Description
This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza combines tender, seasoned chicken with tangy pickled jalapenos on a homemade garlic-infused crust topped with melted mozzarella. The perfect balance of heat and savory flavors makes for a delightful and quick pizza that is ready in just 40 minutes, ideal for a flavorful homemade meal for two.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic-Infused Oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided, 1 tbsp for dough, 1 tbsp for chicken)
Chicken Topping
- 1 chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile or preferred chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup pickled jalapenos
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Crema
- Additional pickled jalapenos
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon yeast and 3/4 cup warm water. Stir to dissolve the yeast completely. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt, and mix until the dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic-Infused Oil: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Mash the garlic into the oil to release flavor and set aside to infuse while you prepare the toppings.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Toss chopped chicken breast with 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile powder, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (if using), 1/4 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned chicken until fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble and Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough into two thin 10-inch circles on a lightly floured surface. Optionally, pre-bake the crusts for 1-2 minutes to prevent sogginess. Brush the crusts evenly with the garlic-infused oil. Evenly distribute cooked chicken pieces, cubed mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup pickled jalapenos on top of the crusts.
- Bake: Place the pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove pizzas from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, crema, and additional pickled jalapenos if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy, flavorful homemade pizza.
Notes
- For extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos to control the heat level.
- Substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- If chipotle powder is not available, smoked paprika can be used for a smoky flavor without heat.
- Letting the dough rise longer will result in a lighter and airier crust.
- Leftover pizza can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispness.
