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Spicy Chicken Jalapeno

Featured in Dinner Winners Every Time.

This pizza offers a snappy twist with its paper-thin crust, chile-coated chicken, and zippy pickled jalapenos. Instead of using the typical tomato base, the recipe opts for a garlic-infused oil that highlights the toppings' boldness. The dough is designed for meal prep, making up to four pizzas and stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. This combo lets the spicy toppings shine while keeping things light and crispy.
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Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:22:14 GMT
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Bold Chicken Pizza with Pickled Jalapenos | cookwithtaste.com

This daring spin on classic pizza combines fiery chicken, zesty pickled jalapeños, and a fragrant garlic oil foundation for a memorable taste explosion. Without the usual tomato sauce, every thoughtfully selected ingredient gets its chance to pop.

I first made this pizza when I needed to use up some leftover pickled jalapeños. The combo turned out so irresistible that we now can't go without it on Fridays.

Key Ingredient Breakdown

  • Pickled Jalapeños: Add zingy heat and much-needed tang
  • Fresh Garlic: Always use freshly chopped for the most flavorful oil
  • Mozzarella: Pick fresh for that amazing pull and melt
  • Chile Powder: Go for New Mexican type for genuine taste
  • All-Purpose Flour: The protein level counts - grab unbleached for top results

Crafting Your Knockout Pizza

Step 1 - Tackle the Dough First:
Stir yeast into lukewarm water - it should feel just like bath temperature. Slowly add flour to build proper gluten. Let it rise completely for amazing texture and taste.
Step 2 - Whip Up the Garlic Oil:
Chop garlic super fine. Mix with oil right away to blend flavors. Squish garlic into oil to get every bit of taste out.
Step 3 - Get the Chicken Ready:
Slice into same-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Don't hold back on seasoning - it gets milder in the oven. Cook until barely done so it won't dry out later.
Step 4 - Put It All Together:
Get that dough nice and thin for a crispy base. Go easy on the garlic oil - it's pretty strong. Spread toppings out well so every bite is balanced.
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Easy Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza | cookwithtaste.com

This pizza works great when you've got friends over since you can prep most of it ahead of time. The unique combo of flavors always gets everyone chatting.

The Magic Behind This Creation

Since you can use this dough for so many different toppings, planning meals for the week becomes super simple.

When I'm prepping meals ahead, I often cook extra spicy chicken to throw into tacos or bowls later in the week.

I love using this pizza to show my friends there's more to life than tomato sauce bases. Even the biggest skeptics end up asking for seconds.

After making the garlic oil base, I've started coming up with all sorts of wild pizza ideas I never would've thought of before.

Yummy Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Pin it
Yummy Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza | cookwithtaste.com

Making this pizza so many times has shown me that stepping away from tradition can lead to amazing food discoveries. It shows how switching out just a few ingredients can turn an everyday dish into something totally new and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s special about a thin crust?
It puts the spotlight on the toppings and brings out the perfect mix of flavors.
→ How do I save leftover dough?
Wrap tightly in foil and plastic, then chill for up to 5 days.
→ Why partially bake the dough first?
It ensures the thin crust cooks evenly all the way through.
→ How do I make it less spicy?
Play with the chile powder or skip some jalapenos for a milder taste.
→ Why not cook the chicken fully beforehand?
Leaving it slightly undone helps keep it juicy during baking.

Spicy Chicken Jalapeno

Crispy crust, chile-dusted chicken, gooey mozzarella, garlicky base, and tangy jalapenos create a punchy flavor.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion of Italian and Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (Two 10-inch pizzas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough Ingredients

01 2 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup of warm water
03 1 teaspoon of active yeast
04 1 teaspoon of regular salt

→ Chicken with Spices

05 1 chicken breast
06 1 tbsp of crushed chile (or chile powder)
07 Optional: 1/2 tsp of chipotle powder
08 1/4 tsp salt
09 Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
10 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce & Toppings

11 1 cup of pickled jalapeños
12 1 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese
13 2 tbsp olive oil for sauce
14 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 A pinch of salt for the sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Mix yeast with warm water in a bowl. Add flour and salt, then stir before kneading on a flat surface until it comes together. If sticky, sprinkle extra flour. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes (ideal: 1-2 hours).

Step 02

Combine minced garlic with a pinch of salt and olive oil in a small bowl. Mash garlic into the oil with a spoon to release the flavors.

Step 03

Cut chicken into small chunks, mix with spices, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan, cook chicken pieces on medium-high heat until done. Slightly undercook so it won't dry during baking.

Step 04

Split the dough into 4 parts. For a thin crust, roll out one section (enough for a 10-inch pizza) on parchment paper. Let it relax for a minute or two as needed to reduce shrinkage.

Step 05

Bake the stretched dough at 400°F for 1-2 minutes first. Brush with the garlic oil, then layer on chicken, cheese, and jalapeños. Return to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are crispy.

Notes

  1. The dough amount is good for four 10-inch pizzas, but the toppings provided are enough for two pizzas.
  2. You can store leftover dough in a well-wrapped state in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  3. Rolling the crust super thin makes the toppings shine better during baking.
  4. Just use about 1/2 tbsp of garlic oil per pizza to keep things crisp instead of soggy.

Tools You'll Need

  • A bowl for mixing
  • A rolling pin
  • Parchment paper to roll dough on
  • A baking sheet or stone for the oven
  • A pan for sautéing the chicken

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes gluten from flour
  • Includes dairy because of mozzarella