Greek Tzatziki Chicken Pizza #RSC

The scent of dill always transports me back to my yiayia’s kitchen. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces, and her tzatziki was legendary. I remember her meticulously grating the cucumber, the faint aroma of garlic filling the air, and the creamy, cooling sauce that was the perfect complement to grilled lamb on a hot summer day. This pizza, with its vibrant flavors and creamy tzatziki base, is a loving tribute to those cherished memories. It’s Greek flavors, reimagined on a pizza, and it all comes together in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 pizza
• Dietary Type: Can be modified to Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh pizza dough
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 (1 ounce) package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix (Harvest Dill)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded & finely chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
• ¼ cup pitted kalamata olive, sliced
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomato, chopped
• 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken breasts (Rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 ¼ cups crumbled feta cheese
• Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan

Equipment Needed

• Pizza pan (12-14 inch)
• Food processor
• Wire cooling rack
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki: In a food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Harvest Dill Dips Mix, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Process until thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Transfer the tzatziki to a separate dish. Cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent a skin from forming.
5. Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This chilling period is crucial for achieving the best tzatziki flavor and consistency.
6. Prepare the Dough: While the tzatziki chills, roll the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. You can do this on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too elastic and resists rolling, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
7. Transfer the rolled dough to a lightly greased pizza pan. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed across the pan.
8. Brush the Crust: Lightly brush the entire crust with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. This will help the crust to brown evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy when the toppings are added.
9. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it’s light golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
10. Cool the Crust: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
11. Incorporate Cucumber: Remove the tzatziki from the refrigerator. Add the finely chopped cucumbers to the tzatziki.
12. Stir well to combine. Ensure the cucumber is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
13. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the Cucumber-Tzatziki sauce evenly over the cooled crust. Make sure to leave a small crust edge for easy handling.
14. Sprinkle the chopped artichoke hearts, sliced kalamata olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the tzatziki base.
15. Top with the chopped cooked chicken and crumbled feta cheese. Distribute the ingredients evenly to ensure every slice is packed with flavor.
16. Cut into 8 slices and serve immediately. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
17. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust: After baking the crust and before adding the toppings, you can brush it with a mixture of olive oil and minced garlic. Then, bake it for another 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor and crispness.
• Make Ahead Tzatziki: The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce.
• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add more artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can shred or chop the chicken while the pizza crust is baking. It adds a delicious, savory element to the pizza.
• Preventing Soggy Pizza: Cooling the crust before adding the toppings is crucial to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. The cooled crust won’t absorb as much moisture from the tzatziki and other ingredients.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Pizza immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a light Greek salad or a crisp white wine. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, but the crust may become a bit soft.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	700mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	25g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free option. Many grocery stores now carry pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian pizza. Consider adding grilled eggplant or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy twist.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the tzatziki sauce. Mint, oregano, or basil can add unique flavors.
• Regional Adaptation: Use locally sourced olives, cheeses, and vegetables to create a pizza that reflects your region’s culinary traditions.
• Crust Alternatives: If you’re short on time, use pre-made naan bread or pita bread as a base for the pizza.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried dill instead of the Hidden Valley Ranch Dips Mix?
A: While dried dill can be used, the Hidden Valley Ranch Dips Mix provides a unique blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor of the tzatziki. If substituting, use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried dill and adjust seasoning to taste.

Q: Can I freeze the tzatziki sauce?
A: Freezing tzatziki is not recommended, as the yogurt can separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture. It’s best to make it fresh.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from puffing up too much during baking?
A: Before baking the crust, prick it several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up excessively.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Halloumi, a semi-hard, salty cheese, is a great alternative to feta.

Q: How can I make this pizza vegan?
A: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative (ensure it is plain and unsweetened). Replace the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. And, of course, omit the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Pizza is a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic pizza. The creamy, garlicky tzatziki, combined with the fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and salty feta, creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different toppings, herbs, and cheeses to create a pizza that perfectly suits your taste. Don’t be afraid to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures! This pizza pairs beautifully with a light Greek salad and a glass of chilled Assyrtiko wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!