Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes in countless variations. If you’re a fan of spice and bold flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza. This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy pickled jalapenos, and a blend of cheeses on a crispy crust, all enhanced by a kick of spices. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend treat or a game night favorite.
What Makes Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Special?
This pizza stands out for its unique combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. The pickled jalapenos add a distinct zesty kick, while the seasoned chicken provides a robust, meaty base. Combined with melted cheese and a crispy crust, every bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
Key Ingredients
Chicken
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it’s perfect for absorbing the marinade flavors.
- Marinade: Olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pickled Jalapenos
- Pickled Jalapenos: Sliced thinly, they add a tangy heat to the pizza.
Cheese
- Mozzarella: For that classic stretchy, melty goodness.
- Cheddar: Adds a sharp, rich flavor.
- Parmesan: Optional, for a nutty, savory finish.
Pizza Dough
- Pizza Dough: Homemade or store-bought, as per your preference.
Spices and Herbs
- Chili Flakes: For an extra kick.
- Oregano: Classic pizza herb for added aroma and flavor.
Sauce
- Pizza Sauce: Tomato-based sauce, either homemade or store-bought.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend the marinade.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and jalapenos.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: For baking the pizza.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in the recipe.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips, and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken strips until they are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Making the Pizza Dough
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions. For homemade dough, you’ll need 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of warm water, and 1 packet of yeast. Combine ingredients, knead the dough, and let it rise for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
Assembling the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough.
- Layer the Toppings: Add the cooked chicken strips evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Scatter the thinly sliced pickled jalapenos on top.
- Season: Sprinkle chili flakes and oregano to taste.
Baking the Pizza
- Bake: Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza
- Even Marination: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade for consistent flavor.
- Hot Oven: A properly preheated oven is key to achieving a crispy crust.
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch or blue cheese dressing can help cool down the spice.
- Beverages: A cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Different Meats: Try it with spicy sausage or shredded pork.
- Cheese Options: Use pepper jack for an extra kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy, about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 8 servings) of Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza has approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Conclusion
This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza is a fantastic way to spice up your pizza night. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled ones? Yes, you can use fresh jalapenos for a crunchier texture, but pickled jalapenos add a unique tangy flavor.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it overnight for even more intense flavor.
3. Can I make this pizza on a grill? Absolutely! Grilling the pizza can add a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the pizza for about 10-12 minutes.
4. What type of pizza sauce is best? A classic tomato-based pizza sauce works well, but you can experiment with spicy marinara or even a garlic white sauce.
5. Can I freeze leftover pizza? Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Source: mexicanplease.com
Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe
Who doesn't love a good pizza? It's the ultimate comfort food that comes in countless variations. If you're a fan of spice and bold flavors, you're in for a treat with this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza. This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy pickled jalapenos, and a blend of cheeses on a crispy crust, all enhanced by a kick of spices. It's the perfect dish for a weekend treat or a game night favorite.
- 1 cup pickled jalapenos
- 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
- 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile (or your choice of chile powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the garlic-oil sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- pinch of salt
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon of yeast to 3/4 cup warm water. Stir until the yeast has dissolved into the water. Add 2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Combine as much as you can with a spoon. Dump flour mixture onto a work surface and knead with your hands until a cohesive ball is formed. If the dough is sticking to your fingers add a bit more flour. Cover with the mixing bowl and let rise for 1-2 hours (or 30 minutes if you are hungry).
- To make the garlic-oil sauce, peel and finely mince 2 garlic cloves. In a small bowl combine the garlic with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt. Smoosh the garlic into the oil using the back of a spoon to help its flavor infuse into the oil.
- For the chicken, chop a single chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and combine well with the listed seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Saute the chicken in a drizzle of oil over medium high heat until cooked. Set aside until needed. You could also use this simple all purpose chicken recipe.
- Tear the dough ball in half, and then tear one of the halves in half. This will be enough dough for a super thin 10" crust. Give it a quick roll out with a rolling pin and then let it sit for couple minutes, this will reduce the elasticity. Then you can roll it out to your desired thinness. Rolling the dough on parchment paper can be easier as it won't stick as much. You can also bake the pizza directly on the parchment paper.
- For my kitchen set-up, I start by baking the rolled-out dough by itself for 1-2 minutes at 400F. Then I add a thin layer of the garlic-oil sauce, followed by the chicken, cheese, and pickled jalapenos. Bake at 400F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Serve immediately.
- Optional garnishes include chopped cilantro, Crema, and more pickled jalapenos!