If you’re craving a pizza that truly pops with personality, look no further than this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza. It’s the ultimate collision of sweet, spicy, tangy, and cheesy—every bite brings a party of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this pizza is a game-changer, combining juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, fresh pineapple, melty cheese, and the playful heat of jalapeño rings. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly wins over skeptics and fans alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza is that each ingredient shines and plays a specific role—nothing is there just for show! From the fluffy dough to the finishing sprinkle of cilantro, these are the essentials that create magic together.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The sturdy, chewy base that holds all the goodness—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling): This brings smoky, sweet tang to every bite; use your favorite brand or homemade for extra flair.
- Cooked chicken (1 1/2 cups, shredded or chopped): Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken keeps things simple and juicy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Delivers that classic, stretchy, irresistible melt you want in every pizza.
- Shredded smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle smoky depth or creamy finish, depending on your choice.
- Pineapple chunks (1/2 cup, drained and patted dry): Sweet, tart bursts that perfectly balance the heat and richness.
- Fresh jalapeños (1–2, thinly sliced): Adjust to taste—these bring the signature fresh heat to the pizza.
- Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): A touch of sharpness and color that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed over the dough for extra flavor and a golden, crispy crust.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbal finish that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C). Pop your pizza stone or baking sheet inside while it preheats—this is the secret to a crisp, golden crust that’s just sturdy enough to support all those crave-worthy toppings.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Whether you like it thin and crackly or a little more pillowy, now’s your chance to make it just how you love. Transferring the dough to a piece of parchment paper makes the next steps super easy.
Step 3: Layer on the Flavors
Brush the dough with olive oil for extra richness, then spread a generous half cup of BBQ sauce evenly across the surface. This is where the Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza starts to get its signature zing!
Step 4: Add Toppings
Scatter on the shredded or chopped chicken, then sprinkle over the mozzarella and your choice of smoked gouda or Monterey Jack. Top with pineapple chunks (make sure they’re dry to avoid a soggy pizza), fresh jalapeño slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Every layer adds color and flavor, making each bite unforgettable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Using the parchment, carefully transfer your topped pizza onto the piping hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbly and just caramelized, and you can’t resist the aroma any longer.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Let your Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza cool for a couple of minutes out of the oven. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you like a fresh, green finish. Slice it up and serve warm!
How to Serve Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped cilantro gives your Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza a pop of color and brightness. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few extra jalapeño rings or a squeeze of lime for extra zing. A light drizzle of BBQ sauce right before serving makes it look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Balance the bold flavors of this pizza with simple sides. Think crisp green salads with a citrus vinaigrette, creamy coleslaw, or a bowl of corn and black bean salsa. These sides cool things down while letting your pizza shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza into rustic wedges for family-style dining, or slice it into smaller squares for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Serve on a wooden board with bowls of extra sauce, fresh herbs, and maybe even a few pickled jalapeños for guests to personalize their slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch or quick snack the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for those nights when you need a quick, flavorful meal in a flash.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, a toaster oven works wonders, too. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the crust a bit chewy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and brings extra flavor and moisture to your Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works beautifully, too.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
It’s easy to control the heat in this pizza. Use just one jalapeño for a mild kick, or add more slices for extra fire. Removing the seeds and membranes will also tame the spice level.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. All the toppings are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.
What’s the best way to drain pineapple for pizza?
After draining the pineapple chunks, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This keeps your Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza from getting soggy and ensures every bite is just right.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling adds a smoky char that’s fantastic with these toppings. Prepare the pizza on a grill-safe pan or directly on the grates (use caution), close the lid, and cook over medium-high heat until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a pizza that’s bold, bright, and full of fun, give this Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza a try. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing adventure for your taste buds that might just become your new favorite homemade pie. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory magic in every slice!
Print
Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Pizza offers a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Featuring a crispy crust topped with tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, melted mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, sweet pineapple chunks, spicy jalapeños, and red onion, it’s a perfect fusion of bold and fresh ingredients that make a mouthwatering homemade pizza perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (drained and patted dry)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up thoroughly.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and transfer.
- Apply Olive Oil and Sauce: Brush the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil to promote crispiness. Evenly spread 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the dough as your base layer.
- Add Toppings: Layer shredded or chopped cooked chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses. Distribute pineapple chunks, thinly sliced jalapeños, and red onion slices evenly on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Using the parchment paper, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheeses are bubbling and lightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with optional chopped cilantro. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Utilize rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for faster preparation.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to customize the spice level to your liking.
- For an extra crispy crust, finish baking directly on a preheated pizza stone without parchment paper for the last few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
