If you’re craving a pizza with a fiery kick and a tangy twist, this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a crisp, thin crust topped with tender, smoky chicken dusted in chili powders, melted mozzarella that stretches with every bite, and those vibrant, briny pickled jalapenos that bring a perfect balance of heat and zing. This pizza is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly memorable. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for your lunch or dinner cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe. Each component has been carefully chosen to contribute essential flavors, textures, and colors that make the pizza pop, from the chewy homemade dough to the zesty pickled jalapenos that add a vibrant contrast to the rich cheese and spicy chicken.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough, providing structure and chew.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast, creating that perfect airy crust.
- Yeast: Helps your dough rise and become delightfully light.
- Salt: Enhances flavor in both dough and chicken seasoning.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender and the chicken juicy.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the crust with savory aromatic goodness.
- Chicken breast, chopped: The hearty protein star, perfectly spiced to bring heat and depth.
- Crushed New Mexican chile powder: Adds smoky warmth with a vibrant red color.
- Chipotle powder (optional): Introduces a smoky heat that elevates the spice experience.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a quick peppery kick that complements the chili spices.
- Pickled jalapenos: The zesty, tangy heat that provides a delightful contrast and crunch.
- Mozzarella cheese, cubed: Melts into gooey, stretchy pools of creamy goodness.
- Optional garnishes (cilantro, Crema, additional jalapenos): For fresh, creamy, or extra spicy finishing touches.
How to Make Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, activate your yeast by combining it with warm water until it dissolves nicely. Then, add your flour and salt and mix them until a dough forms. Knead this dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise quietly for an hour or two. This patient step is what gives your crust the perfect airy texture that’s slightly chewy yet crisp.
Step 2: Make Garlic Olive Oil
While your dough is rising, combine olive oil with freshly minced garlic and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use the back of a spoon to mash the garlic gently into the oil, releasing its fragrant flavor. This simple garlic oil will become the delicious base layer that flavors your pizza crust and keeps every bite exciting.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Toss the chopped chicken breast with crushed New Mexican chile powder, optional chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and slightly browned, locking in those spicy, smoky flavors. Set it aside and get ready to assemble your pizza.
Step 4: Roll Out and Prebake the Dough
Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Take your risen dough and roll it out thinly into two 10-inch rounds. For an extra crispy crust, you can prebake these for 1 to 2 minutes before adding your toppings. This quick step ensures your crust stays crisp under all the melty cheese and toppings.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush your garlic olive oil generously over the pizza crust. Then, layer on the sautéed chicken, cubes of mozzarella cheese, and the star ingredient: pickled jalapenos. Bake the pizzas for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust edges turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling with irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, finish off your pizza with optional garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, a drizzle of Crema for a creamy tang, or extra pickled jalapenos if you want to turn up the heat. Slice it up and enjoy this feast of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors fresh and hot!
How to Serve Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that balances the heat, while a drizzle of Crema brings a cooling creaminess that soothes the spicy jalapenos beautifully. Feel free to add extra sliced pickled jalapenos for those who love an intense, zesty punch.
Side Dishes
Pairing side dishes with this spicy pizza keeps the meal well-rounded. A cool, crisp salad with lime vinaigrette or a simple slaw with cabbage and carrot adds freshness and crunch. For something heartier, smoky roasted vegetables or a bowl of black bean soup complements the bold flavors without competing with the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by transforming the pizza into appetizers—cut it into small squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for gatherings or parties. Or make it into a lunchbox favorite by reheating slices wrapped in foil. For an impressive twist, try topping the pizza off with avocado slices or a fried egg for extra richness and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the pizza cool and sealed helps preserve the spicy chicken’s juiciness and the tangy crunch of the jalapenos so the flavors stay vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe by wrapping each slice individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They should hold well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this bold flavor combo even on your busiest days.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your pizza and restore its crispy crust is by warming it in a hot oven or toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the crust soggy. This ensures every bite of your reheated pizza is just as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this pizza?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice for its melting qualities and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to keep in tune with the heat of the pizza.
What can I substitute for pickled jalapenos?
If pickled jalapenos aren’t your thing, try using fresh jalapenos for sharper heat or pickled banana peppers for a milder, tangy alternative. Just remember to adjust quantities based on your heat tolerance.
Can this dough recipe be made without yeast?
This particular dough relies on yeast for its airy texture, but if you’re short on time, you can try a no-yeast pizza crust recipe—though the texture and flavor will differ. Yeast really gives this pizza its delightful chew.
Is chipotle powder necessary?
Chipotle powder is optional but highly recommended because it adds a smoky depth that complements the New Mexican chile powder. If you don’t have chipotle powder, you can omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for mild smokiness.
How spicy is this pizza?
The combination of chili powders and pickled jalapenos makes this pizza moderately spicy, with a nice balance of smoky heat and tanginess. You can adjust the chili powder amounts or jalapeno quantity to match your preferred spice level perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of spicy chicken, tangy pickled jalapenos, and melty mozzarella on a perfectly crispy crust. This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe is a vibrant and bold dish that infuses every bite with personality and flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this pizza brings excitement to the table. Don’t wait to dive in and make this recipe your new favorite—it’s the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll want to share over and over.
Print
Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 thin 10-inch pizzas
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American fusion
Description
This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza combines a flavorful homemade dough with spicy sautéed chicken and tangy pickled jalapenos, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The garlic-infused olive oil adds a rich aroma and taste, while optional garnishes like cilantro and Crema provide a fresh finish. Perfect for a delicious homemade thin-crust pizza with a kick.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for dough, 1 tbsp for chicken)
Chicken Topping
- 1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile or preferred chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pizza Assembly
- 1 cup pickled jalapenos
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, Crema, additional pickled jalapenos
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water, stirring to dissolve the yeast. Add the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover it and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Make Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil, mashing the garlic into the oil to infuse the flavor.
- Cook the Spicy Chicken: Toss the chopped chicken breast with crushed New Mexican chile powder, optional chipotle powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly browned, then set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare Pizza Crusts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the risen dough into two thin 10-inch pizzas. Optionally, pre-bake the crusts for 1 to 2 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Brush the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the pizza crusts. Distribute the cooked spicy chicken, cubed mozzarella cheese, and pickled jalapenos evenly on top.
- Bake the Pizzas: Bake the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust edges turn golden and the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of Crema, or additional pickled jalapenos if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos based on spice tolerance.
- Chipotle powder is optional but adds a smoky depth to the chicken.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a lighter, airy crust.
- Use fresh mozzarella if available for creamier texture.
- Garnishes like cilantro and Crema add fresh and cooling flavors balancing the heat.
