Calexico from Mod Pizza features spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and fresh jalapenos atop a hand-tossed crust, delivering a bold, tangy flavor with a satisfying crispy finish.
Equipments
- Oven (pizza oven or conventional oven)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Rolling pin or dough stretcher
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce spreading)
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12-14 oz)
- 1/2 cup spicy buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 fresh jalapeno, sliced
- Flour (for dusting)
Ensure your grilled chicken is well-cooked and tender to complement the spicy buffalo sauce for an authentic Calexico flavor. Fresh jalapenos add a crucial heat level, so adjust the quantity based on your preferred spice tolerance. Using a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a rich, melty texture that balances the tangy buffalo sauce. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out. Your homemade Calexico from Mod Pizza copycat will capture the signature bold and crispy experience of the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a floured pizza peel or parchment paper if not using a peel.
- Spoon and spread the spicy buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the sauce.
- Distribute the grilled chicken pieces across the pizza.
- Scatter sliced fresh jalapenos evenly on top.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove pizza, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve.
Substitution
The Calexico from Mod Pizza copycat menu features a bold combination of spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and fresh jalapenos on a hand-tossed crust. If you don't have spicy buffalo sauce, you can substitute with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter to achieve a similar tangy heat. When slicing jalapenos, remove seeds for less heat or substitute with pickled jalapenos for added tang. Use a pizza stone for a crisper crust, but a baking sheet will work if a stone is unavailable. Be sure to lightly flour your work surface and dough to prevent sticking while rolling or stretching your pizza.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your oven fully to 500degF (260degC) along with the pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure a crispy crust for your Calexico pizza. When rolling out your dough, lightly flour the surface and your hands to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour as it can toughen the crust. Spread the spicy buffalo sauce evenly, leaving a small border to allow the crust to brown properly during baking. After baking, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to help the cheese set and avoid the toppings sliding off when you serve your creation.
Nutritions
The Calexico pizza from Mod Pizza offers a rich source of protein primarily from grilled chicken breast, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health. Spicy buffalo sauce and fresh jalapenos provide capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. When enjoying your Calexico, keep portion size in mind to balance calorie intake with your overall dietary goals.
Storage
Store leftover Calexico pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth and keep the spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, and fresh jalapenos from spoiling. Reheat slices in a conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes on a pizza stone or baking sheet to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try swapping spicy buffalo sauce with a smoky barbecue sauce for a different tangy profile that complements grilled chicken well. For a creamier texture, consider adding a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking. Instead of fresh jalapenos, pickled jalapenos bring a zesty bite and extra crunch. Using a combination of fontina and mozzarella cheeses can enhance meltiness while maintaining the rich cheesy flavor.
Allergies
Your Calexico pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella and cheddar cheese and potential gluten from the hand-tossed pizza dough. Individuals with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance should take caution due to the cheese content, and those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should avoid the flour-based crust. The spicy buffalo sauce and jalapenos may also trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions in some people sensitive to spicy foods or nightshade vegetables.
Why this recipe?
The Calexico menu from Mod Pizza is popular for its irresistible blend of spicy buffalo sauce, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly balanced toppings like chicken and mozzarella, creating a bold and flavorful experience. Your taste buds will appreciate the combination of heat and creaminess that distinguishes this pizza from standard options, making it a favorite among spice lovers. Replicating the Calexico at home offers the chance to customize the heat level and savor fresh ingredients while enjoying a cost-effective alternative. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this signature flavor anytime, ensuring a satisfying and personalized meal experience.