Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pizza

My favorite pizza is plain old cheese and pepperoni but from time to time I like to change it up and go with something a little different.  This is one that I really enjoyed.  The dough recipe will be enough for 2 or 3 pizzas depending on what size you prefer.

Here is what you will need:

Pizza Dough -

• 2 1/2 - 3 cups bread flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoon (1 package) yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced or shredded chicken cooked chicken
• 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Artichoke sauce - 

• 6.5-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper

and now its time to cook....

1. in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, yeast and salt.  Add water and oil and mix at medium speed.  continue adding the rest of the flour until you have a smooth dough, knead for 5 minutes

2. place dough in a covered oiled bowl for about 45 minutes so it can double in size.

3. while the dough is proofing place all the artichoke sauce ingredients in a food process and pulse until smooth and blended.

4.  once dough has doubled punch it down and move to a lightly floured surface.

5. cut dough into 2 or 3 pieces and form into balls and cover for 5 minutes

6. flatten and shape the dough into a circle, spread desired amount of sauce on the dough, top with chicken and cheese.

7. bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 10-12 minutes (a pizza stone works best, if you don't have one...get one!)

8. let pizza rest for 3 minutes, top with parsley, cut and eat!