California BLT Pizza

his California BLT Pizza is topped with chicken, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, avocado and peppery arugula for a fresh twist on classic BLT pizza. Inspired by the California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, this homemade version comes together in about 30 minutes using cooked chicken and pizza dough. The combination of warm melted cheese, smoky bacon, creamy avocado and fresh toppings makes it feel a little more special than your average pizza night while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

This is one of those pizzas that still satisfies a pizza craving but brings a few fresh flavors to the table. My kids happily eat it, and I love having a pizza option with a few more fresh flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes and arugula piled onto a hot cheesy pizza just works. Every bite has a mix of warm, cool, crunchy and creamy textures that keeps you reaching for another slice.

I especially love making this when I have leftover chicken in the fridge because it comes together so easily. Pair it with a simple salad or some fresh fruit and you’ve got a dinner that feels a little special without requiring much extra effort.

What to Know Before You Start

• This pizza is loaded with fresh toppings. Chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado and arugula are added to create a pizza that feels fresh while still being satisfying.
• It comes together in about 30 minutes. Using cooked chicken and prepared pizza dough keeps prep simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
• The toppings are added after baking. The fresh vegetables and avocado stay crisp and vibrant instead of cooking down in the oven.
• It’s inspired by the California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. If you’ve ordered that pizza before, you’ll recognize many of the same flavors in this homemade version.
• It’s a little lighter than many pizza recipes. The fresh vegetables balance the bacon and cheese, making it a great option when you want pizza night without feeling overly heavy.
• Cooked chicken keeps things easy. Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken both work well and help get dinner on the table quickly.

What Makes This a California BLT Pizza?

Traditional BLT pizza is usually topped with bacon, lettuce and tomato. This California BLT Pizza keeps those same flavors but adds chicken, avocado and mozzarella cheese for a more satisfying meal.

Inspired by the California Club Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, this version finishes with fresh toppings after baking. The combination of creamy avocado, peppery arugula and crispy bacon gives it that classic California-style feel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pizza dough. The base of the recipe. Store-bought dough works great, or use your favorite homemade pizza dough.
• Olive oil. Creates a simple base and helps the crust bake up golden.
• Cooked chicken. Adds protein and turns this into a more filling pizza. Rotisserie chicken is an easy option.
• Bacon. The signature BLT ingredient that adds smoky, salty flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese. Melts beautifully and provides the classic pizza foundation.
• Arugula. Adds freshness and a slightly peppery flavor. It also serves as the “lettuce” element in this California BLT pizza.
• Mayonnaise. Lightly coats the arugula and gives the pizza that familiar BLT flavor.
• Tomato. Fresh slices add brightness and balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Avocado. A classic California-style addition that adds creamy texture and balances the smoky bacon.

How to Make California BLT Pizza

This California BLT Pizza starts with a simple chicken, bacon and cheese pizza that bakes until golden and bubbly. Once it comes out of the oven, it’s finished with fresh toppings for that signature California-style flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a pizza stone in the oven while it heats. Roll the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch round and transfer it to a pizza peel or piece of parchment paper.

Pro Tip: For a thinner, crispier crust, use about half of a standard ball of pizza dough.

Step 2: Add the pizza toppings

Brush the dough with olive oil. Scatter the cooked chicken, bacon and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Step 3: Bake until golden

Transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is lightly golden around the edges.

Pro Tip: If using a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone, you may need an extra minute or two of baking time.

Step 4: Finish with the fresh toppings

While the pizza bakes, toss the arugula with the mayonnaise until lightly coated. The mayonnaise acts almost like a dressing and adds that classic BLT flavor. Once the pizza comes out of the oven, top it with sliced tomatoes, the arugula mixture and avocado slices. Slice and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Add the avocado just before serving for the freshest texture and appearance.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overthink the dough. Fresh pizza dough from the grocery store works great here. The pizza dough balls from Whole Foods are one of my favorite shortcuts for homemade pizza night.
• Use seasoned chicken. Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken adds extra flavor and makes prep even faster.
• Cook the bacon until crisp. It won’t spend enough time in the oven to crisp up further.
• Don’t add the fresh toppings before baking. The arugula, tomatoes and avocado are best added after the pizza comes out of the oven.
• Preheat the pizza stone. A fully heated stone helps create a crisp crust and prevents a soggy center.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the greens. Mixed greens, spring mix or chopped romaine can be used instead of arugula.
• Try a different cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack or a mozzarella blend all work well.
• Add extra veggies. Thinly sliced red onion or chopped green onion pair nicely with the bacon and avocado.
• Make it vegetarian. Skip the chicken and bacon and add extra avocado and vegetables.

Serving Ideas

This California BLT Pizza is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides that keep the meal fresh and balanced.

• Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad – Fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese and a flavorful vinaigrette pair perfectly with the bacon and avocado.
• Corn and Tomato Salad – A bright, colorful side dish that highlights the fresh flavors in the pizza.
• Carrot and Cucumber Salad – Crisp vegetables and a light dressing make this a refreshing addition to pizza night.
• Berry Almond Crisp – If you’re serving this pizza for a casual gathering, finish the meal with an easy fruit dessert.

Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: For best results, freeze the baked pizza before adding the fresh toppings. Add fresh avocado, tomatoes and arugula after reheating.

Reheat: Warm slices in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. Add fresh avocado and greens after reheating if possible.

FAQs

Is California BLT Pizza the same as California Club Pizza?

California BLT Pizza and California Club Pizza are very similar. Both feature chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado and fresh greens on a baked pizza crust. This recipe is inspired by the California Club Pizza served at California Pizza Kitchen and recreates those flavors at home.

Why are the toppings added after baking?

The tomatoes, avocado and arugula are added after baking to keep them fresh and crisp. This creates the contrast between warm pizza and cool toppings that gives California-style pizzas their signature texture and flavor.

Can I make California BLT Pizza ahead of time?

You can cook the bacon, prepare the chicken and slice the toppings ahead of time. For the best texture, bake the pizza just before serving and add the avocado, tomatoes and arugula after it comes out of the oven.

What type of greens work best on BLT pizza?

Arugula is one of the best greens for BLT pizza because its peppery flavor pairs well with bacon and avocado. Mixed greens, spring mix or chopped romaine lettuce also work well. Add the greens after baking so they stay fresh and crisp.

What goes well with California BLT Pizza?

California BLT Pizza pairs well with fresh salads, vegetable side dishes and fruit-based desserts. Since the pizza already includes chicken, bacon, avocado and vegetables, lighter sides help create a balanced meal.

More Easy Family Dinners

Looking for another family-friendly dinner to add to your meal plan? Here are a few reader favorites that are packed with flavor and easy enough for busy weeknights.

• Taco Pizza – A fun twist on pizza night topped with seasoned beef, cheese and all your favorite taco toppings.
• One Pot Supreme Pizza Quinoa Casserole – Everything you love about supreme pizza turned into an easy one-pan meal.
• Loaded Hamburger Bowls – A fresh, customizable dinner loaded with burger-inspired toppings and plenty of flavor.
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – A hearty pasta salad with chicken, crisp lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet – A simple one-pan dinner packed with protein, vegetables and bold taco flavor.

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Made this California BLT Pizza? Leave a rating and review below and let me know how it turned out!