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This Jamaican jerk pizza is made with tender pieces of marinated chicken thighs, onion, red peppers, pineapple, bacon and the most incredible Jamaican jerk inspired pizza sauce, all on a homemade pizza crust!
The chicken for this jerk chicken pizza recipe almost didn't even make it onto the pizza. I took one taste and got all googly-eyed. But alas, I was able to use some self control.
Juicy, flavorful chicken, sweet red peppers, a spicy, creamy jerk style pizza sauce, bacon (of course) and some pineapple for added sweetness...this is good stuff, guys.
We inhaled the whole crispy pizza between the two of us. It was that good. I am loving the sweet, savory, spicy combo of all the flavors. Plus, it's super easy to make, which is always a plus in my book.
Why this recipe works
- Using yeast to make homemade pizza dough is incredibly easy - and nothing beats homemade!
- Chicken thighs are marinated and char grilled to a juicy, flavor packed perfection.
- The pizza sauce is made from jerk seasoning and a combo of sweet and savory flavors blended with cream for the ultimate in pizza sauce.
- The combo of sweet, spicy and savory makes for a perfect pizza night!
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The ingredients
There are a few different steps when making this pizza - the chicken, the dough, and the pizza itself. The below are the ingredients for each different section:
Chicken marinade
Pizza dough
For the oil, any oil can be used, but extra virgin olive oil provides a better flavor than flavorless oils.
Pizza sauce
Pizza toppings
The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
We use dark meat chicken thighs to get the juiciest results. Chicken thighs retain moisture and get nice and tender.
Sliced red onions, bacon, pineapple, red bell pepper and cheese is used for the toppings.
The sauce for the pizza is made with a blend of Jamaican jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, cream and a habanero pepper for a little kick!
What is jerk seasoning?
Jerk seasoning is a spice blend that is typically used in Jamaica to dry rub meat. It is made from chilies, thyme, garlic, and allspice, among other seasonings.
Substitutions and variations
- Yogurt and/or coconut cream can be substituted for cream in the pizza sauce if desired.
- Omit the spicy pepper for a mild sauce, or add an additional pepper for a spicier sauce.
- Substitute chicken breast for he chicken thighs. You can also use pork and even seafood for this!
- You can also use a jerk marinade or sauce for the chicken marinade and/or the pizza sauce to make this ultra easy.
- Consider adding fire roasted tomatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted jalapenos, roasted red peppers or any other vegetable you like to have on pizza. It's also great topped with sliced scallions.
- Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme and/or tarragon go great with this. You can also add additional spice like smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or garlic powder.
Step by step instructions to make Jamaican jerk chicken pizza
- Combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove from the fridge and grill or broil the chicken for about 4 ½ minutes per side, or until the temperature reads 165°F. Let it cool and dice it in ½" chunks.
- While the chicken is cooling, combine all the sweet and spicy pizza sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Spread the spicy jerk sauce over the dough (see instructions for dough below).
- Add the mozzarella cheese, seasoned chicken, crumbled bacon, pineapple, onion, and red pepper. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Place on the bottom rack in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden brown and crispy. Drizzle with fresh lime juice, garnish with cilantro, slice and serve. You can also bake on a pizza stone.
A light drizzle with olive oil before serving can add some extra flavor as well!
How to make homemade pizza crust
- Combine 1 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add water heated to 120-130˚F and oil. Always use a thermometer to check temperature; mix until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Dough should form a ball and will be slightly sticky. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, adding additional flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll dough on a floured counter to 12-inch circle.
- Place in greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Form a rim by pinching the edge of the dough.
Expert tips for perfect pizza
- Make sure the yeast is not expired before use - expired yeast will not work properly and your dough will not rise.
- When mixing the yeast with water, be sure the water is warm, NOT HOT. Hot water will kill the yeast.
- Bake the pizza dough on the bottom rack so the crust fully bakes.
- If you use vegetables that take longer to cook, consider cooking them in advance so you can be sure they cook fully.
Frequently asked questions
You can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature, roll it out, top it and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Leftover cooked pizza can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
Freeze leftover pizza in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat it, place it in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until it is warmed through.
Favorite pizza recipes
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Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ cup diced pineapple
- 4 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish
- 1 pizza dough see below
- 1 cup Jamaican jerk pizza sauce see below
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pizza Dough
- 1 ¾ to 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1 envelope yeast
- 1-½ teaspoons sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup very warm water 120° to 130°F*
- 3 tablespoons Canola oil
Jamaican Jerk Pizza Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper minced
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Combine all the marinade ingredients and add the chicken. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove from the fridge and grill or broil the chicken for about 4 ½ minutes per side, or until the temperature reads 165 degrees. Let it cool and dice it in ½" chunks.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough and add the mozzarella cheese, chicken, crumbled bacon, pineapple, onion, and red pepper. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Place on the bottom rack in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Drizzle with fresh lime juice, garnish with cilantro, slice and serve.
Pizza Dough
- Combine 1 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add water heated to 120-130ËšF and oil. Always use a thermometer to check temperature; mix until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Dough should form a ball and will be slightly sticky.
- Knead on a floured surface, adding additional flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll dough on a floured counter to 12-inch circle; place in greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Form a rim by pinching the edge of the dough.
Jamaican Jerk Pizza Sauce
- Combine all the ingredients in a mini food processor and blend until smooth.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure the yeast is not expired before use - expired yeast will not work properly and your dough will not rise.
- When mixing the yeast with water, be sure the water is warm, NOT HOT. Hot water will kill the yeast.
- Bake the pizza dough on the bottom rack so the crust fully bakes.
- If you use vegetables that take longer to cook, consider cooking them in advance so you can be sure they cook fully.
Nutrition
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