizza recipe is not only simple but also adaptable, allowing you to put your personal touch on each preparation. Whether you enjoy it with a glass of tomato juice or white wine, your pizza will surely become the star of the meal! So grab the necessary ingredients and enjoy a delicious cooking evening!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 350 g flour, 20 g fresh yeast, 30 ml olive oil, 75 ml lukewarm water (milk can also be added for a better taste), 1 teaspoon sugar - for the starter. For the tomato sauce: 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon cold water, dried oregano, pepper, salt. For the filling: 100 g chicken ham, 150 g chicken breast pastrama, 100 g grated red fatty cheese (for color).

 Tags:  pizza pizza dough chicken pizza ham