The first time I made this Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza, it felt like a small culinary triumph. I took the bold flavors of hot chicken and combined them with the ultimate comfort food – pizza! The result? A fiery, savory dish that’s absolutely loaded with tender chicken, melty cheese, and a spicy, tangy finish.
Adding those little touches like pickles really brings it all together. Trust me, it’s not just fun to make but an absolute delight to eat. I’m pretty sure this one will become a regular on your pizza nights!
Ingredients
- Pizza dough, 1 ball
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast, 2 cups
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups
- Sliced red onion, 1 small
- Pickle slices, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for topping
- Hot sauce, 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar, 1 tbsp
- Paprika, 1 tsp
- Garlic powder, 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp
- Salt, to taste
Note: This recipe serves 4.
Variations
For a personalized twist on this pizza, try these options:
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out mozzarella and butter for dairy-free alternatives.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Reduce cayenne for milder heat or add honey for sweetness. For more spice, include chili flakes or extra cayenne.
- Add-On Toppings: Amp it up with crispy bacon, jalapeños, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
You can also enjoy similar bold toppings by trying out this Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza recipe for more adventurous tastes.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Rolling pin – To roll out the pizza dough evenly.
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – For an ideal crust texture.
- Small saucepan – For mixing the flavorful hot sauce.
- Pastry brush – To spread oil on the pizza dough.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza?
This recipe walks you through transforming basic ingredients into a memorable meal! Here’s each step broken down for you.
Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce
Start by heating the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, mix in the hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level if you like, then set it aside while you prep the pizza.
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 450°F or follow the specific temperature instructions on your pizza dough packaging. A hot oven will give you that crisp, golden crust while perfectly melting the cheese.
Roll Out the Dough
Dust your countertop with flour, then roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. For a lighter crust, go thin. If you love a chewy bite, keep it a little thicker.
Assemble the Pizza
Transfer your rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush a light layer of olive oil on the surface of the dough. Spread the Nashville Hot Sauce evenly across it, then top with shredded chicken, thinly sliced red onions, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pizza
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown crust and perfectly melted cheese. That’s when you know it’s ready!
Add the Finishing Touches
Once baked, garnish the pizza with fresh cilantro and pickle slices. These add a burst of brightness and balance to the rich, spicy flavors. Cut into slices and serve immediately. For another fun and sweet finishing touch idea, explore the honey drizzle option from this Pear Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Pizza recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This pizza brings together bold flavors and simple techniques. Here’s why it will be a hit:
- It’s simple to prepare. Even beginners can master this delicious pizza recipe.
- Packed with bold flavor. The combination of spicy chicken, savory sauce, and tangy toppings is irresistible.
- Customizable for dietary needs. Easily adjust spice levels or swap in gluten-free and dairy-free options.
- A creative twist. Merging pizza with Nashville hot chicken gives you a fun, shareable dish.
- Perfect for sharing. Serve this at gatherings and watch everyone dig in.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza?
Cut this pizza into slices and present it on a wood cutting board or a vibrant serving platter for a rustic, inviting touch. Garnish with an extra drizzle of hot sauce for added heat and a striking visual appeal. To balance its spice, serve with a side of fresh coleslaw or a crisp green salad. For a more indulgent pairing, include ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If this idea excites your palette, you might enjoy the sweet-heat combination in this Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate per slice:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 14g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to plan ahead, this recipe is perfect for prepping components in advance.
Make Ahead
Cook the chicken and prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, assembling the pizza will be super quick and easy.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish. For longer storage, freeze the pizza for up to one month. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Based on my experience, here are some tips to make your pizza even better:
- Bring dough to room temperature before rolling to avoid tearing.
- For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
- Love things hot? Keep extra Nashville Hot Sauce on the side for dipping or brushing on at the table.
- Don’t skip the pickles and cilantro – they’re the perfect finishing touch and balance the flavors beautifully.
With these steps and tips, I know you’ll enjoy every bite of this Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza! The spicy kick and cheesy goodness will have you coming back for more. Now, it’s your turn to try it out and impress everyone at your next pizza night.
Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- Pizza dough 1 ball
- Cooked shredded chicken breast, 2 cups
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups
- Sliced red onion 1 small
- Pickle slices for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for topping
- Hot sauce 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar 1 tbsp
- Paprika 1 tsp
- Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, mix in the hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level if you like, then set it aside while you prep the pizza.
- Set your oven to 450°F or follow the specific temperature instructions on your pizza dough packaging. A hot oven will give you that crisp, golden crust while perfectly melting the cheese.
- Dust your countertop with flour, then roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. For a lighter crust, go thin. If you love a chewy bite, keep it a little thicker.
- Transfer your rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush a light layer of olive oil on the surface of the dough. Spread the Nashville Hot Sauce evenly across it, then top with shredded chicken, thinly sliced red onions, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
- Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown crust and perfectly melted cheese. That’s when you know it’s ready!
- Once baked, garnish the pizza with fresh cilantro and pickle slices. These add a burst of brightness and balance to the rich, spicy flavors. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bring dough to room temperature before rolling to avoid tearing.
- For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
- Love things hot? Keep extra Nashville Hot Sauce on the side for dipping or brushing on at the table.
- Don’t skip the pickles and cilantro – they’re the perfect finishing touch and balance the flavors beautifully.
