Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress features tender grilled chicken, smoky chorizo, and vibrant roasted red peppers atop a thin, crispy pizza crust, garnished with fresh herbs for a bold and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired taste.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Grater (if using fresh cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (optional, for oil)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz (170g) cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 2 oz (55g) chorizo, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (for garnish)
Make sure to use high-quality cooked chicken breast and authentic Spanish chorizo to capture the smoky richness essential to Pollo ad Astra's flavor profile. Fresh roasted red peppers add vibrant sweetness and a soft texture, balancing the savory meats. Opt for a thin and crispy pizza dough to achieve the characteristic Mediterranean-inspired base. Using fresh herbs like basil and flat-leaf parsley as a garnish enhances the dish with bright, herbaceous notes. You can recreate this signature Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress at home by carefully sourcing these key ingredients for an authentic copycat experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven with pizza stone or baking tray inside to maximum temperature (450–500°F / 230–260°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss sliced cooked chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
- Spread tomato pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a border for crust.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Evenly distribute the marinated chicken slices on top of cheese.
- Add chorizo slices, roasted red peppers, and red onion over pizza.
- Carefully slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking tray.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until crust is crisp and cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove pizza from oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and flat-leaf parsley.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress copycat recipe combines grilled chicken, smoky chorizo, and roasted red peppers on a crispy thin crust, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. When preparing your version, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a creamier texture. If chorizo is unavailable, spicy Italian sausage or smoked paprika-seasoned salami provide a similar smoky, robust taste. In absence of roasted red peppers, jarred roasted bell peppers or sauteed fresh peppers work well as alternatives. Use a pizza stone when possible to achieve a crispy base, but a baking tray can also suffice in a home oven.
Tips
Make sure your oven and pizza stone or baking tray are fully preheated to 450-500degF (230-260degC) before baking to achieve a crisp crust and evenly melted cheese. Use a floured surface and parchment paper or a dusted pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking when transferring it to the oven. Tossing your cooked chicken breast with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances flavor and keeps the meat juicy during baking. When slicing your finished Pollo ad Astra pizza, allow it to cool slightly to avoid the cheese and toppings sliding off, ensuring your meal stays intact and enjoyable.
Nutritions
Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress combines lean grilled chicken breast with spicy chorizo, providing a balanced mix of high-quality protein and flavorful fats. Roasted red peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants, while a thin pizza crust offers carbohydrates for energy without excessive calories. Mozzarella cheese contributes calcium and fat content, which enhances satiety and taste. Your meal includes fresh herbs like basil and parsley, delivering micronutrients and supporting overall nutritional value.
Storage
Store leftover Pollo ad Astra pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2-3 days to ensure food safety. To reheat, use a conventional oven or a skillet to preserve the crispy crust and vibrant flavors, avoiding microwave reheating which may cause sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap grilled chicken breast for charred chicken thighs to add more juiciness and flavor to your Pollo ad Astra. Instead of chorizo, try spicy Italian sausage or vegan sausage for a different protein twist. Roasted red peppers can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized red onions to vary the sweetness and texture. Brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before baking will deepen the aroma and enhance the overall taste.
Allergies
Pollo ad Astra contains common allergens like wheat found in the pizza dough and dairy present in the mozzarella cheese, which could affect those with gluten or lactose intolerance. The chorizo may contain preservatives or spices that trigger sensitivities in some individuals. You should always check ingredient details carefully if you have food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Pollo ad Astra from PizzaExpress is cherished for its succulent grilled chicken paired with a flavorful blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, creating a perfect balance of zest and aroma. The dish's combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant seasoning delivers a taste experience that stands out among other menu options. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy an authentic, restaurant-quality meal tailored to your preferences. Making the copycat version is worth the effort for those seeking a satisfying, healthy entree with bold, distinctive flavors.