Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you love the exciting combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, then the Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is going to be your new favorite way to enjoy pizza night. This vibrant pie brings together tender BBQ chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and a kick of fresh jalapeño over a perfectly crisp crust layered with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a taste sensation that balances heat and sweetness beautifully, making every bite a celebration of bold and comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a fun, flavorful twist on classic pizza, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness effortlessly in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe, and the great news is that each component is simple yet plays a crucial role in creating that amazing harmony of flavors and textures on your pizza.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1 lb): The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when cooked and shredded.
• Fresh pineapple chunks (1 cup): These add a burst of sweetness and juicy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spicy elements.
• Medium fresh jalapeño (1, sliced thinly): Provides a fresh, lively heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the other flavors.
• BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Brings smoky, tangy richness and ties together chicken and dough with its bold flavor.
• Pizza dough (1 lb): The foundation of your pizza, offering a chewy and crisp base for the toppings.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts perfectly to create a luscious, stretchy layer that balances all toppings.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to cook chicken, it infuses a subtle richness and helps develop a golden crust.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, herbaceous freshness as a garnish that complements the smoky and spicy flavors.

How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pizza Dough and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 475°F (245°C) so it’s hot enough to crisp up the pizza crust beautifully. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch round—that nice even shape is key for even cooking and a perfect crust edge.

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet and cook the chicken breasts for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal cooked temperature. Once cooked and cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this makes it easy to mix with the BBQ sauce and spread evenly across your pizza.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Assemble the Pizza Base

Combine the shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce to make sure every morsel is rich and flavorful. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over your rolled-out dough like a saucy canvas, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Add Pineapple and Jalapeño Toppings

Scatter the pineapple chunks and thin slices of fresh jalapeño evenly over the cheesy layer. The pineapple provides juicy sweetness, while the jalapeño slices offer just the right spicy kick to keep things interesting.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese—that’s when you know your pizza is ready to come out and impress.

Step 6: Garnish and Cool Slightly

Once baked, let your pizza cool just a little to make slicing easier, then top with fresh cilantro if you’re using it. This final touch adds a bright, fresh note that perfectly balances the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

How to Serve Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a wonderful garnish for this pizza, adding a pop of green and a herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the BBQ sauce’s smoky sweetness and the jalapeño’s heat. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or a drizzle of more BBQ sauce if you want to take the flavor up a notch at the table.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving with grilled vegetables or even a tangy coleslaw that complements the tropical pineapple and spicy jalapeño flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice this pizza into generous wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board for a casual, inviting feel at your dinner table. Add small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and sliced jalapeños on the side so everyone can customize their slices. For parties, you could also cut the pizza into smaller squares for easy finger food style snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed well helps maintain the crust’s quality and keeps the toppings fresh.

Freezing

If you want to save some pizza for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Freezing is a great option to enjoy this flavorful pizza without rushing through it.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated slices back to life, reheat them in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts best and has a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone for a slightly different taste and texture.

How spicy is the jalapeño—can I adjust it?

The jalapeño adds a medium level of heat that wakes up the palate without being overwhelming. If you prefer milder pizza, remove the seeds or use less jalapeño, and for more heat, add extra slices or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is ideal because it offers a vibrant sweetness and firm texture that stands up to baking. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and sometimes more watery, which can affect your pizza’s texture.

Can I prepare any parts of this pizza recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook and shred the chicken in advance and toss it with the BBQ sauce. The pizza dough can also be prepped earlier and refrigerated. Then when you’re ready, just assemble and bake.

What can I use if I don’t have pizza dough?

If you don’t have pizza dough, naan bread or pre-made flatbreads work remarkably well for a quick version of this pizza. Just adjust the baking time so it doesn’t dry out.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its perfect balance of spicy heat, smoky barbecue goodness, and sweet pineapple bursts. It’s a fun, flavor-packed twist on the classic that’s sure to become a regular request in your household. Gather your ingredients, invite your friends or family around, and get ready to share a pizza that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in personality.

Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 68 reviews

• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza combines the sweet tang of fresh pineapple and spicy jalapeños with tender BBQ-coated chicken atop a crispy, golden pizza crust. With a melty mozzarella cheese layer and a perfectly baked crust, this 30-minute recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic BBQ chicken pizza, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

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For the 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
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Dough & Cooking

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. 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 to create an even base for your pizza.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.
3. Coat Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Toss the shredded chicken thoroughly with BBQ sauce until all pieces are well coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
4. Assemble Pizza Base: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top to form a cheesy layer.
5. Add Toppings: Distribute the pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices evenly over the cheese to balance sweetness and heat.
6. Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
7. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

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Notes

• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level; remove seeds for milder heat.
• If you want a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
• Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can reduce prep time if desired.
• Fresh pineapple adds juiciness; canned pineapple can be substituted but drain well to avoid sogginess.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough.