If you love a bold, spicy twist on a classic favorite, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe. This dish takes tender, smoky chipotle-marinated chicken and pairs it with a creamy, tangy chipotle sauce, all piled high on a perfectly crispy homemade crust with melted cheese and fresh veggies. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that come together in a way that will have you craving pizza night every week. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a spicy kick that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together for a colorful, flavorful masterpiece. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the dough providing structure and chew, the smoky spices giving warmth, or the fresh veggies adding that refreshing crunch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough, giving the crust its perfect texture and chew.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a soft, pliable dough.
- Instant yeast: The magical agent that makes your dough rise beautifully and fluff up.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and tightens the dough structure.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps create a tender crust.
- Boneless chicken tenders: Tender and quick to cook, perfect for the chipotle marinade.
- Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the smoky heat in the chicken.
- Adobo sauce and chipotle peppers: The star ingredients that deliver deep smoky heat and vibrant flavor.
- Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili flakes, pepper, oregano, coriander, and cumin: A spice symphony that seasons the chicken to perfection.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that turns chipotle peppers into a luscious sauce.
- Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness.
- Shredded cheese blend: A gooey layer that strings and melts beautifully.
- Kalamata olives, diced tomato, jalapeno, and bell pepper: Fresh toppings that add bursts of color and crunch.
- Fresh cilantro: The bright leafy herb that adds a fresh finish.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining all your dry ingredients with warm water and olive oil to create a loose dough. Kneading it for 8-10 minutes is the key to developing that wonderful stretch and elasticity you want for your crust. Don’t rush this step! The soft, stretchy dough will rise beautifully if left undisturbed in a warm spot, which usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While your dough is working its magic, mix the chicken tenders with olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, and a carefully balanced blend of spices. This marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant smoky, sweet, and spicy notes that elevate the pizza to new flavor heights. Let it rest for 30 minutes so the chicken soaks in all that goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully charred on the outside but tender inside. This caramelization is crucial — it brings out the smoky depth that pairs so well with the creamy chipotle sauce you will add later.
Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and seasoning to make a silky sauce that’s smoky, tangy, and just a touch sweet. This sauce will be the glue that brings the toppings together with every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to a fiery 500 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your vegetables. Roll your risen dough into a rectangle that fits your sheet pan, then brush it with olive oil before spreading on a generous layer of chipotle sauce. Sprinkle the cheese evenly, layer on the sliced chicken, and scatter your colorful vegetables all over. Bake it for 12-13 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden and crisp.
How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch for your Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe is a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a drizzle of any leftover chipotle sauce. This adds a lovely fresh contrast that brightens the smoky richness and makes each slice pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or a side of crunchy coleslaw. The acidity and crunch from these sides balance the richness and heat of the pizza beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the pizza into smaller, bite-sized squares for finger food style serving. You can also offer a topping bar where guests add extra jalapenos, olives, or fresh cilantro to customize their slices. Presentation with colorful veggie toppings arranged in rows makes the pizza look even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe keeps best when wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making the next day’s slice just as tasty as fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this pizza freezes nicely. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delightful chewy crust and fresh toppings.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using pre-made dough works perfectly and will still yield a delicious crust. Just roll it out to fit your pan and proceed with the toppings.
How spicy is the chipotle sauce?
The sauce has a moderate heat level; it’s smoky and warm rather than overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer more or less heat, you can easily adjust the amount of chipotle peppers or add more honey to tone it down.
Can I substitute chicken tenders with another protein?
Yes! Chicken breasts sliced thinly or even cooked shredded chicken will work. For a vegetarian option, consider grilling some hearty mushrooms or spiced tofu to keep the same smoky flavor profile.
Is this pizza dough recipe gluten-free?
This particular dough uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free alternative, you’ll want to find a dedicated gluten-free pizza dough recipe or pre-made gluten-free crust to pair with the chipotle toppings.
What’s the best cheese combination for this pizza?
A mix of low-moisture mozzarella and a pizza blend cheese works wonderfully because they melt nicely and hold flavor without becoming greasy. You can also add a bit of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe is a total game changer — it’s spicy yet comforting, richly flavorful yet fresh, and a true crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you make it for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend hangout, I promise this pizza will become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your apron, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying pizzas you’ll ever make at home!
PrintChipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken Pizza recipe features a homemade soft and stretchy pizza dough topped with a smoky, spicy chipotle marinated chicken, a creamy chipotle mayo sauce, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Baked at a high temperature for a golden crust and melted cheese, this pizza balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors for a delicious crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (325g)
- 3/4 cup warm water (180g), ideally around 110°F
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Chipotle Chicken
- 1/2 pound boneless chicken tenders (225g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil + more for cooking
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp Adobo sauce (from a 7oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Chipotle Sauce
- 2 chipotle peppers (from can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded cheese (mixture of low moisture mozzarella and pizza blend cheeses)
- 2 tbsp sliced kalamata olives
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Make the pizza dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water (around 110°F). Use a large spoon to mix the ingredients into a loose, rough dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead with your palms for 8-10 minutes using a push-pull motion until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Adjust by adding small amounts of flour if sticky, or water if too dry. The finished dough should be soft and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled clean bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let it rise in a warm, humid place for 60-90 minutes until it doubles in size and springs back partially when gently poked.
- Prepare chipotle chicken marinade: In a bowl, mix the chicken tenders with 1 tbsp olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili flakes, pepper, oregano, coriander, and cumin until fully coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until slightly charred and fully cooked. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly and toss in the pan juices.
- Make the chipotle sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, mayo, salt, garlic powder, pepper, lemon juice, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 500°F (conventional) and chop the vegetables (tomato, jalapeno, bell pepper).
- Shape the pizza: Oil a 9×13 inch sheet pan. Roll the dough into a rectangle roughly the size of the pan, then transfer and stretch the dough to fit if needed.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread a generous layer of chipotle sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheese to the edges. Distribute the sliced chipotle chicken and then scatter the olives, tomato, jalapeno, and bell pepper on top.
- Bake: Bake the pizza at 500°F for 12-13 minutes until the crust edges turn golden and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Drizzle any remaining chipotle sauce on top, garnish with chopped cilantro, slice, and enjoy the pizza hot.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for the dough is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading the dough well is crucial for a stretchy, elastic crust.
- The marinating time for the chicken can be extended up to an hour for more intense flavor.
- Slice the chicken after resting to keep it juicy and maintain sauce coating.
- Use a mixture of mozzarella and pizza blend cheeses for best melt and flavor balance.
- Feel free to add or omit vegetables according to preference.
- Adjust chipotle sauce ingredients to control spice level.
- High baking temperature is key to a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
