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I first tasted a spicy chicken pesto pizza at a small Italian restaurant in Phoenix years ago. It wasn’t even on the menu, but once the waitress described it, I had to try it — and it quickly became a favorite.
Over time, I found myself craving those same flavors, so I created a simple version at home using one of my favorite shortcuts: the humble English muffin.
If you grew up on English muffin pizzas like I did, you already know how easy and satisfying they are. This version layers pesto, chicken and melty cheese for a quick, portion-controlled pizza that comes together in minutes.
Why I Love This English Muffin Pizza
• Quick and easy — ready in minutes
• Built-in portion control
• Great way to use leftover chicken
• Big flavor with just a few ingredients
• Perfect for lunch or a light dinner
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Light Multigrain English Muffin – Provides a sturdy, portion-controlled base. You can substitute a low-carb tortilla, flatbread or 2-ingredient dough.
- Prepared Basil Pesto – Adds bold, herby flavor. Use your favorite jarred pesto or a lighter homemade version.
- Cooked Chicken Breast – Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
- Reduced-Fat Pepper Jack Cheese – Adds creaminess with a little heat. Mozzarella or cheddar can be used instead.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For extra spice. Adjust to taste.
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations, each serving has 384 calories and 8 WW Points
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
10 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Spicy Chicken Pesto English Muffin Pizza
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. (I used my toaster oven.) Line a small baking pan with foil and set aside.
Step 3: Lightly toast the English muffin.
Step 4: Remove English muffin from the oven and spread 1 tablespoon basil pesto on each half. I opted for prepared pesto from Costco which has 5 WW Points per 2 tablespoon serving. For a lighter, lower calorie option, check out this simple low fat vegan pesto.
Step 5: Place each muffin half on the prepared pan. Top each half with shredded chicken and cheese, distributing evenly between the halves. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or to desired level of crispiness.
Recipe Notes, Substitutions and Variations
- Try lightening up this English muffin pizza pie even further by using less pesto sauce. I opted for prepared pesto from Costco which has 5 WW Points per 2 tablespoon serving. For a lighter, lower calorie option, check out this simple low fat vegan pesto.
- If you are not a fan of pesto sauce, substitute your favorite pizza sauce or low sugar barbecue sauce.
- Instead of an english muffin substitute a low carb tortilla (affiliate link), flatbread or 2-ingredient dough for the crust.
- If you like your pizza really spicy, you can add a dash, or two, of red pepper sauce when spreading on the pesto.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or low calorie soup for quick and easy lunch or casual supper.
If you’ve made this Spicy Chicken Pesto English Muffin Pizza, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Spicy Chicken Pesto English Muffin Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 light, multigrain English muffin, split in half
- 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded, cooked chicken breast
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. (I used a toaster oven.) Line a small baking pan with foil and set aside.
- Lightly toast the English muffin.
- Remove English muffin from the oven and spread 1 tablespoon pesto on each half.
- Place each muffin half on the prepared pan. Top each half with shredded chicken and cheese, distributing evenly between the halves. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or to desired level of crispiness.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 10 PointsPlus (Old plan) Try lightening up this English muffin pizza pie even further by using less pesto sauce. I opted for prepared pesto from Costco which has 5 WW Points per 2 tablespoon serving. For a lighter, lower calorie option, check out this simple low fat vegan pesto. If you are not a fan of pesto sauce, substitute your favorite pizza sauce or low sugar barbecue sauce. Instead of an english muffin substitute a low carb tortilla, flatbread or 2-ingredient dough for the crust. If you like your pizza really spicy, you can add a dash, or two, of red pepper sauce when spreading on the pesto.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
