Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza Recipe

When I first tried this Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza Recipe during my trip through the American Southwest specifically New Mexico, I was instantly hooked. 

The combination of spicy chicken, tangy pickled jalapeños, and a garlic-oil base perfectly captures the region’s bold, fiery flavors. 

This recipe takes inspiration from New Mexico’s love for chile peppers and fuses it with the comfort of Italian-style pizza. 

It’s a flavorful cross-cultural masterpiece that celebrates the zest and warmth of Southwestern cuisine in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this uniquely flavorful pizza.

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour – The foundation of your crust.
• 3/4 cup warm water – Make sure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• 1 teaspoon yeast – Active dry yeast works perfectly here.
• 1 teaspoon salt – This adds flavor and helps control the yeast.

For the Garlic-Oil “Sauce”:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add the best flavor.
• 2 minced garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic is key for a pungent, aromatic base.
• Pinch of salt – Just a little to help bring out the garlic flavor.

For the Spicy Chicken:

• 1 chicken breast – Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution.
• 1 tablespoon crushed New Mexican chile powder – This offers a deep, earthy heat. You can use another chile powder, but this one is special.
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder – Adds a smoky layer of heat that complements the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – To season the chicken properly.
• Freshly ground black pepper – For a touch of spice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup cubed Mozzarella cheese – Cubing or tearing fresh mozzarella helps it melt into glorious pools. You can also use pre-shredded, but fresh is better.
• 1 cup pickled jalapeños – These are the star! Their tangy heat is what makes this pizza so addictive.

Note: The dough recipe makes enough for four 10″ thin-crust pizzas, but the topping amounts are for two pizzas.

Variations

One of the best things about pizza is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas.

• Cheese Please: Try swapping the mozzarella for Monterey Jack or a blend of both for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of cotija cheese after baking adds a salty, savory finish.
• Add Some Veggies: Sliced red onions or bell peppers would add a nice sweetness and crunch. Add them with the other toppings before baking.
• Different Protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, this pizza is also fantastic with spicy chorizo or seasoned ground beef.
• Boost the Flavor: A drizzle of Mexican crema or a dollop of sour cream after baking can add a cool, creamy contrast to the spice.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes dough rising time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

• Mixing Bowl: To prepare the pizza dough.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough into a thin, even crust.
• Parchment Paper: This is a great trick to prevent the dough from sticking and makes transferring it to the baking sheet easy.
• Baking Sheet: A standard sheet pan works perfectly for this recipe; no pizza stone needed.
• Small Skillet: For cooking the spicy chicken topping.

How to Make Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza?

Making this pizza from scratch is a rewarding process, and using a garlic-oil base is a simple trick with a huge flavor payoff.

Prepare the Pizza Dough

In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the flour and salt, and mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes a smooth, cohesive ball. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover the dough and let it rise for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.

Make the Garlic-Oil Sauce and Cook the Chicken

While the dough rises, prepare your toppings. For the sauce, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press the garlic into the oil, which helps release its flavor. For the chicken, toss the bite-sized pieces with the chile powder, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until just cooked through.

Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Divide the risen dough in half, and then divide one of the halves in two (this recipe makes two 10″ pizzas). On a piece of parchment paper, roll one of the small dough balls into a very thin 10-inch circle. For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake the plain dough for 1-2 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and spread a thin layer of the garlic-oil mixture over the top.

Add Toppings and Bake

Evenly distribute half of the cooked chicken, pickled jalapeños, and cubed mozzarella over the garlic-oiled crust. Place the pizza (still on the parchment paper) onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown. Slice and serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh.

🇺🇸 Flavors of the American Southwest: New Mexico’s Fiery Influence

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza draws its bold inspiration from New Mexico, USA, a region celebrated for its deep-rooted chile pepper culture. 

Known as the “Chile Capital of the World,” New Mexico is famous for its smoky Hatch chiles and spicy culinary traditions that blend Native American and Mexican influences. 

This pizza captures that same Southwestern heat and rustic charm, bringing the vibrant spirit of New Mexico’s desert cuisine right to your kitchen.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Having made this pizza countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better.

• I’ve found that rolling the dough super thin is the way to go. A light, crispy crust really lets the toppings be the star of the show. A thicker crust can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors.
• I slightly undercook the chicken in the skillet. Since it will cook more in the oven on the pizza, this ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy instead of drying out.
• Don’t go overboard with the garlic oil. It’s potent, and you only need a very thin layer to add flavor and moisture. I use about half a tablespoon per pizza.
• Rolling the dough out on parchment paper is a lifesaver for me. It prevents any sticking issues and makes it incredibly easy to move the assembled pizza into the hot oven.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza?

In New Mexico, chile peppers aren’t just food, they’re part of the state’s identity and culture. 

Serving this spicy chicken and jalapeño pizza feels like bringing a slice of the desert Southwest right to your table. 

Pair it with a cool glass of lime agua fresca or a light Mexican beer, and you’ve got yourself a meal that captures the essence of Southwestern hospitality, vibrant, fiery, and unforgettable.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on making two 10″ pizzas.

• Calories: 880 kcal
• Protein: Varies based on chicken portion
• Carbohydrates: Varies based on dough
• Fat: Varies based on cheese and oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead or have leftovers? Here’s how to handle it.

Make Ahead: You can make the pizza dough ahead of time. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also cook the chicken topping in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storing: Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap slices in foil or place them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

Reheating: The best way to reheat pizza is in a dry skillet over medium heat to crisp up the crust. You can also place it on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes. Microwaving will work but can result in a softer crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This isn’t your average pizza. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The tangy kick of pickled jalapeños combined with smoky, spicy chicken and a garlic-oil base is a truly unique and delicious experience that stands out from standard pizzas.
• No Special Gear Needed: You can achieve a fantastic, crispy-thin crust pizza using just a standard baking sheet. No pizza stone or fancy equipment is required to get great results.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite making the dough from scratch, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a fun project for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
• Customizable Heat and Toppings: You have complete control over the spice level by choosing your chile powders and the amount of jalapeños. It’s a versatile base for adding other favorite toppings as well.