Sinking your teeth into a slice of Chipotle Chicken Pizza is a flavor-packed experience you shouldn’t miss—especially when it’s so easy to make from scratch, even on those nights when you’re feeling rushed. This pizza is all about vibrant, smoky chipotle chicken, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, layered over a golden, chewy homemade crust and finished with a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. It comes together faster than you’d think (yes, even the crust!) and is perfect for anyone craving bold flavors but short on time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a way to spice up pizza night, this recipe ticks all the boxes for taste, simplicity, and pure satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Flavor: Smoky chipotle peppers, tender chicken, and a hint of honey meet oozy cheese—it’s a combo that delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
  • Quick Cooking: Using instant yeast for the dough keeps prep speedy, so you can whip this up on a busy evening without waiting hours for crust to rise.
  • Customizable: The toppings and sauces allow for endless creativity. No two pizzas have to be the same!
  • Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip delivery—homemade pizza just tastes better (and you control the spice level and freshness).

Ingredients You’ll Need

A little planning is all it takes to bring this pizza together, and the best part is you probably have most of these ingredients on hand.

  • All-purpose flour: For making a chewy, golden pizza crust. Tip: Bread flour works for extra chewiness if you have it!
  • Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together. Water should feel warm but not hot to the touch—think bath water.
  • Instant yeast: Cuts down the wait time; no need for long rises.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop flavor in the dough.
  • Salt: Essential for a tasty, balanced crust and enhancing flavors throughout.
  • Olive oil: Adds tenderness to the dough and richness to the chicken.
  • Chicken tenders: Fast-cooking and juicy; perfect for topping pizza.
  • Honey: Brings subtle sweetness to balance the smoky chipotle heat.
  • Adobo sauce: The star ingredient—smoky, spicy, complex. Spoon some from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, chili powder, chili flakes, paprika, oregano, coriander, cumin—each one brings a new note to the chipotle chicken.
  • Chipotle peppers: For a creamy, tongue-tingling sauce with true depth. Use canned for convenience!
  • Mayonnaise: The base of the chipotle sauce, making it lush and spreadable.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and ties everything together.
  • Shredded cheese: A blend of low-moisture mozzarella and pizza cheese melts beautifully and adds an irresistible pull.
  • Kalamata olives: Offer a briny, savory kick that balances the richness.
  • Fresh tomato: Juicy, acidic bursts on top.
  • Jalapeño & bell pepper: Bring crunch, heat, and sweetness.
  • Cilantro: Fresh, herby finish that lifts the entire pizza.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower, black beans, or grilled portobello mushrooms. Still use that chipotle sauce—it’s magic!
  • Extra Spicy: Double up on the jalapeños or add an extra chipotle pepper to the sauce.
  • Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even queso fresco for a different twist.
  • Grilled Pizza: Cook the dough and toppings on the grill for a smoky, charred finish.
  • Family Style: Divide dough into personal pies and let everyone choose their own toppings.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic—about 5–7 minutes. Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes (plenty of time to prep your toppings).

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Chicken

While the dough rests, toss chicken tenders in olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, and all the spices—salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili flakes, pepper, oregano, coriander, and cumin. Cook the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat in a skillet until golden and just cooked through. Slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Sauce

In a small bowl, blend together mayo, finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, salt, garlic powder, lemon juice, honey, and pepper. Mix until smooth and taste—add more chipotle if you want extra heat!

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to its highest setting (ideally 475–500°F).
Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray or pizza stone.
Spread a thin layer of chipotle sauce over the base, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese blend.
Scatter the chipotle chicken, olives, diced tomato, jalapeño, and bell pepper evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–14 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned in spots.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Drizzle with more chipotle sauce, shower with fresh chopped cilantro, and let cool a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overload With Sauce: A thin spread prevents sogginess and showcases the toppings.
  • Get the Oven Hot: Pizza loves heat! Use a pizza stone if you have one for a crispier bottom.
  • Slice Veggies Thin: Quick baking means your toppings should be thinly sliced so they cook evenly.
  • Rest the Dough: A short 20–30 minute rise makes for a lighter crust, but don’t let it sit for hours—this recipe is meant to be speedy!
  • Cheese on the Bottom: Layer cheese before toppings so it acts as a pool for all those delicious juices.

How to Serve

This pizza is truly a showstopper, but a few simple pairings take it up a notch. Serve slices hot out of the oven with extra chipotle sauce for dipping, and a side salad of crisp greens tossed in lime vinaigrette. For a casual party vibe, pair with icy cold sodas or a light lager. If you’re feeling extra, a small bowl of guacamole or sour cream on the side never hurts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap extra slices in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices or whole, baked pizza (wrapped well in plastic and foil). Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven until bubbly and crisp. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

    Absolutely—store-bought dough is a great shortcut. Just bring it to room temperature before stretching so it’s easier to work with.

  2. What if I don’t have chipotle peppers or adobo sauce?

    You could swap in smoked paprika and a bit of hot sauce for a similar smoky heat, though honestly, chipotle in adobo is worth keeping in your pantry for its one-of-a-kind flavor.

  3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

    Go easy on the sauce and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Using a pizza stone or preheated tray also helps create a crisp crust.

  4. Can I make this pizza without chicken for a vegetarian version?

    Definitely! Try black beans, roasted veggies, or grilled tofu. The spicy sauce and vibrant toppings will still shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to break out of your pizza routine, Chipotle Chicken Pizza will absolutely deliver—bold, zesty, and comfortingly cheesy, all without tons of prep. Just gather your ingredients, let your creativity lead, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. You deserve a pizza night this good, so roll up those sleeves and enjoy every step (and bite) of the process!

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Chipotle Chicken Pizza Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican-American
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a fusion twist with this smoky, spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza! Featuring homemade crust, tender chipotle-marinated chicken, a creamy chipotle sauce, fresh vegetables, and a generous blend of cheeses, every bite delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures perfect for pizza night.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pizza Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (325g)
  • 3/4 cup warm water (180g), plus more if needed (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, plus 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

For Assembly

  • 3 cups shredded cheese (recommended: 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

  1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time as needed. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili flakes, pepper, oregano, coriander, and cumin. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for extra flavor).
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces or shred.
  4. Make the Chipotle Sauce: In a small blender or food processor, add chipotle peppers, mayo, salt, garlic powder, pepper, lemon juice, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  5. Shape and Assemble the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the risen dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle (or your desired shape). Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of chipotle sauce over the dough as the base.
  6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sauce. Evenly distribute the cooked chipotle chicken, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeno, and bell pepper. Top with the remaining cheese for full coverage.
  7. Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot, drizzling with extra chipotle sauce if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute store-bought pizza dough to save time.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle and adobo sauce for more or less heat to suit your spice preference.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
  • Leftover chipotle sauce can be used as a dip or sandwich spread.
  • Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but freshly grated cheese melts better.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of 12-inch pizza)
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
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Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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