Hawaiian Chicken Pizza
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This Hawaiian Chicken Pizza is my simple take on a classic favorite, inspired by the version from California Pizza Kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and melty cheese, this homemade pizza brings those island vibes straight to your kitchen. If you love CPK’s version as much as I do, you’re going to flip for this easy, flavorful recipe!
Pizza night is a weekly occurrence in our home. Be sure to try some of our other favorites like my Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, and easy French Bread Pizza!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: It’s inspired by California Pizza Kitchen’s delicious version, so you can enjoy that same great taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun cooking project with the family.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings to suit your preferences—add extra cheese, swap out the chicken for ham, or toss on some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
If you’ve ever craved a slice of chicken pineapple pizza, you’re in for a treat with this homemade version. Imagine the perfect blend of sweet pineapple, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, all on a crispy crust you made yourself. It’s the kind of pizza that makes weeknight dinners exciting again.
But this isn’t just any pizza—this is the pizza that’s going to wow your taste buds and earn you some serious kitchen cred. A little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of delicious. It’s your ticket to a flavor-packed meal that’s fun to make and even better to eat.
Ingredient You Need
The ingredient list is surprisingly short! Adjust or change the toppings per your liking. Here is what you need to get started:
- Pizza Dough: Start with your favorite homemade or store-bought dough for a perfectly crispy base.
- BBQ Sauce: A tangy BBQ sauce serves as the flavorful foundation for this pizza, adding a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the toppings.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella brings everything together with that classic cheesy goodness.
- Chicken: Use cooked and shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed topping that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.
- Pineapple: Sweet, juicy pineapple chunks provide a burst of flavor that balances the savory and smoky elements.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions give a slight bite and a pop of color, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a bit of sharpness.
Variations and Toppings
Mix and match these options to create a pizza that’s perfect for you!
- Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic, but mix in sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for extra flavor. Love cheese? Go for a blend!
- Proteins: Swap out chicken and bacon for grilled shrimp, pulled pork, or keep it veggie-friendly with no meat at all.
- Veggies: We love adding extra veggies to our Hawaiian pizza toppings. Add extra crunch with bell peppers, jalapeños, or roasted garlic. A handful of fresh arugula after baking adds a peppery kick.
- Sauces: BBQ sauce is perfect, but feel free to experiment with buffalo or creamy garlic alfredo. Or, try a classic homemade pizza sauce—get the recipe here.
- Crust: Store-bought crusts are quick and easy, but if you’ve got time, homemade dough offers unbeatable flavor and texture.
How To Make Hawaiian Chicken Pizza
There are several different ways to make pizza at home. This method uses the oven heated to the highest temperature and a pizza cast iron stone (affiliate). This is easily one of my favorite kitchen tools! It gives you an even brown crisp crust every single time.
- Preheat: Place a pizza stone or cast iron pan in the oven and preheat to the highest temperature.
- Prep the Dough: Spread cornmeal on parchment paper and shape your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Prick it with a fork to prevent bubbles.
- Assemble: Spread BBQ sauce over the dough, then layer on the cheese and your toppings.
- Bake: Slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the heated pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove the parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Be sure to carefully remove the parchment paper after the first 5 minutes of baking. Leaving it in too long can cause it to overheat and potentially catch fire. Safety first!
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your Hawaiian Chicken Pizza to keep it tasting fresh:
Storage: Once the pizza has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave a slice for 30-60 seconds, but keep in mind the crust might not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven. For the best results, avoid reheating in the microwave if possible.
Expert Tips:
Rotisserie Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for quick, flavorful topping. It’s already cooked and seasoned, making your prep super easy.
Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple is great, but canned works too! Just drain it well to avoid soggy pizza.
Preheat the Pan: Preheat your pizza stone or cast iron pan for a crispy crust that’s restaurant-worthy.
Even Toppings: Spread your cheese and toppings evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Prick the Dough: Prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles and ensure a flat, even crust.
Remove Parchment: After 5 minutes, remove the parchment paper to prevent burning and get a crispier crust.
Recipe FAQs
While a pizza stone or cast iron pan helps achieve a crispy crust, you can still make this pizza on a regular baking sheet. Just preheat the sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it for better results.
To avoid tearing, let the dough come to room temperature before stretching. Gently press and stretch it outwards on a floured surface or parchment paper, using your fingers. If it starts to shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
To transfer the pizza easily, assemble it on a piece of parchment paper. Then, carefully slide the parchment with the pizza onto the preheated pan or stone. After 5 minutes, remove the parchment for a crispier crust.
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, you can lift a corner of the pizza to check that the bottom is crispy and not too soft.
BBQ sauce is actually the perfect base for this Hawaiian Chicken Pizza! It adds a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the toppings. However, you can use traditional pizza sauce if you prefer a more classic flavor.
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Hawaiian Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce
- 1-2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
- 1/4 cup red onion (sliced)
Instructions
- Start by placing a pizza stone or a cast iron pan in your oven, and preheat it to the highest temperature your oven allows. This step ensures a hot surface for a crispy crust.
- While the oven is preheating, sprinkle cornmeal over a sheet of parchment paper. Carefully stretch your pizza dough out into a 12-inch circle on the prepared parchment paper.
- To prevent the dough from bubbling up while baking, use a fork to prick holes all over the surface of the dough.
- Evenly spread BBQ sauce over the entire surface of the dough. Next, layer on the mozzarella cheese, followed by your remaining toppings, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Carefully transfer the pizza, still on the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or cast iron pan in the oven.
- Let it bake for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the parchment paper and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the pizza from the oven, slice it up, and enjoy warm!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
