If you are on the hunt for a pizza that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, you have to try this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. This vibrant combination features juicy BBQ chicken topped with fresh pineapple chunks and spicy jalapeño slices, all melting together under a blanket of gooey mozzarella on a crispy crust. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, effortlessly bringing a tropical kick and a fiery edge to your pizza night that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pizza lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken infused with BBQ sauce to the fresh pineapple adding bursts of sweetness, these essentials come together to create a truly unforgettable meal.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): The protein base that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully for a smoky flavor.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Adds juicy sweetness that contrasts the heat of the jalapeño.
- 1 medium fresh jalapeño, sliced thinly: Provides just the right amount of spicy kick without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: The saucy star that ties the chicken and pizza together with tangy, smoky notes.
- 1 lb pizza dough: The crispy, chewy canvas for all the toppings that bake up golden and delicious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to keep everything gooey and luscious.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the chicken for a golden crust and extra flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal finish when sprinkled on top after baking.
How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to get that perfect pizza crust. While it heats, roll the pizza dough out on a floured surface into a 12-inch round. This size offers a nice balance between generous toppings and crust ratio.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
In a skillet heated over medium, drizzle the olive oil then cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. After cooling, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will easily scatter across your pizza.
Step 3: Toss the Chicken in BBQ Sauce
Mix the shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until every piece is deliciously coated in that smoky tang. This step infuses the chicken with a deep barbecue flavor, making each bite wonderfully saucy and rich.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, creating a flavorful base layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then scatter the BBQ-coated chicken atop. Finally, distribute the fresh pineapple chunks and thinly sliced jalapeño slices evenly for a perfect sweet and spicy balance.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the assembled pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles beautifully. The high heat crisps the dough while melding all the topping flavors together in harmony.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. If you like, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for an extra layer of fresh, herbal brightness. Then dig in and enjoy every flavorful slice!
How to Serve Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro after baking adds a pop of green and a fresh complexity that cuts through the smoky BBQ and richness of the cheese. For an extra touch, consider a light drizzle of ranch or sour cream for creaminess that complements the spicy jalapeño.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie. Alternatively, some grilled corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch and enhance the meal’s summery vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe as a flatbread appetizer by cutting it into smaller pieces and offering a variety of toppings to create personalized mini pizzas. It’s also fantastic alongside a flight of craft beers or a chilled glass of white wine to highlight the sweet-spicy flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the moisture of the toppings while keeping the crust from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the pizza before baking by assembling it on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then wrapping well in plastic wrap and foil. When frozen, it will keep for up to 2 months—perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To revive leftovers or frozen slices, bake them in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken works well; just toss it in the BBQ sauce and add it as a topping. It saves time and still delivers great flavor.
How spicy is this pizza with jalapeños?
The jalapeños add a nice moderate heat that complements the sweetness of the pineapple without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or remove seeds to reduce the kick.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce that you enjoy eating by itself, as its flavor shines through the pizza. Homemade or store-bought both work great.
Can I substitute mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but you can try a blend with cheddar for extra sharpness or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
Is it possible to make the dough from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough adds a wonderful fresh taste and texture. Just be sure to let it rise properly before rolling it out.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about making and sharing this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with friends or family—it’s a perfect fusion of flavors that always brings smiles around the table. If you’re craving a pizza that’s anything but ordinary, give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love all over again with bold, fresh, and wholesome ingredients working in delicious harmony.
Print
Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and zesty Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza featuring tender shredded chicken in tangy BBQ sauce, fresh pineapple chunks, spicy jalapeños, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy homemade pizza crust. Perfectly baked to combine sweet, spicy, and savory tastes in one delicious 12-inch pizza, this recipe makes for a fun and easy meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Chicken and Toppings
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 medium fresh jalapeño, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Pizza Base
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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 the pizza base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts as desired and cook them about 6-8 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using forks or your hands.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Toss the shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until it is fully coated for rich flavor.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Layer the BBQ-coated shredded chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by fresh pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds before slicing.
- You can substitute BBQ chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- If pizza dough is not homemade, let store-bought dough come to room temperature before rolling out.
- Add sliced red onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to improve crust crispiness.
