Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza! This dynamic pie takes the beloved combination of chicken and BBQ sauce and elevates it with the tangy heat of pickled jalapeños and the sharp bite of red onion, all on a perfectly crisp crust with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful pizza that’s perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, game night, or a casual get-together. Prepare for a delicious fusion of sweet, smoky, and spicy in every satisfying slice!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a true flavor adventure that I absolutely adore. What I love most about it is the incredible interplay of tastes and textures: the smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken, the melty, creamy mozzarella, and then that fantastic pop of tangy, spicy pickled jalapeños. The thinly sliced red onion adds a fresh, crisp bite that beautifully cuts through the richness. It’s so easy to make using a pre-made crust, which means maximum flavor with minimum effort – a weeknight win every time! It’s a fun and adventurous take on pizza that always gets rave reviews.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this zesty Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust (12-14 inch, thin or regular crust, or store-bought dough)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (from a jar), drained
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Pizza Crust: A pre-made crust (like Boboli, Pillsbury, or even a naan bread for a smaller pizza) makes this super quick. You can also use fresh pizza dough from your grocery store’s bakery or make your own from scratch.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient. You can also boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts and then shred them. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.
• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce with a kick that you enjoy. If you only have regular BBQ sauce, you can easily make it spicy by stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. Part-skim is fine, but whole milk mozzarella will be creamier. You could also add a sprinkle of smoked provolone or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
• Pickled Jalapeños: These are key for the tangy heat. Drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the pizza. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. Fresh jalapeños can be used, but sauté them briefly first to mellow their raw heat.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, fresh bite. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can briefly soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before draining and using, or lightly sauté them with the chicken mixture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Essential for that fresh, aromatic finish that complements the spicy and savory flavors. Don’t skip it!
• Other Toppings (Optional): Sliced bell peppers, cooked bacon bits, or a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking could be interesting additions.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 475∘F (245∘C).
• If using a pre-made crust, unroll or place it directly onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. If using fresh dough, stretch or roll it to your desired size and thickness.

2. Prepare Chicken Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup shredded cooked chicken with the 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

• Spread the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Evenly sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
• Distribute the 1/2 cup of drained, sliced pickled jalapeños and the 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion over the cheese.

4. Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully transfer the baking sheet or pizza stone with the assembled pizza to the preheated oven.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and crust thickness.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven.
• Immediately garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
• Allow the pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving hot.

---

Tips for Success

• Preheat Oven Fully: Ensure your oven and pizza stone (if using) are fully preheated to get a crispy crust.
• Drain Jalapeños Well: Excess liquid from the pickled jalapeños can make your crust soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel if necessary.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on toppings, too many can result in a soggy crust and uneven cooking.
• Even Distribution: Spread toppings evenly so every slice gets a good mix of flavors.
• Watch the Crust: Keep an eye on the crust, especially if using a thin crust, to prevent burning.
• Fresh Cilantro is Key: The fresh, vibrant taste of cilantro at the end really brightens the pizza.
• Spice Adjustment: Taste the BBQ sauce for spice before mixing with chicken. Adjust jalapeño quantity to your heat preference.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a satisfying meal on its own, but can be complemented by:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can balance the spicy notes.
• Baked Fries or Onion Rings: For a classic pairing.
• Cold Beer: A crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would complement the spicy flavors.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing non-alcoholic choices.

---

Nutritional Information

(Approximation per serving, based on 8 slices per pizza. Values can vary significantly based on crust type, specific BBQ sauce, and cheese fat content.)

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 15-20 g
• Fat: Approximately 12-18 g (varies by cheese/crust)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-4 g
• Sodium: Approximately 600-900 mg (can vary greatly by pre-made ingredients)
• Cholesterol: Approximately 40-60 mg

Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and exact portion sizes.

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover pizza slices can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil/plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: Best method to regain crispness. Preheat to 350∘F (175∘C) and bake slices directly on the rack or a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is re-melted and crust is crisp.
  • Skillet: Place slices in a dry skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook until cheese is melted and crust is crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Microwave: Will heat quickly but the crust will be soft.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover pizza slices (wrap well) for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

---

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a fantastic way to add excitement to your pizza night! It’s flavorful, easy, and offers that perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic!

Have you tried adventurous pizza toppings before? What’s your favorite spicy pizza combination?