Chicken Taco Pizza

When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to my mind is a glorious slice of Chicken Taco Pizza. Imagine a warm, crispy crust topped with zesty taco flavors, melted cheese, and fresh toppings that bring everything together. This dish has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet simple to prepare. The beauty of Chicken Taco Pizza lies in its versatility; it can easily please picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.

Growing up, pizza night was a cherished tradition in our family, and I always loved experimenting with different toppings. This particular recipe takes that nostalgia and elevates it with my favorite taco ingredients. After a long day, there’s nothing quite like pulling a hot pizza out of the oven, inhaling that delicious aroma, and seeing the joy on my family’s faces as they dig in. It’s not just food; it’s a shared experience, a moment to connect over flavors that feel like a warm hug.

Whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a fun gathering with friends, Chicken Taco Pizza fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy this dish as much as I do. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Chicken Taco Pizza Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making a delicious Chicken Taco Pizza. Each component plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crispy crust to the spicy toppings, every element is vital. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

• 1 ball pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, this is the base of your pizza. Let it rise on the counter for at least two hours for the best results.
• 1 tbsp flour: This helps dust your surface when stretching the dough, preventing it from sticking.
• 1 tsp olive oil: Brushing olive oil on the crust gives it a beautiful golden color and enhances the flavor.
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce: A flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the taco toppings. Spread it generously!
• ½ tsp taco seasoning: This seasoning is what gives your pizza that unmistakable taco flavor. Adjust to taste!
• 2 cups Mexican cheese: A blend of shredded cheese melts beautifully and adds richness.
• ½ cup chicken breast: Cooked and diced, this adds protein to your pizza. Shredded chicken works well too!
• ¼ cup lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds crunch and freshness.
• 1 tomato: Diced, it provides a juicy and refreshing contrast to the cheese.
• 5 tortilla chips: Crushed, they add a delightful crunch and flavor.
• 1 tsp cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 tbsp avocado hot sauce: Alternatively, use sour cream or other favorite sauces for drizzling on top.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Taco Pizza

Making Chicken Taco Pizza is a fun and interactive cooking experience. Follow these detailed steps for the best outcome!

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the center of the oven to heat up. This will help achieve a perfectly crispy crust.

2. Prepare your pizza dough station. Dust a large cutting board with half the flour. Set the other half aside for stretching the dough.

3. Stretch the pizza dough. Place the dough on the floured surface, lightly dusting all sides with additional flour. Pinch the outer edge of the dough to form the crust, then use your knuckles to gently stretch it into a circular shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm adds character!

4. Transfer the dough to the hot pizza stone. Carefully remove the stone from the oven, brush half of the olive oil on top, and lay the stretched dough on it. Brush the remaining oil on the outside of the crust.

5. Assemble the toppings quickly to keep the stone hot. Spread the pizza sauce on the dough, leaving about an inch from the edge for the crust. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the sauce.

6. Add the cheese: generously top the sauce with shredded Mexican cheese and then layer on the cooked chicken breast.

7. Bake your pizza in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the cheese to melt and bubble while the crust turns a lovely golden brown.

8. Let it rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven. This makes slicing easier!

9. Top the pizza with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, and cilantro. Drizzle with your choice of sauces.

10. Slice and serve. Enjoy the flavors of your homemade Chicken Taco Pizza!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some great tips to ensure your Chicken Taco Pizza is a success every time:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to two months.
• Pairing: Enjoy your pizza with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
• Crust variety: Experiment with different types of crust, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to suit your dietary needs.
• Flavor boosts: Add jalapeños or sliced olives for an extra kick of flavor and spice!

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Taco Pizza

Serving Chicken Taco Pizza can be as exciting as making it. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:

• Fresh Salads: Pair with a light mixed green salad topped with avocado and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Dips: Serve with salsa, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dip to enhance the flavor experience.
• Occasions: This pizza is perfect for casual get-togethers, game night, or family movie nights.
• Storage Tips: Always keep leftover pizza in the fridge and reheat it in an oven or skillet to maintain its crispiness.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, enjoy with cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea to keep the meal refreshing.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Taco Pizza is a delightful dish that combines the best of both worlds: the heartiness of pizza and the zesty flavors of tacos. It’s not just a meal, but a way to bring family and friends together in a fun and flavorful way. I encourage you to try making this recipe, as it’s sure to become a family favorite in your home!

Chicken Taco Pizza

The ultimate comfort food! This Chicken Taco Pizza combines zesty taco flavors with melted cheese on a crispy crust. It's an easy weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. You won’t want to miss making this delicious dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ball Pizza dough store bought or homemade pizza dough, let it rise on a counter 2+ hours in advance
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1 tsp Olive oil
• 1.5 cups Pizza sauce
• ½ tsp Taco seasoning
• 2 cups Mexican cheese shredded
• ½ cup Chicken breast cooked, diced
• ¼ cup Lettuce shredded
• 1 to Tomato diced
• 5 to Tortilla chips crushed
• 1 tsp Cilantro fresh
• 1 tbsp Avocado hot sauce or sour cream, or see notes for my jalapeno ranch dressing

Equipment

• Emile Henry 14″ Pizza Stone

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, add it to the center rack. If you’re using a sheet tray, see the notes at the bottom of this recipe for instructions (if so – you need to par bake the dough).
2. Prep pizza dough station. Dust a large cutting board with half the flour. Add the other half of the flour to the corner of the cutting board to use as you stretch the dough.
3. Stretch pizza dough. Add the raw dough to the floured surface. Dust all sides lightly with flour. Start pinching the outside 1” of the pizza dough, in a circular motion, to outline the crust and start forming a circular shaped pizza. Then alternate between pressing the center of the dough against the cutting board, and using the back of your knuckles to stretch the dough from underneath, pulling it outwards in a circular motion. Dusting the pizza dough along the way with the extra flour helps it retain a larger size instead of shrinking back up to a ball. You can also use a rolling pin (dusted with flour) to stretch it. Use as many different techniques as needed to stretch the dough.
4. Carefully take the hot pizza stone out of the oven once it has preheated, and quickly brush half of the olive oil on the top of the pizza stone. Add the raw stretched pizza dough on top, and brush the rest of the olive oil along the outside 1” of the pizza crust (to give it a golden brown crust once baked).
5. Work quickly to assemble chicken taco pizza toppings so the pizza stone stays hot. Add pizza sauce to the dough and spread it around, leaving 1” on the outside without sauce for the pizza crust. Sprinkle with taco seasonings. Top with Mexican cheese blend and cooked chicken breast.
6. Bake chicken taco pizza on pizza stone for 10-15 minutes at 475°F, until Mexican cheese is melted and starts to bubble on top. You may need to rotate it in the oven and cook for an extra few minutes so the bottom crust and edges all turn golden brown.
7. Remove taco pizza from the oven and let it rest a couple minutes. Top it with a sprinkle of lettuce, tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and your favorite sauces. Slice and serve when cool enough to eat.

Notes

• Tip: If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a baking sheet but remember to parbake the dough for 7 minutes.
• Tip: Use fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado hot sauce for the best flavor.
• Tip: For a fun twist, try adding jalapeños for extra heat!

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Meet Tessa Gray

I’m the “Poppy” I bring a touch of brightness and artistry to our kitchen. As our head baker, I specialize in wild-yeast sourdough and delicate pastries that use seasonal fruits and edible flowers. While I love baking, I’m also always helping Chloe and Maya cook our savory dishes. I believe every hearty meal deserves a beautiful, sweet finish!