
This daring spin on classic pizza combines fiery chicken, zesty pickled jalapeños, and a fragrant garlic oil foundation for a taste experience you won't forget. Without the usual tomato base, each thoughtfully selected ingredient gets a chance to truly pop.
I first threw this pizza together when I needed to use up some leftover pickled jalapeños. The combo turned out so irresistible that we now can't imagine our Friday nights without it.
Key Ingredient Breakdown
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add zippy heat and much-needed tang
- Fresh Garlic: Always use freshly chopped for the richest oil
- Mozzarella: Go with fresh for that dreamy pull and melt
- Chile Powder: Try to grab New Mexican type for genuine taste
- All-Purpose Flour: The protein level counts - grab unbleached for top results
Crafting Your Knockout Pizza
- Step 1 - Tackle the Dough:
- Stir yeast into lukewarm water - it should feel just like bath water. Add flour bit by bit to build proper gluten. Don't rush the rising time for best flavor and texture.
- Step 2 - Whip Up the Garlic Oil:
- Chop garlic super fine. Mix with oil right away to let flavors blend. Squish garlic into oil to get all that good taste out.
- Step 3 - Fix the Chicken:
- Slice into same-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Don't skimp on seasoning - flavors get milder in the oven. Cook until barely done so it won't dry out later.
- Step 4 - Put Everything Together:
- Get that dough nice and thin for a crispy base. Go easy on the garlic oil - it packs a punch. Spread toppings evenly for balanced bites.

I've noticed this pizza's a hit at gatherings since you can prep most of it ahead. The unusual flavor mix always gets conversations going.
What Makes This Pizza Special
You can use this awesome dough with all sorts of toppings through the week, which makes planning meals so much easier.
When I'm prepping food for the week, I often cook extra spicy chicken to throw into tacos or bowls on busy nights.
I now use this pizza to show friends how amazing non-tomato pizzas can be. Even the biggest tomato sauce fans end up totally hooked.
After trying the garlic oil base, I started coming up with tons of other fun pizza ideas I'd never thought of before.

After making this pizza so many times, I've learned that stepping away from tradition can lead to some crazy good food. It shows how switching up just a few key ingredients can turn an everyday dish into something totally fresh and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the idea behind a thin crust?
- Thin crust keeps flavors balanced by letting the toppings shine more than the bread.
- → Can leftover dough be saved?
- Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- → Why give the crust a quick pre-bake?
- It helps the super-thin dough bake through and not stay doughy.
- → How can I tone down the spice?
- Just cut back on the chile powder or skip a few jalapenos.
- → Why avoid fully cooking the chicken beforehand?
- Cooking it just until almost done keeps it moist during the pizza bake.