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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Foundation: Crush garlic and blend with olive oil, creating an aromatic base that will infuse the pizza with rich, nuanced undertones.
- 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.
- 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.
- Topping Assembly: Brush pre-baked crust with garlic-infused oil, meticulously arranging seasoned chicken, melting cheese, and zesty pickled jalapeño slices across the surface.
- 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.
- 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