This Habanero Mango Chicken Pizza brings together smoky grilled chicken, a tangy BBQ sauce base, and the tropical sweetness of ripe mango. Balanced with the fiery kick of habanero and the crunch of fresh red onion, it’s a bold, sweet-heat pizza that satisfies adventurous taste buds.
Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard BBQs, or when you want to surprise your friends with a pizza that goes beyond the ordinary. It’s vibrant, colorful, and downright addictive—the kind of recipe that turns pizza night into a full-on flavor adventure.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough 12–14 inch
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite smoky or tangy style
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- For the mango salsa:
- 1 ripe mango diced
- 1/4 red onion finely diced
- 1 small habanero pepper minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the mango salsa: In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, habanero, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the dough: Roll or stretch the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12–14 inch circle. Transfer to a floured pizza peel.
- Assemble the base: Spread BBQ sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle half of the cheese over the sauce. Layer on the grilled chicken and sliced red onion. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish with salsa: Remove the pizza from the oven. Spoon fresh mango salsa evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve: Cut into wedges and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Control the spice by adjusting how much habanero you add to the salsa. Jalapeño or serrano can be swapped for milder heat.
- Try smoked gouda instead of Monterey Jack for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Grill your chicken with a brush of BBQ sauce for extra caramelized flavor before adding it to the pizza.
FAQ ?
Q: Can I make this Habanero Mango Chicken Pizza on a grill instead of the oven?
Yes! Preheat your grill to high heat, place the dough directly on the grates for 1–2 minutes per side, then add toppings and finish with the lid closed until the cheese melts.
Q: What’s the best cheese pairing for mango and habanero?
Mozzarella provides the classic melt, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Smoked gouda or cheddar can work if you want a richer flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making fresh?
Yes, but fresh mango salsa is highly recommended for the brightness and balance it brings to the pizza. Bottled versions often lose that tropical freshness.
Q: How spicy is a habanero on this pizza?
A single habanero adds noticeable heat but is balanced by the mango and BBQ sauce. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with half or substitute with a milder chili.
Q: What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Smoky or tangy BBQ sauces work beautifully. Avoid overly sweet sauces since the mango already brings natural sweetness.
