Pollo Forza from PizzaExpress features tender grilled chicken, smoky chorizo, and tangy red peppers atop a golden, thin-crust pizza, delivering a bold and savory flavor with a satisfying crispy texture.
Equipments
- Oven (preferably pizza oven)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or ladle (for spreading sauce)
- Grater (for cheese)
- Tongs (for handling grilled chicken and chorizo)
- Wire rack (optional, for cooling)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 oz (60g) Spanish chorizo sausage
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 small red chili (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures tender, lean meat that grills evenly, while tossing it in olive oil and smoked paprika enhances its smoky flavor. Spanish chorizo adds a rich, spicy depth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and sharpness of red onion. You can substitute tomato passata with your preferred pizza sauce if unavailable, but aim for a smooth consistency to spread easily over the dough. Fresh basil leaves and a small red chili are optional but recommended to brighten the overall taste and add subtle heat. This copycat recipe for Pollo Forza from PizzaExpress captures the bold, savory flavors and satisfying crispy texture of the original, making it ideal for your homemade pizza night.
Instructions
- Preheat oven (with pizza stone if using) to 475°F (245°C) at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Slice chorizo, red onion, roasted red peppers, and red chili (if using).
- Slice chicken breast into strips.
- Toss chicken strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill or pan-cook chicken until just cooked through; set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to desired thinness.
- Transfer dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread tomato passata or pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Arrange cooked chicken, chorizo slices, red onion, roasted red peppers, and red chili (if using) evenly over pizza.
- Slide pizza onto preheated pizza stone or bake on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 10-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack (optional).
- Top with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
The Pollo Forza from PizzaExpress copycat menu combines tender grilled chicken, smoky chorizo, and tangy roasted red peppers on a crispy thin-crust pizza, replicating the bold and savory taste of the original. If you can't find Spanish chorizo, try using smoked sausage or a spicy pepperoni for a similar smoky flavor. When grilling chicken, use tongs to handle it safely and brush with olive oil and smoked paprika to enhance the taste and juiciness. Your oven should be preheated thoroughly, and using a pizza stone or baking sheet ensures an evenly crisp crust. Fresh basil leaves can be added after baking to provide a fragrant, fresh contrast to the rich toppings.
Tips
Ensure your oven and pizza stone are fully preheated for at least 30 minutes at 475degF (245degC) to achieve a crispy crust. Toss chicken strips evenly in olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor before grilling; avoid overcooking to keep meat tender. When rolling out your 1 lb (450g) pizza dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking without drying the dough. Spread tomato passata uniformly, leaving a 1-inch border to allow the crust to rise properly during baking.
Nutritions
Pollo Forza from PizzaExpress combines lean protein from grilled chicken breast with flavorful Spanish chorizo, providing a good balance of amino acids and healthy fats. The roasted red peppers and red onion add vitamins A and C, along with fiber, enhancing your pizza's nutritional profile. Mozzarella cheese delivers calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function. Olive oil and smoked paprika contribute antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and promote heart health in your meal.
Storage
Store leftover Pollo Forza pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out. Refrigerate within two hours of baking and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and safety. To reheat, place the pizza on a preheated oven or pizza stone at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes, preserving its crispy crust and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with spicy Italian sausage or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to create a vegetarian-friendly version with a similar smoky depth. For a richer flavor profile, try adding smoked gouda or provolone cheese alongside mozzarella. Using fire-roasted red peppers instead of plain roasted red peppers enhances the smoky notes. Experiment with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil just before serving for an extra layer of aroma and taste.
Allergies
Pollo Forza from PizzaExpress contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded mozzarella cheese and may trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to nightshades, given the inclusion of tomato passata, red peppers, and chili. The pizza also contains poultry and pork in the form of grilled chicken and chorizo sausage, which can cause allergies in some people. Your risk of allergic reaction increases if you have sensitivities to smoked paprika or other spices used in the recipe.
Why this recipe?
The Pollo Forza menu from PizzaExpress stands out for its perfectly grilled chicken, rich blend of Italian herbs, and smoky char that creates a robust, savory flavor. You will appreciate its balanced combination of tender meat and zesty spices, which makes it a favorite among those seeking authentic Mediterranean tastes. Recreating this dish at home lets you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and personalized seasoning while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal. Trying a copycat recipe brings the excitement of mastering a popular PizzaExpress specialty and elevates your culinary skills.