If you love bold flavors and a little heat, this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza is calling your name! It’s the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and tangy, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual pizza night or spicing up your weekend, this homemade pizza is a total game-changer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza
Bold and Spicy: Packed with flavorful, marinated chicken and zesty pickled jalapenos.
Cheesy Goodness: The perfect melty cheese pull in every bite.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a quick prep make this pizza a breeze.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level or switch up the toppings to suit your taste.
Perfect for Pizza Night: A fun and delicious twist on classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients in Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza—store-bought or homemade works.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, marinated in spices for extra flavor.
Pickled Jalapenos: Brings a tangy heat that complements the cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate melty, gooey topping.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, extra cheesy flavor boost.
Pizza Sauce: A rich tomato base for layering flavors.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: Enhances the depth of the chicken’s flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the crust beautifully.
Fresh Cilantro: For a pop of fresh, herby flavor to balance the spice.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get it nice and hot.
Prepare the Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Roll Out the Dough: Stretch or roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then top with the spicy chicken and pickled jalapenos.
Bake: Transfer the pizza to the hot baking sheet or stone and bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice it up and dig in! This pizza is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza
With a Side of Ranch or Sour Cream: Helps balance the heat.
Paired with a Crisp Salad: A refreshing contrast to the spice.
With Extra Jalapenos: For those who love even more heat!
As a Party Appetizer: Cut into small squares for easy snacking.
Additional Tips
Make It Extra Crispy: Bake the pizza directly on a preheated stone or perforated pizza pan.
Adjust the Spice Level: Use milder peppers if you want less heat, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great shortcut for quick prep.
Try a Different Cheese Blend: Pepper Jack or gouda can add an interesting twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this pizza with a different protein?
A1: Yes! Try spicy sausage, shredded pork, or even tofu for a fun twist.
Q2: Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled?
A2: Absolutely! Fresh jalapenos add a sharper heat, while pickled ones bring a tangy kick.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
A3: Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Q4: Can I use store-bought dough?
A4: Yes! Pre-made dough makes this recipe even easier.
Q5: Can I freeze this pizza?
A5: You can freeze the unbaked assembled pizza or freeze leftovers after baking.
Q6: Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
A6: Definitely! A cast iron skillet creates an amazing crispy crust.
Q7: Can I add extra toppings?
A7: Of course! Try adding onions, bell peppers, or extra cheese.
Q8: What’s the best sauce alternative?
A8: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce for a different flavor twist.
Q9: How do I make the crust extra chewy?
A9: Let the dough rest longer before rolling it out and bake at a high temperature.
Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Just use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves a little heat with their cheesy, crispy pizza. With bold flavors, easy customization, and that perfect balance of spice and tang, this will quickly become a pizza night favorite. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas (about 4 servings)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Spicy Chicken & Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a fiery twist on a classic, featuring bold Mexican flavors on a crispy homemade crust. Juicy spiced chicken, tangy pickled jalapeños, and melty mozzarella come together for a deliciously easy pizza—no special equipment required!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup warm water
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1 tsp yeast
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1 tsp salt
For the Chicken:
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1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp crushed New Mexican chile (or your choice of chile powder)
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1/2 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
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1/4 tsp salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic-Oil Sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Pinch of salt
Toppings:
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1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
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1 cup pickled jalapeños
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Optional: chopped cilantro, crema, extra pickled jalapeños
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough – In a bowl, mix yeast into warm water and let dissolve. Add flour and salt, stirring until combined. Knead until smooth, adding flour if sticky. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours (or 30 minutes if in a rush).
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Make the Garlic-Oil Sauce – Mix olive oil, garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Use the back of a spoon to mash the garlic into the oil for extra flavor.
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Cook the Chicken – Toss chicken with spices, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Set aside.
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Shape the Pizza Dough – Divide dough into two portions for thin 10-inch crusts. Roll out dough, let rest for a few minutes, then roll again to desired thickness.
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Pre-Bake the Crust (optional but recommended) – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the plain dough for 1-2 minutes to help crisp the base.
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Assemble & Bake – Brush crust with a thin layer of garlic-oil sauce. Top with chicken, mozzarella, and pickled jalapeños. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
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Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with chopped cilantro, crema, or extra jalapeños. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
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Pre-baking the crust helps keep it crisp, especially with wet toppings.
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Add extra cheese or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy contrast.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 slices)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg