Santa Fe Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, roasted corn, fresh cilantro, and melted mozzarella, all layered on a crispy, thin crust for a bold and flavorful dining experience.
Equipments
- Oven
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or ladle
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup chipotle sauce
- 1 prepared pizza dough (thin crust)
- 1 cup roasted corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures even cooking and tender meat for your Santa Fe Chicken Pizza. Opt for smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder to create an authentic smoky and slightly spicy flavor similar to the original dish. Roasted corn kernels add a natural sweetness and texture contrast that pairs perfectly with the smoky chipotle sauce. Fresh cilantro must be added after baking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color in the final pizza. Your Santa Fe Chicken Pizza copycat from California Pizza Kitchen will capture the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy profile that makes this dish a favorite.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through; let rest, then slice thinly.
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to desired thinness.
- Spread chipotle sauce evenly over dough using spoon or ladle.
- Scatter roasted corn kernels over sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange sliced grilled chicken, red onions, and jalapeño (if using) over cheese.
- Transfer pizza to preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven; top with chopped cilantro.
- Slice and serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Substitution
Santa Fe Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat recipes allow you to recreate the iconic smoky and spicy flavors at home using accessible ingredients. If boneless, skinless chicken breast is unavailable, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture. When chipotle sauce is hard to find, mix adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers with mayonnaise or tomato sauce to approximate the flavor. For the thin crust, store-bought pizza dough works well, but you can also try a pre-baked flatbread for a quicker option. Remember to adjust spice levels by omitting jalapeno slices if you prefer a milder taste in your pizza.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated before cooking the chicken to achieve a nice sear and lock in juices. Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to promote an evenly crispy crust and prevent sogginess. When rolling out your pizza dough, dust the surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking but be careful not to over-flour, which can dry out the dough. Remember to let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to maintain its tenderness and flavor for your Santa Fe Chicken Pizza.
Nutritions
Santa Fe Chicken Pizza offers a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from roasted corn and vegetables like red onions and jalapenos. The chipotle sauce adds a smoky flavor along with antioxidants from chili peppers, while fresh cilantro contributes vitamins A and K. Mozzarella cheese provides calcium and protein, but also increases the calorie and fat content, so portion control is important. You can enjoy this pizza as a flavorful meal that combines essential nutrients with bold spices to support a satisfying, nutrient-rich diet.
Storage
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use an oven or pizza stone to restore the crispy crust and evenly melt the cheese, avoiding sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a smokier, spicier flavor profile. You can swap roasted corn for sauteed bell peppers or caramelized onions to introduce a sweeter or earthier note. For a lighter pizza, replace mozzarella with part-skim mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack. To speed up chicken cooking, poach the chicken breast before slicing instead of grilling, preserving moisture and tenderness for your Santa Fe Chicken Pizza.
Allergies
Santa Fe Chicken Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded mozzarella cheese and potential gluten from the prepared pizza dough. The spicy chipotle sauce and seasoning blend may also trigger sensitivities in individuals allergic to chili powders or peppers. You should carefully review each ingredient if you have food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience.
Why this recipe?
The Santa Fe Chicken Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features a bold combination of grilled chicken, smoked Gouda, caramelized onions, and a smoky chipotle sauce that delivers a unique and flavorful experience. Its perfect balance of spicy and savory elements appeals to those craving a zesty twist on classic pizza flavors. You'll appreciate how this menu item stands out with its distinctive taste profile and quality ingredients, making it a rewarding challenge to recreate at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved dish while customizing spice levels and toppings to your preference.