Who says meatballs only go with spaghetti? This delicious and easy Chicken Meatball Pizza will satisfy meatball and pizza lovers alike!
I love this chicken meatball pizza because it is a tasty twist on a traditional meat pizza and couldn’t be easier to make! I use frozen meatballs that I defrost in the fridge, so it’s straightforward. You’ll like this pizza recipe because it is a little unexpected. It still gives you a hearty meat taste (it’s hard to beat the wonderful flavor of meatballs and red sauce!), but it’s not a pizza you see often. It’s a fun and satisfying pizza mashup of two Italian favorites – meatballs and pizza!
Ingredients You Need for Chicken Meatball Pizza
- Either a store-bought pizza dough or try our recipe for Easy Peasy Dough Here
- 1 Tablespoon of flour and/or cornmeal (if using a pizza peel) or 1 tsp olive oil if using a pan
- .5 cups of sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 9 ounces of frozen chicken meatballs, sliced (the meatballs I buy are 1 oz. each., so this was 9 meatballs for me)
- 4 ounces of mozzarella (equals about one cup)
How to Make the Chicken Meatball Pizza
I like to defrost my frozen meatballs on a covered plate the night before I use them. But, if they are still frozen when you want to make this pizza, defrost them in the microwave. Even if they’re still icy in the middle, they’ll be fine if defrosted enough to slice through with the knife. After my meatballs are sufficiently defrosted, I carefully cut them into slices. You should get 4-6 slices from each meatball, depending on how thick you like the slices.
As a side note, I say, “carefully cut them into slices,” because since meatballs are round, they can roll away from you. In addition, if they are still a little icy in the middle, you will need to apply more pressure with the knife. Use a clean, sharp knife, and cut slowly. It pays to take a little more time because nobody wants a sliced finger along with the sliced meatballs. Safety first, pizza second!
Whether using homemade or store-bought dough, I ensure it is at room temperature. I follow the instructions on the label if using store-bought. Generally, it should be out of the fridge for about 30 minutes. Our Easy Peasy Dough is ready to use 5 minutes after mixing.
When the dough is ready, I roll and stretch the dough into a 12″ circle. If I use a pizza peel, I dust the peel with flour and/or cornmeal. I use plenty to ensure the dough doesn’t stick to the peel. If I’m using a pizza pan, I brush the olive oil onto the pan. Then, I place the dough onto the peel or pizza pan.
After the dough is on the peel (or pan), I top it with the sauce, and using a spoon or spatula, I spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
Then, I place the meatball slices evenly over the pizza dough.
And top with mozzarella.
Lastly, I pop it into the oven and cook it per my dough’s instructions.
I let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing it with my favorite pizza cutter, this one from Solo Stove.
Additional Tips for Making Chicken Meatball Pizza
To defrost my meatballs, I put my frozen meatballs on a plate that I cover with saran wrap or tinfoil. I then leave them in the fridge overnight to defrost. If you don’t have time to do this step, defrost them in your microwave. Even if they’re still icy in the middle, as long as you can cut through the chicken meatball, you can slice them and use them on the pizza. They’ll finish defrosting and get nice and hot in the oven!
Even though it’s hard to wait, let your pizza cool for 5 minutes after cutting! It helps the cheese settle and prevents you from the dreaded pizza burn in the roof of your mouth!
Substitutions and Variations for Chicken Meatball Pizza
You can use any meatball you like! Store-bought, from a restaurant or homemade, pork, beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian all work for this pizza.
If you prefer homemade meatballs, follow your favorite recipe and then slice the meatballs when cooled. Alternatively, this is a fantastic use for any leftover meatballs you have from a homemade or restaurant spaghetti and meatball dinner.
Meatball and onion pizza is also a delicious combo on pizza! Try adding thinly sliced yellow or white onions or shallots.
Like a spicy meatball pizza? Add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your pizza sauce!
How to Store Chicken Meatball Pizza
Let the pizza cool before placing it in a container, but put it in the fridge within two hours. There are specific pizza storage containers, but you can use any container that will fit the pizza. I like to “double wrap” to maintain freshness. I wrap the slices in tinfoil or a plastic bag. Then I put that inside my container. Store in the fridge and eat within 4 days. You can also place it in the freezer for up to 60 days.
How to Reheat Chicken Meatball Pizza
If the pizza is from the fridge: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Once it reaches temp, place it on a pan or the pizza stone for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat the slices in a skillet on the stovetop – no need to preheat the pan! Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, place the pizza in, and let heat for 6-8 minutes.
Chicken Meatball Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 12" Pizza Dough Store-bought or try our recipe for Easy Peasy Pizza Dough
- 1 tbsp Flour AP FLour or cornmeal if using a pizza peel or 1 tsp olive oil if using a pan
- .5 cups Pizza Sauce Store-bought or homemade
- 9 ounces Chicken Meatballs Sliced
- 4 ounces Mozzarella Equals about one cup
Instructions
- Defrost frozen meatballs on a covered plate the night before. If they are still frozen when you want to make this pizza, defrost them in the microwave. Even if they’re still icy in the middle, they’ll be fine if defrosted enough to slice through with the knife.
- When meatballs are sufficiently defrosted, carefully cut them into slices. You should get 4-6 slices from each meatball, depending on how thick you like the slices.
- Whether using homemade or store-bought dough, I ensure it is at room temperature. Follow the instructions on the label if using store-bought. our Easy Peasy Dough is ready to use 5 minutes after mixing.
- When the dough is ready, roll and stretch the dough into a 12″ circle.
- If using a pizza peel, dust the peel with flour and/or cornmeal. Use plenty to ensure the dough doesn’t stick to the peel.
- If using a pizza pan, brush the olive oil onto the pan.
- Place the dough onto the peel or pizza pan.
- After the dough is on the peel (or pan) top it with the sauce, and using a spoon or spatula, spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
- Then, place the meatball slices evenly over the pizza dough.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Cook the pizza per the pizza dough's instructions.
- Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Heather is a passionate culinary enthusiast who has honed her baking and cooking skills since she was a young girl. Her culinary journey started in the kitchens of her mom, dad, aunt, and grandma. Even though Heather loves the comfort of a familiar recipe, she often embraces the role of an explorer in the kitchen and enjoys experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.