Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Cranberry Chicken and Brie Pizza is my absolute favorite way to use up leftover chicken or turkey during the holidays It combines sweet tart cranberry sauce with melty rich brie and the comfort of a golden crispy pizza crust This is the kind of festive and easy weeknight dinner that instantly feels special

Every time I make this for friends they ask for the recipe and my family always fights over the last slice It is just that good and it is now our tradition after Thanksgiving

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crust: A quality crust is the foundation Check for a sturdy one that can hold up to juicy toppings
• Cooked chicken shredded: This adds protein and heartiness Leftover roast chicken or turkey works perfectly
• Cranberry sauce: Brings a sweet and tart pop Look for whole berry sauce for best flavor
• Brie cheese sliced: Creamy and rich this cheese melts into delicious puddles Buy a wheel and slice it yourself for freshness
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: Gives great melt and stretch Go for whole milk mozzarella for the best texture
• Red onion thinly sliced: Adds color and gentle bite Look for firm heavy onions
• Olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and crisps the crust Choose extra virgin for peppery flavor
• Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme: Fresh thyme is aromatic but dried will work in a pinch Make sure it smells vibrant
• Salt and pepper to taste: Balances the flavors
• Arugula or fresh spinach optional: Adds color and a fresh peppery crunch Always select bright green leaves with no wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or use the temperature suggested for your pizza crust Let it heat fully since a hot oven is key for a bubbly pizza and crisp bottom

Prepare the Pizza Crust:

On a baking sheet or pizza stone roll out your pizza crust Brush the surface all over with olive oil Use a gentle hand but make sure it is evenly coated This will help the outer edges become extra crisp and keep the sauce from soaking in

Mix Cranberry and Chicken:

Place your shredded cooked chicken in a bowl Spoon the cranberry sauce on top Stir it together until every piece of chicken is glossy and coated with that ruby red tang

Assemble the Toppings:

Spread the cranberry chicken mixture all over your prepared crust Make sure it reaches the edges for a bite in every slice Arrange the sliced brie evenly over the top so every piece of pizza gets a cheesy moment Scatter the shredded mozzarella over everything and sprinkle on the thinly sliced red onion so it softens but does not burn in the oven

Season and Drizzle:

Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the pizza for extra shine Sprinkle thyme leaves over the top and finish with a few pinches of salt and a crack of black pepper seasoning every part

Bake:

Place your pizza in the hot oven Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust has deep golden edges This usually takes twelve to fifteen minutes but start keeping an eye on it after ten minutes every oven is different

Add Fresh Greens:

After taking the pizza out let it rest for a few minutes so the cheese sets a bit Sprinkle arugula or spinach over the top The heat will just barely wilt the greens and bring a fresh contrast

Slice and Serve:

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife slice the pizza into wedges Serve immediately so the cheese stays gooey and the crust is at its crispiest

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My favorite ingredient here is the brie cheese When it melts over the tangy cranberry chicken every bite is creamy and unexpected I still remember my daughters giggling as the brie stretched from their slices for the very first time making this pizza a holiday memory we now look forward to

Storage Tips

To store leftover pizza let it cool completely before transferring slices to an airtight container in the fridge It keeps well for up to three days For the best texture reheat on a low oven rack at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through This keeps the crust crisp instead of rubbery from the microwave You can also freeze slices in a single layer with parchment between layers and reheat directly from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use either rotisserie or roasted turkey in place of the chicken If you do not have brie try a tangy goat cheese or even creamy Camembert For the cranberry sauce store bought is just fine but homemade will taste freshest Add a touch of honey if you want extra sweetness or switch in fig jam for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza as a main dish with a big leafy green salad or as a party appetizer sliced into smaller pieces It is also lovely paired with a chilled glass of white wine or hard apple cider For an extra festive touch sprinkle on some toasted walnuts or pecans after baking to add crunch

Cultural and Holiday Context

This pizza was inspired by all the flavors you associate with autumn holidays It is a smart way to reinvent leftovers and brings together classic pairings like poultry brie and cranberry in a way that feels both homey and a bit fancy Its red white and green colors look especially cheerful on the table and it always kicks off holiday movie nights in our house

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, leftover turkey works well and carries similar flavors. Simply shred and mix with cranberry sauce as you would with chicken.

→ What type of pizza crust is best?

Both store-bought and homemade crusts work great. Choose your favorite for convenience or additional flavor.

→ How do I achieve a crispier crust?

Pre-bake the crust briefly and brush with olive oil before adding toppings. Baking on a hot stone also helps.

→ Can I substitute another cheese for Brie?

Soft cheeses like Camembert or creamy goat cheese can be substituted, offering similar textures and flavors.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Omit the chicken and increase mozzarella or add roasted vegetables for a vegetarian alternative with great taste.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to preserve crispness and flavor.