Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza: A Flavorful and Fiery Twist on a Classic

Are you a fan of bold flavors and a little heat in your pizza? This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is exactly what you need to spice up your pizza night. With a crispy homemade crust, garlic-oil sauce, tender spiced chicken, melted mozzarella, and tangy pickled jalapeños, this pizza is bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for those who love a bit of a kick, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit for pizza lovers who crave something out of the ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza delivers on all fronts: it’s got spice, tang, and savory goodness, all balanced with creamy mozzarella and a homemade garlic-oil sauce. The combination of seasoned chicken and pickled jalapeños adds a delicious heat that isn’t overpowering but packs enough punch to satisfy your cravings for something bold. Plus, making your own pizza dough is easier than you might think, and the result is a perfectly crispy and chewy crust.

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 cup pickled jalapeños
• 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken:

• 1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile (or any chile powder of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic-Oil Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

In a mixing bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of yeast in 3/4 cup warm water. Add 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon salt to the mixture. Stir with a spoon until combined, then transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with the mixing bowl and let it rise for 1-2 hours (or at least 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry).

Step 2: Make the Garlic-Oil Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Use the back of a spoon to mash the garlic into the oil to release more flavor. Set the garlic-oil sauce aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season the chopped chicken breast with 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the seasoned chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a super-thin crust, about 10 inches in diameter. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again. Rolling the dough on parchment paper can make it easier to handle and transfer to the oven.

Step 5: Pre-Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake it by itself for 1-2 minutes. This pre-bake helps give the crust some structure before adding the toppings.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

After the crust has been pre-baked, remove it from the oven. Spread a thin layer of the garlic-oil sauce evenly over the crust. Top the pizza with the cooked chicken, cubed mozzarella cheese, and pickled jalapeños.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. For extra flavor, garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a drizzle of Crema, or additional pickled jalapeños. Slice and serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza!

Serving Suggestions

This spicy pizza pairs perfectly with a crisp, refreshing salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For extra indulgence, serve with a cold beer or a fizzy soda to balance the heat from the jalapeños and spiced chicken. If you’re serving a crowd, consider making a variety of pizzas with different toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes.

Recipe Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a milder pizza, reduce the amount of chile powder and pickled jalapeños. Alternatively, add more jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Customization: Feel free to switch up the toppings by adding ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4 individual 10-inch pizzas
• Calories: 350 kcal per slice

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a deliciously fiery twist on a traditional pizza, with tender chicken, tangy jalapeños, and creamy mozzarella creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this pizza is sure to satisfy your craving for something bold and flavorful. Customize the spice level to your liking, and enjoy every bite of this savory, spicy delight!

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