Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features spicy jerk-seasoned chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, red onions, and a zesty mango chutney drizzle atop a golden, thin-crust pizza, delivering a vibrant blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Oven
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or ladle
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grill or grill pan (for jerk chicken)
- Tongs
- Pastry brush (for chutney drizzle)
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 prepared pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mango chutney
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
- All-purpose flour (for rolling dough)
Jamaican jerk seasoning is key for delivering the authentic spicy and smoky flavor to the chicken, so selecting a quality blend will enhance your pizza's taste. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures even cooking and a tender texture, while fresh red onions add a crisp bite that balances the heat. Mango chutney provides a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory mozzarella cheese and jerk spices perfectly. Make sure to use a thin-crust dough to achieve the ideal crispy base characteristic of this pizza style. Your homemade Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu will bring a vibrant fusion of bold flavors right to your table.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and jerk seasoning in a mixing bowl.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill jerk-seasoned chicken until cooked through; let rest, then slice thinly.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or floured baking sheet.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Arrange sliced jerk chicken and thinly sliced red onions on top of cheese.
- Slide pizza onto preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Warm mango chutney slightly and thin with a little water if needed.
- Drizzle mango chutney over hot pizza using a spoon or pastry brush.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over pizza.
- Slice with pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu highlights a thin-crust pizza topped with spicy jerk-seasoned chicken, melted mozzarella, red onions, and a zesty mango chutney drizzle that combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. If you lack fresh mango chutney, try substituting with apricot jam mixed with a dash of lime juice and chili flakes to maintain a similar sweet-spicy profile. When grilling the chicken, use a grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable, ensuring even cooking and that signature smoky char. To prevent the pizza dough from sticking when rolling out, sprinkle your workspace lightly with flour and use a rolling pin to achieve your desired thickness. Your choice of jerk seasoning can be adjusted based on heat preference, so feel free to use mild or hot blends to tailor the spice level to your taste.
Tips
Make sure your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are fully preheated to 475degF before baking; this ensures a crisp, golden crust. Use all-purpose flour sparingly when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking without drying it out. Grill the jerk-seasoned chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption, and allow it to rest so juices redistribute for moist slices. When drizzling mango chutney, warm it slightly and thin with water to create a smooth glaze that spreads evenly without overpowering Your pizza's balance of smoky and sweet flavors.
Nutritions
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza provides a balanced mix of macronutrients with lean protein from the chicken breast and healthy fats from olive oil. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium and additional protein, while red onions contribute antioxidants and fiber. Mango chutney brings a natural sweetness and vitamins such as vitamin C, enhancing the pizza's nutritional profile. When you enjoy this dish, you get a flavorful meal that combines spicy, sweet, and savory elements alongside essential nutrients.
Storage
Store your Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid soggy toppings by placing the pizza on a baking stone or wire rack during reheating to allow air circulation.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs for breast meat to add extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Instead of grilling, marinate the chicken overnight and pan-sear it for a caramelized crust. Swap mozzarella with smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese to enhance the smoky and spicy notes. For a crispier crust, par-bake the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Allergies
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella cheese and gluten from the pizza dough made with all-purpose flour. The chicken and jerk seasoning can cause reactions in individuals sensitive to spices or specific herbs found in the blend. If you have known food allergies, it's important to check each ingredient carefully to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
California Pizza Kitchen's Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza stands out with its bold blend of spicy jerk seasoning, tender grilled chicken, and a perfectly balanced combination of tangy pineapple and melted cheese. The unique fusion of Caribbean flavors with classic pizza crust appeals to adventurous food lovers seeking a taste of island-inspired cuisine. You'll find this pizza offers a harmonious mix of heat, sweetness, and savory elements that create an unforgettable dining experience. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to customize spice levels and savor authentic flavors at home.