Fiery Chicken & Pickled Jalapeño Pizza Recipe: Zesty Bliss

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this spicy chicken and pickled jalapeño pizza that packs a serious flavor punch.

Bold and zesty ingredients dance across a perfectly crisp crust, creating a mouthwatering experience.

The combination of tender chicken and tangy pickled jalapeños delivers a serious kick to your taste buds.

Melted cheese blankets the pizza, complementing the spicy elements with creamy richness.

Each slice promises a culinary adventure that balances heat and savory notes beautifully.

Cooking enthusiasts and pizza lovers will devour this vibrant, spice-infused creation from the first bite.

Get ready to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates bold, exciting flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza Ingredient List

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the pizza, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Yeast: Helps dough rise and develop flavor, select fresh active dry yeast for optimal performance.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial texture, select fresh, trimmed chicken for best results.
• New Mexican Chile: Provides deep, earthy heat, look for whole dried chiles or ground powder from reputable spice vendors.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds smoky, intense flavor, choose high-quality ground chipotle for authentic taste.
• Black Pepper: Introduces sharp, aromatic warmth, grind whole peppercorns for maximum freshness.

• Garlic: Creates rich, aromatic base, select firm, plump garlic cloves without sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Carries flavor and provides moisture, choose extra virgin for superior taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, melting texture, select fresh block cheese for best melting quality.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Introduces tangy, spicy kick, choose crisp, bright green jalapeños for maximum crunch.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright garnish, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools for Making Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Pizza

• Mixing bowl: Essential for preparing pizza dough and combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe execution.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic, chopping chicken, and cutting ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.
• Large spoon or wooden spoon: Useful for stirring dough and mixing sauces.
• Baking sheet or pizza stone: Helps create a crispy crust during baking.
• Parchment paper: Makes rolling and transferring dough easier.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic-oil sauce and seasoning chicken.
• Sauté pan: Required for cooking seasoned chicken.
• Rolling pin: Helps stretch and flatten pizza dough to desired thickness.

How to Bake Spicy Chicken Pizza with Jalapeños

• Dough Creation

Blend yeast with warm water in a mixing bowl. Fold in flour and a sprinkle of salt until a soft, pliable mixture forms. Knead on a clean surface until smooth. Let the dough rest and rise in a cozy spot, transforming into a puffy, elastic ball.

• Flavor Infusion

Crush garlic cloves into olive oil, creating a fragrant base that will sing with intensity. Let the mixture mingle and develop robust aromas.

• Chicken Preparation

Season chicken pieces with smoky chile powders and a hint of salt. Sizzle in a hot pan until golden and perfectly cooked through, releasing tempting spicy notes.

• Crust Shaping

Divide dough into individual portions. Gently stretch each piece into a thin, rustic round. Allow the dough to relax if it resists stretching.

• Initial Baking

Warm the oven to a blazing temperature. Quickly crisp the naked dough for a sturdy foundation that promises crunch.

• Pizza Assembly

Brush the pre-baked crust with garlicky oil. Scatter cooked chicken, sprinkle cheese, and dot with zesty jalapeño slices across the surface.

• Final Baking

Slide pizza back into the oven. Bake until edges turn deep golden and cheese melts into irresistible pools of deliciousness.

• Serving

Finish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream. Slice and savor immediately while the pizza radiates warmth and flavor.

Flavor Tips for Balancing Heat and Tang

• Roll dough thinner for crispy texture or thicker for chewier base, matching personal preference without compromising quality.
• Adjust chile and chipotle quantities to suit individual heat tolerance, adding more for serious spice lovers or reducing for mild palates.
• Replace Mozzarella with pepper jack for extra kick or use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for complex flavor profiles.
• Make dough and pre-cook chicken ahead of time, storing in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights or unexpected pizza cravings.
• Swap chicken with roasted bell peppers, black beans, or grilled portobello mushrooms for delicious vegetarian alternative that maintains robust southwestern flavor.

Serving Spicy Chicken Pizza with Dipping Sauce

• Spicy Slice of Paradise: Slice this pizza into triangular wedges for a classic, easy-to-share presentation that lets everyone grab their favorite piece with excitement.
• Jalapeño Heat Balance: Drizzle cool sour cream or Mexican crema over the hot pizza to create a creamy contrast that mellows the spicy jalapeño kick and adds a luxurious touch.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving to add a bright, zesty layer of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese and spicy chicken.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair this pizza with a crisp Mexican lager or a tangy lime-infused margarita to complement the bold flavors and create a complete meal experience.

Storage Advice for Spicy Jalapeño Pizza

• Pizza Portioning Wisdom: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions for perfectly sized personal pizzas that are easy to handle and cook evenly.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp crust texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual unbaked pizza crusts in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before adding toppings and baking.
• Advance Prep Technique: Prepare chicken, garlic-oil sauce, and chop jalapeños a day ahead and store separately in sealed containers to streamline pizza assembly and reduce day-of cooking stress.

Fiery Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade spicy chicken and pickled jalapeño pizza combines bold Mexican-inspired flavors with classic Italian pizza techniques. Crispy crust, tender chicken, tangy pickled peppers, and melted cheese create a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) pickled jalapeños
• 1 cup (240 ml) cubed mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) crushed New Mexican chile
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) yeast
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) chipotle powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Dissolve yeast in tepid water within a mixing bowl, gradually integrating flour and salt to create a cohesive, elastic dough. Knead vigorously until achieving a smooth, uniform texture.
2. Fermentation Stage: Allow dough to rest and rise in a warm environment, enabling natural yeast processes to develop complex flavor profiles and enhance structural integrity.
3. Flavor Foundation: Crush garlic and blend with olive oil, creating an aromatic base that will infuse the pizza with rich, nuanced undertones.
4. Protein Preparation: Coat chicken with chile powders, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a hot skillet until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior, ensuring maximum flavor development.
5. Crust Formation: Gently stretch dough into thin, circular shapes using parchment paper as a guiding surface. Pre-bake in a scorching oven to establish a crisp, sturdy foundation that resists moisture infiltration.
6. Topping Assembly: Brush pre-baked crust with garlic-infused oil, meticulously arranging seasoned chicken, melting cheese, and zesty pickled jalapeño slices across the surface.
7. Final Baking: Slide pizza into a blazing oven, allowing cheese to melt completely and crust to develop caramelized, crisp edges. Monitor closely to prevent burning while achieving optimal flavor intensity.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pizza, drizzle with crema, and add extra jalapeño slices for those craving an elevated spice experience. Slice and present immediately for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

• Master Dough Technique: Knead thoroughly to develop gluten structure, ensuring a stretchy, smooth texture that creates perfect pizza base.
• Chicken Searing Secret: Achieve golden-brown edges by high-heat sautéing, which locks in spices and creates irresistible crispy exterior.
• Pre-Bake Crust Trick: Toast dough briefly before topping to prevent soggy center and guarantee crisp, sturdy pizza foundation.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Build depth by infusing garlic in oil, distributing seasonings strategically, and balancing spicy chicken with cooling crema and fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg