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If you are craving a bold twist on your traditional pizza night, this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe will absolutely blow your mind. Combining the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, juicy pineapple chunks, and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, this pizza offers an explosion of flavors balanced perfectly by tender shredded chicken and gooey mozzarella. It’s a colorful, vibrant feast that’s simple to prepare but impressively delicious—ideal for sharing with friends or family anytime you want to brighten up dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each one contributes wonderfully to the overall harmony: sweetness, spice, creaminess, and that irresistible golden crust.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the savory protein base that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Adds juicy bursts of natural sweetness and tropical flair to every bite.
- 1 medium fresh jalapeño, sliced thinly: Brings a fresh, vibrant heat that dances on the palate without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: The smoky, tangy heart of the recipe that ties all flavors together.
- 1 lb pizza dough: A crisp, chewy foundation that holds all the delicious toppings.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to creamy, stringy perfection, balancing sweet and spicy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the chicken tenderly and add subtle richness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature ensures your pizza crust crisps up beautifully. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round, creating the perfect canvas for your toppings.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook them about 6-8 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust and are cooked through. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it to create tender morsels that will meld perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Toss Chicken in BBQ Sauce
Mix the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce until every bit is coated in that irresistible smoky sweetness. This step is where the magic really begins to come together, infusing the chicken with that signature flavor.
Step 4: Build Your Pizza
Spread a thin layer of the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over your rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a luscious, melty base. Scatter pineapple chunks and thin jalapeño slices on top to give your pizza those iconic sweet and spicy contrasts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles invitingly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure temptation.
Step 6: Garnish and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow your pizza to cool just a bit. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness that complements the spicy jalapeños and sweet pineapple so well. Slice it up and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
While cilantro is a delicious option to add freshness, consider serving with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor even more. These simple touches elevate your presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier accompaniment, try some garlic roasted potatoes or even grilled corn on the cob. These sides echo the summery, vibrant feel of the pizza perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you are hosting a casual gathering, cut the pizza into smaller square slices and serve on a rustic wooden board for a laid-back vibe. For a fancy twist, top individual slices with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to add a creamy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days to keep the flavors fresh and the crust reasonably crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze baked slices by placing parchment paper between them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat pizza slices in a hot skillet or oven to restore crispness to the crust and melt the cheese perfectly again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this pizza?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just shred it and toss with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza. Perfect for a quick dinner fix.
How spicy is the jalapeño on this pizza?
The jalapeño adds a bright, medium-level heat that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and BBQ sauce without overwhelming the dish.
Can I substitute mozzarella cheese?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar for a different flavor profile, but mozzarella remains the best choice for that classic stretchy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Use plant-based chicken substitutes, vegan cheese, and a dairy-free dough to craft a vegan version of the Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe that’s just as satisfying.
What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Canned pineapple chunks drained well can work in a pinch, but fresh pineapple offers a brighter, juicier burst of flavor that really shines in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe truly offers an unforgettable combination of sweet, spicy, smoky, and cheesy goodness that lights up any mealtime. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your pizza rotation. Grab those ingredients and get ready to wow everyone at your table with a homemade slice of sunshine and heat!
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Print
Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza combines sweet and spicy flavors on a crispy homemade crust, topped with tender BBQ chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, jalapeño slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for those who enjoy a bold and flavorful pizza with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
For the Pizza
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 medium fresh jalapeño, sliced thinly
- additional BBQ sauce for spreading
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape to form your pizza base.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook about 6-8 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Toss the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce until each piece is well-coated to infuse smoky and tangy flavors into the meat.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread additional BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then layer with pineapple chunks and thinly sliced jalapeño slices for a balance of sweetness and heat.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To prevent the dough from sticking, use ample flour on your work surface when rolling it out.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño depending on your preferred spice level; remove seeds for milder heat.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If you like a smokier flavor, use a smoky BBQ sauce variety.
- Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
