Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pizza

A bold twist on traditional pizza, this recipe brings together spicy chicken, tangy pickled jalapeños, and an aromatic garlic oil base to create an unforgettable flavor combination. The absence of traditional tomato sauce allows each carefully chosen ingredient to shine through.

My first attempt at this pizza came from a desire to use up leftover pickled jalapeños. The resulting combination was so addictive that it's now our Friday night staple.

Essential Ingredient Selection

• Pickled Jalapeños: Provide tangy heat and crucial acidity
• Fresh Garlic: Must be freshly minced for the most aromatic oil
• Mozzarella: Fresh gives the best melt and stretch
• Chile Powder: New Mexican preferred for authentic flavor
• All-Purpose Flour: Protein content matters - use unbleached for best results

Creating Your Perfect Pizza

Step 1 - Begin with the Dough:

Mix yeast into warm water - temperature should feel like bath water. Incorporate flour gradually for proper gluten development. Allow proper rise time for best texture and flavor.

Step 2 - Create the Garlic Oil:

Mince garlic as finely as possible. Combine with oil immediately to infuse flavors. Press garlic into oil to release maximum flavor.

Step 3 - Prepare the Chicken:

Cut pieces uniformly for even cooking. Season generously - flavors mellow during baking. Cook until just done to prevent drying in oven.

Step 4 - Assemble Your Pizza:

Roll dough thinly for crispy crust. Use garlic oil sparingly - a little goes far. Layer toppings strategically for even distribution.

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I've found this pizza perfect for entertaining, as it can be mostly prepared ahead. The unique flavor combination always gets people talking.

Why This Recipe Works

The versatility of the dough recipe means you can experiment with different toppings throughout the week, making meal planning easier.

When I'm meal prepping, I often make extra spicy chicken to use in other dishes like tacos or grain bowls later in the week.

This has become my go-to recipe for introducing friends to non-traditional pizzas. Even those skeptical of abandoning tomato sauce become instant converts.

The garlic oil base has inspired me to create other unique pizza combinations, opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

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After countless pizzas, this recipe has taught me that breaking from tradition can lead to incredibly delicious results. It's a perfect example of how a few thoughtful ingredient swaps can transform a familiar dish into something excitingly new.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why make the crust super thin?

A thin crust keeps the focus on the toppings and creates the best balance of flavors.

→ Can I store the extra pizza dough?

Yes, wrap in plastic and foil and store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

→ Why pre-bake the crust?

Pre-baking for 1-2 minutes helps ensure the thin crust cooks completely.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, modify the amount of chile powder and jalapenos to control the heat.

→ Why slightly undercook the chicken?

This prevents the chicken from drying out during the final bake in the oven.