Bbq Chicken Pizza Jalapeno Recipe

This barbecue chicken pizza is my go-to comfort food because it perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors with minimal effort, thanks to the pre-made crust and simple ingredients. Plus, the combination of melted mozzarella and spicy jalapeños gives it that millennial kick I crave after a long day.

I enjoy crafting formulae that produce a harmonious blend of flavors, and my BBQ Chicken Pizza with Jalapeño accomplishes just that. The sauce’s delicious smokiness pairs perfectly with shredded chicken breast layered on a crisp pre-made pizza crust.

The only thing better than a mouthful of BBQ chicken is a mouthful of BBQ chicken pizza. Mozzarella and red onion do their thing in the realms of saltiness, and the sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro pack a wallop of flavor (and uniformity, if you like).

Ingredients

Breast of Chicken: Proteins that are lean, plentiful, and perfect for a post-workout meal.

Keeps you full, and makes muscles grow.

That is what an ideal food provides.

Barbecue Sauce: Infuses the pizza with a flavor that’s sweet and sour, and has the additional, smoky heft of flavor that barbecue sauce always has.

Jalapeño peppers: Supply a spicy punch; are high in vitamins A and C; and ramp up metabolism.

Red Onion: Mildly sweet, crunchy; good source of antioxidants, vitamins.

Cilantro: Imparts bright, complex flavor; full of antioxidants and essential oils.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to warm up. Then, take the crust you have already made and place it on either a baking sheet or a pizza stone.

2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and the garlic powder. Lightly brush this mixture over the pizza crust.

3. Distribute the barbecue sauce evenly over the whole crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

4. Distribute the shredded cooked chicken breast evenly over the barbecue sauce.

5. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer of chicken.

6. Place the cheese layer atop the thinly sliced red onion.

7. Spread the sliced jalapeño peppers around the pizza. Base the amount you use on how spicy you want your pizza to be.

8. Add a dash of salt and pepper to customize the taste.

9. In the preheated oven, bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until you see that the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and very bubbly.

10. Take the pizza out of the oven and top it with the chopped fresh cilantro before cutting it into slices and serving it.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or pizza stone
3. Small bowl
4. Basting brush
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Pizza cutter

FAQ

• Can I use a homemade pizza crust for this recipe?
  Yes, a homemade pizza crust will work perfectly. Just ensure it’s pre-baked to avoid a soggy base.
• How can I make this pizza less spicy?
  Use fewer jalapeño slices or remove the seeds, as they contain most of the heat.
• What type of barbecue sauce is recommended?
  Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work, but a smoky or sweet variety complements the toppings beautifully.
• Can I substitute a different cheese for mozzarella?
  Yes, cheddar cheese or a mozzarella-cheddar blend are excellent options for added flavor.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?
  Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• How do I store leftover pizza?
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Substitutions and Variations

Barbecue Sauce:
Replace with buffalo sauce or a blend of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for a unique taste.
Cooked Chicken Breast:
Use rotisserie chicken or turkey breast for a “lunch-is-ready” alternative.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
Substitute Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to create a distinct cheesy flavor.
Red Onion:
Use shallots for a milder onion flavor or green onions for something that tastes fresh. Substituting these makes for a different dish and opens up the flavor profile. And , of course, not a very different dish profile either. Try using scallions next time you make this.
Jalapeño Peppers:
Substitute sliced banana peppers for a jalapeño that’s milder in heat, or use crushed red pepper flakes to add spiciness without the distinct jalapeño flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Crispy Crust Tip For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for about 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy when you add the sauce and other ingredients.

2. Flavor Boost Marinate the cooked chicken in a bit of barbecue sauce for at least 15 minutes before adding it to the pizza. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and adds more depth to each bite.

3. Cheese Variety Mix in some sharp cheddar or smoked gouda with the mozzarella for a richer and more complex cheese flavor. This also complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.

4. Onion Caramelization Quickly sauté the red onion slices in a bit of olive oil until they’re slightly caramelized before adding them to the pizza. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle depth to the topping mix.

5. Cilantro Freshness Wait to add the cilantro until just before serving. Toss it with a little lime juice for an additional fresh and zesty flavor that brightens up the pizza.