Chicken Fajita Pizza: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Favorite
Say hello to your new pizza obsession—chicken fajita pizza! Imagine tender, spiced chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions all smothered in gooey melted cheese, sitting on a crispy crust with a flavorful salsa base. It’s the ultimate mash-up of classic pizza and sizzling fajitas, creating a unique, mouthwatering dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this easy recipe brings bold, satisfying flavors with every slice.
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 9 ounces chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for vibrant color)
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot based on your spice preference)
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for a crispy crust)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature helps create a crispy, golden crust while melting the cheese to perfection. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and sprinkle cornmeal over the top. The cornmeal adds texture and prevents sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, red onions, olive oil, and fajita seasoning. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step ensures every bite is packed with bold, zesty flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and vegetable mixture to the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown and the vegetables begin to soften. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked—it will finish cooking in the oven. The goal here is to develop a nice sear, which adds depth to the flavor.
4. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough—this technique, known as “docking,” prevents air bubbles from forming during baking. Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes. This initial bake helps create a sturdy base that won’t get soggy from the toppings.
5. Assemble the Pizza
Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the salsa evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Distribute the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the salsa, ensuring an even layer for consistent flavor in every bite. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the toppings.
6. Bake to Perfection
Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is crisp and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
7. Slice and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve hot and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
Notes
- Soggy Crust: Pre-baking the crust is key to avoiding a soggy base. Also, don’t overload the pizza with salsa or toppings, as excess moisture can affect the texture.
- Chicken Overcooking: Since the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, avoid fully cooking it in the skillet. A quick sear is enough to lock in flavor without drying it out.
- Cheese Not Melting Evenly: Use freshly shredded cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality.