Chicken Fajita Pizza is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the beloved classic, pizza. This recipe, adapted from a Pillsbury Bake-off favorite, promises a burst of flavors from tender chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, onions, zesty salsa, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, all atop a golden crust. It’s perfect for those craving a hearty yet easy-to-make meal, suitable for any occasion.
Recipe: Chicken Fajita Pizza
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 1 12-inch pizza
Serving Size: 8 slices
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Mild salsa, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
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Prepare Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken breast and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, and garlic powder, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another minute or so until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from heat.
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Prepare the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Sprinkle a pizza pan with semolina flour (or cornmeal) to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use parchment paper.
- Roll out your pizza dough onto the prepared pan, shaping it into a 12-inch round. You can use store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough.
- Pre-bake the dough in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until it turns a very light golden brown.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the crust.
- Spoon mild salsa over the chicken layer.
- Distribute the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture on top.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the vegetables.
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Final Baking:
- Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 236.6
- Total Fat: 15.6g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 61.5mg
- Sodium: 436.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 2.1g
- Protein: 19.5g
Tips and Variations:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough, pre-made pizza crusts, or make your own pizza dough from scratch for a more personalized touch.
- Cheese Options: If you prefer a sharper flavor, you can mix in some grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese with the Monterey Jack.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and salsa according to your spice preference. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and increase the amount of bell peppers and onions for a delicious vegetarian fajita pizza.
Enjoy this Chicken Fajita Pizza as a main course for a family dinner or slice it up for a party. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!