Homemade Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pizza: A Zesty Flavor Explosion for Any Night

Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every irresistible bite of this savory, spicy chicken pizza. Prepare for a flavor fiesta as zesty chicken mingles with intensely sweet sun-dried tomatoes, tangy marinated artichoke hearts, and a luscious layer of creamy, melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary day into a festive pizza day! (Skip directly to the full recipe below.)

Who doesn’t cherish a good pizza? It’s a universal comfort food, a dish that brings smiles and satisfaction, whether enjoyed with friends, family, or as a cozy treat for yourself. For many, pizza holds a special place, evoking memories of childhood parties, late-night study sessions, or weekend gatherings. While pizza is now a household staple across the globe, its journey into my own kitchen was quite a fascinating one.

I honestly can’t pinpoint the exact moment I first tasted pizza – it was likely sometime during my junior high years. What I do know for certain is that it wasn’t a dish my mother prepared at home when I was growing up. Our German household, steeped in culinary traditions, revolved around a different set of delectable offerings. We feasted on exquisite homemade noodles and tender dumplings, hearty savory meats, various sausages, and comforting cabbage dishes. Our table was always adorned with vibrant, delicious salads and an array of flavorful vegetable side dishes. Wonderful homemade breads and baking were a constant presence. But pizza and pasta, as we know them today, were simply not part of our culinary repertoire. At least, not in the way I now enjoy and serve them.

Our childhood version of pasta typically involved buttery homemade egg noodles, often served alongside my oma’s famously tender and juicy baked chicken. Alternatively, we’d enjoy springy dumpling strips, known as knipfle, generously coated with rich gravy or crispy fried onions. Then there was Riebel Suppe, a comforting soup made of milk cooked with chewy little blobs of noodle dough, to which we’d add a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey. Sometimes, my mom would bring home those large, family-sized boxes of spaghetti or macaroni, but these were invariably destined for casseroles or hearty soups. If, on rare occasions, we managed to persuade her to make spaghetti, the pasta would be well-cooked, then coated in a simple tomato sauce and served strictly as a side dish to whatever meats and vegetables she had prepared – never as a standalone course.

And pizza? That was undeniably a foreign concept, an exotic food reserved for special outings. By the time I reached high school, we had started experimenting with a pizza recipe shared by a neighbor. This version featured a biscuit-style crust and was topped with tomato sauce, thinly sliced wieners, and a generous layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese. While it was a step towards pizza, it was certainly not the gourmet delight my food cravings yearn for today. However, a monumental shift occurred once I earned my driver’s license – oh, the glorious freedom and adventure it promised! My friends and I could finally drive to Grande Prairie, a 45-minute journey from our farm, and head to an actual pizza joint for the authentic experience. That, for us, was truly living! We felt incredibly worldly and sophisticated as we savored that real pizza. It was savory and delightfully tomatoey, with cheese oozing perfectly. It was, without a doubt, absolutely delicious.

Fast forward to the present day, and I’ve savored countless pizzas, even experiencing the most amazing, authentic creations right at their source in Italy. Pizza remains the one dish that consistently elicits genuine cheers and excitement from my family when they discover it’s on the menu for supper. And this particular Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pizza? It draws the loudest cheers yet! Every time I prepare it, I’m met with the sight of my very happy husband eagerly devouring his slices, a huge grin plastered across his face. He’ll even jealously guard any leftover slices, ensuring they’re safely tucked away for his lunch the following day. It’s a testament to how truly special and beloved this recipe has become in our home.

Each and every bite of this pizza is an explosion of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate. You’ll experience the intense, concentrated burst of umami from the sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly complementing the savory, spiced crumbles of ground chicken. The juicy, slightly briny tang of marinated artichoke hearts adds a wonderful counterpoint, while the toothsome crispness and subtle sweetness of thinly sliced red bell pepper provide both texture and color. All these exquisite ingredients are brought together under a blanket of deliciously bubbling, melted cheese, creating a truly unforgettable culinary symphony. It’s no wonder this one has earned its permanent spot on our weekly rotation.

Yes, this pizza is absolutely a keeper in our house, a cherished recipe that we turn to again and again for its incredible flavor and comforting appeal. I always make it a point to keep the essential ingredients for this Mediterranean Chicken Pizza readily available. Having them on hand means a delicious, home-cooked meal is never far away, even on busy weeknights.

One of my top tips for effortless meal prep is to freeze ground chicken in convenient ½ lb portions. I often take this a step further by cooking up a double or even quadruple batch of the seasoned chicken mixture described in the recipe. Once cooked and cooled, I divide it into individual sandwich bags and freeze them. This brilliant hack means that whenever a pizza craving strikes, I can simply pull out a bag and crumble the frozen, pre-cooked chicken filling directly onto the pizza crust. It saves a significant amount of time and effort! Beyond the chicken, I consistently stock a huge jar of those incredible marinated artichoke hearts in my fridge (the 1.8-liter jar from Superstore offers excellent value). Similarly, a large jar of marinated sun-dried tomatoes with herbs (sourced from Costco) is a pantry staple. These versatile ingredients aren’t just for pizza; they empower me to whip up a batch of my Mediterranean Fried Rice, prepare a refreshing Tuna and Cannellini Bean Salad, toss a few into green salads or pasta salads, add them to sophisticated charcuterie boards or appetizer trays, layer them on sandwiches for an elevated lunch, or, of course, use them for this utterly delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pizza. Their bold flavors and convenient preparation make them indispensable in my kitchen.

With these simple preparations and a reliable recipe, any day truly becomes a pizza day. No need to wait for a special occasion or debate takeout options when you can create such a flavorful, satisfying meal right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

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Kitchen Frau Notes: Crafting the perfect pizza starts with your crust, and this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can opt for the convenience of pre-baked or partially baked prepared pizza shells – for instance, I often use two individual Udi’s gluten-free pre-baked shells for a quick and easy option. Alternatively, if you love the art of baking, feel free to use your own fresh pizza dough. When working with homemade dough, always refer to your specific recipe for the recommended oven temperature and baking time, as these can vary significantly. Another fantastic option is the delightful gluten-free crust from my Pear, Pine Nut & Artichoke Pizza recipe, which offers a wonderful texture and flavor profile.

For the sauce, simplicity and flavor are key. You can effortlessly use any leftover jarred tomato-based pasta sauce you have on hand, or elevate your pizza with a rich homemade marinara sauce. The beauty of a good tomato sauce is how it serves as a robust base, allowing the other Mediterranean flavors to truly shine.

When it comes to cheese, I have a strong preference for Havarti on pizza. I find that it boasts a richer, more nuanced flavor than traditional mozzarella, adding a depth that truly enhances the overall experience. While Havarti might not achieve the same ultra-stretchy pull as mozzarella, its melting qualities are absolutely superb, creating a creamy, bubbling layer that coats every topping beautifully. However, if mozzarella is your go-to or you prefer another cheese, please feel free to use it! This recipe is adaptable to your personal preferences, so choose your favorite pizza cheese to crown this delicious creation.

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pizza Recipe

Yields: One large or two individual pizzas
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes (or olive oil)
• ½ lb (8oz/225gms) lean ground chicken
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more for extra spice!)
• 1 large pizza shell (12-13″/30-33cm) or 2 individual pizza shells (8-9″/20-23cm)
• ½ cup pizza sauce or tomato-based spaghetti sauce
• ½ cup marinated artichoke heart quarters, drained (about 8 quarters)
• ½ of a red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (240gms) shredded, lightly-packed Havarti cheese (or your favorite pizza cheese)
• Fresh oregano leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are using a pre-baked or partially baked pizza shell. If you are using an unbaked, fresh pizza crust, set the oven to the recommended temperature specified by your crust recipe.
2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Roughly chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes and finely mince the garlic clove. Add these to a medium skillet along with the ground chicken, the teaspoon of sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil), salt, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté over medium heat, using a spoon or spatula to break up the chicken into smaller, even chunks as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and is fully cooked through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Sauce the Crust: Place your pizza shell(s) on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the entire surface of the pizza shell(s) with the back of a spoon, extending it all the way to the edges of the dough. If using two individual shells, divide the sauce accordingly.
4. Add Chicken Topping: Spoon the cooked and spiced chicken mixture onto the sauced pizza, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
5. Layer Artichokes and Peppers: Take each marinated artichoke quarter and slice it in half lengthwise, creating two thinner wedges. Arrange these artichoke wedges thoughtfully over the tomato sauce and chicken mixture. Next, slice the red bell pepper half lengthwise again, then cut each section into thin crosswise slices. Scatter these vibrant pepper slices between the artichoke pieces.
6. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded Havarti cheese (or your chosen pizza cheese) over all the toppings, ensuring an even layer.
7. Bake Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
8. Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh torn oregano leaves for an extra aromatic touch. Cut the pizza into slices and serve immediately. For those who crave an extra kick, pass around a small dish of additional crushed red pepper flakes to sprinkle on top of their individual slices.

Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean masterpiece!

Guten Appetit!

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