Dinner

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 17, 2026January 17, 2026

Introduction

This Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza is a fiery twist on a classic favorite. With tender shredded chicken, tangy pickled jalapeños, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a perfect balance of heat and flavor that’s easy to make at home.

The image shows a close-up of a round pizza with a golden brown crust that has some dark, crispy spots. The first layer is melted mozzarella cheese that covers the dough evenly with a creamy white color. The second layer is shredded chicken pieces, browned and slightly crispy, scattered on top. Thin slices of green jalapeños are spread across the pizza, adding a fresh, bright green color. Thin red onion slices with a purplish hue are also placed unevenly over the pizza. The final layer is a sprinkle of chopped green herbs, likely cilantro, adding small green flecks all over. The pizza is on a white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Pizza dough
Cooked chicken breast, shredded
Pickled jalapeños, sliced
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pizza sauce
Red onion, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 3: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Step 4: Evenly layer the shredded chicken and sliced pickled jalapeños on top of the sauce.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, then add the thinly sliced red onions.
Step 6: Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza to enhance browning and flavor.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra layer of smoky heat.
If you prefer less spice, rinse the pickled jalapeños before adding to reduce their heat.
Use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled for a brighter, sharper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or a skillet to keep the crust crisp, avoiding the microwave if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a small pizza with one crust layer that is golden and slightly crispy on the edges. The pizza is topped with a creamy white layer of melted cheese that spreads evenly across the crust. On top of the cheese are several pieces of browned, grilled chicken scattered around, alongside green slices of jalapeño peppers. There are small fresh green basil leaves placed sporadically over the toppings. The pizza rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works great and allows you to customize thickness and flavor. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick before topping.

What can I substitute for pickled jalapeños?

If you don’t have pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños or banana peppers can be good alternatives depending on your heat preference. You can also use a mild pepper like poblanos for less spice.

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

A bold and flavorful Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeño Pizza featuring shredded chicken, tangy pickled jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, and red onions on a crispy homemade crust, finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 pizza dough ball (about 12 inches)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings

1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a hot environment for a crispy pizza crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, forming a roughly 12-inch circle.
Apply Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to create a crust.
Add Toppings: Distribute the shredded cooked chicken and sliced pickled jalapeños evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add the thinly sliced red onions on top.
Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil across the assembled pizza for extra flavor and a lovely golden finish during baking.
Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, slice, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breast to avoid excess moisture on the pizza which can make the crust soggy.
Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
For extra crispiness, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
Substitute mozzarella with a blend of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
If you like, add a drizzle of hot sauce after baking for an extra kick.

Keywords: Spicy Chicken Pizza, Jalapeño Pizza, Pickled Jalapeño, Homemade Pizza, Spicy Pizza, Chicken Pizza

Lily Monroe

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