The Zesty Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza Recipe

Spicy chicken and pickled jalapeño pizza elevates ordinary dinner into a fiery culinary adventure that ignites taste buds with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Bold ingredients dance across a crisp canvas, creating a symphony of heat and texture that challenges traditional pizza expectations.

Tangy jalapeños provide sharp contrasts against succulent chicken pieces, delivering unexpected flavor bursts that electrify each bite.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate complex layers of spice and richness that elevate this dish beyond standard pizzeria offerings.

Homemade creations like these demonstrate exceptional skill in balancing intense ingredients with delicate preparation techniques.

Crispy edges and perfectly melted cheese complement the vibrant protein and zesty peppers, promising a memorable dining experience.

Passionate cooks will find this recipe an exciting opportunity to experiment with exciting combinations.

What Makes Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza So Bold

• Spice Up Your Slice: Packed with bold New Mexican chile and chipotle powder, this pizza delivers a fiery kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Texture Sensation: The super-thin crust provides a crispy base, while melted mozzarella and tender chicken create a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy elements that dance on your palate.
• Quick and Customizable Comfort: From start to finish, this pizza takes less than an hour to prepare, offering a speedy dinner solution that can be easily personalized with additional toppings like cilantro or crema for extra flavor complexity.

Spicy Chicken and Jalapeño Pizza Ingredient Guide

• Flour: Essential for creating the pizza dough structure, choose all-purpose or bread flour for best results.
• Yeast: Crucial for dough rising, ensures light and airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity in the dough.
• Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients together.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial texture to the pizza.
• New Mexican Chile: Provides authentic spicy southwestern flavor profile.
• Chipotle Powder: Optional smoky heat element for extra depth.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute garlic flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides intense aromatic base for sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy melting cheese that creates classic pizza texture.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Tangy and spicy topping that brings bright acidity.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb garnish with vibrant green flavor.
• Crema: Optional creamy topping to balance spicy elements.

Steps to Make Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza

Step 1: Craft the Pizza Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and dissolve yeast in warm water. Add flour and salt, then stir until everything comes together. Knead the dough on a clean surface until it forms a smooth ball. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in extra flour. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours (or 30 minutes if you’re in a rush).

Step 2: Whip Up Garlic-Infused Oil

• Olive oil
• A pinch of salt

Crush the garlic into the oil using the back of a spoon to release maximum flavor.

Step 3: Season and Cook Chicken

• New Mexican chile
• Chipotle powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Sizzle the seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until completely cooked. Set aside.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into four portions. Stretch each portion into an ultra-thin crust about 10 inches wide. Pro tip: Use parchment paper for easier handling and let the dough rest if it’s being stubborn.

Step 5: Pre-Bake the Crust

Heat the oven to 400°F. Quickly bake the dough for 1-2 minutes to give it a solid foundation.

Step 6: Build Your Pizza Masterpiece

• Cooked chicken
• Cubed Mozzarella cheese
• Pickled jalapeños

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza back into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and melted cheese.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Crema
• Extra pickled jalapeños

Slice and devour immediately!

Tips for a Flavor-Packed Spicy Chicken Jalapeño Pizza

• Boost Dough Elasticity: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling to make it more pliable and easier to stretch.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the pizza base briefly to create a crispy foundation that won't get wet from toppings.
• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and intensity of seasoning.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chile and chipotle powder quantities to match your personal heat tolerance, removing seeds from jalapeños for milder results.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature mozzarella and cut into small cubes for more even melting and better distribution across the pizza.

How to Store and Reheat Jalapeño Chicken Pizza Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerated pizza remains fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Revive cold pizza using a skillet for crispy crust. Warm slices over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, covering with a lid to help melt cheese. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and prevent sogginess.

Best Pairings for Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza

• Ignite Spicy Beverage Pairing: Complement the pizza's heat with a cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which offers crisp refreshment and cuts through the spiciness.
• Craft Cooling Cocktail Match: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to balance the pizza's fiery jalapeño and chile notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Smooth Wine Selection: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer with low alcohol content, which beautifully neutralizes the dish's spiciness while providing a delightful fruity undertone.
• Fresh Herbal Sidekick: Prepare a simple cilantro-lime agua fresca to echo the pizza's fresh herbs and provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken and pickled peppers.

Spicy Chicken Jalapeño Pizza: Fun Recipe Variations

• Smoky Southwest Sensation: Replace New Mexican chile with smoked paprika and add black beans for a hearty, robust flavor profile that celebrates southwestern cuisine.
• Mediterranean Fusion Feast: Swap chicken for grilled lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza experience with complex layers of taste.
• Vegetarian Fiesta: Substitute chicken with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and corn, using queso fresco instead of mozzarella to create a vibrant, colorful vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on spice and excitement.
• Protein-Packed Performance: Add grilled shrimp alongside the chicken, incorporate quinoa into the pizza crust, and top with extra protein-rich ingredients like sliced almonds for a nutrient-dense meal perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeo Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken and pickled jalapeño pizza delivers fiery flavor with perfectly crispy crust and zesty toppings. Mexican-inspired ingredients combine for a bold pizza experience that sparks excitement and satisfies intense cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pickled jalapeños
• 1 cup cubed Mozzarella cheese

Chicken Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm water within a mixing vessel, incorporating flour and salt to form a malleable dough mixture. Knead thoroughly until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
2. Allow dough to rest and expand, creating volume and developing subtle fermentation characteristics. This resting period enhances texture and flavor complexity.
3. Crush garlic cloves into olive oil, creating an aromatic infusion that will serve as a flavor-enhancing base for the pizza foundation.
4. Season chicken with robust chile powders, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a skillet until protein transforms into golden, fully cooked morsels with crisp exterior edges.
5. Partition dough into individual portions, carefully stretching each segment into ultra-thin circular platforms. Utilize parchment paper to facilitate smooth manipulation.
6. Briefly toast dough segments in preheated oven, establishing a crisp structural foundation that prevents sogginess during final preparation.
7. Layer pre-baked crust with delicate garlic-oil emulsion, strategically distributing seasoned chicken fragments, cubed cheese, and tangy pickled jalapeño slices.
8. Transfer pizza into searing oven environment, allowing cheese to melt and crust to develop rich, caramelized perimeter characteristics.
9. Conclude by adorning with fresh cilantro, drizzling crema, and presenting additional jalapeño garnishes for adventurous palates seeking heightened spice experiences.

Notes

• Dough Prep Tip: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure perfect texture and optimal rising.
• Chicken Seasoning Hack: Massage the spices into the chicken for deeper flavor penetration and more even coating.
• Crust Rolling Technique: Allow dough to rest if it springs back, helping it relax and become more manageable for thin crust.
• Garlic Oil Wisdom: Crushing garlic directly into oil releases more intense, robust flavors for a more aromatic sauce.
• Baking Surface Trick: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transferring pizza easier and cleaner.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chile and chipotle powders to personalize heat intensity according to your preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg