This jerk chicken pizza with mango chipotle glaze brings Caribbean-inspired flavors to pizza night. Jerk chicken pairs with a mango chipotle glaze, BBQ sauce, and cheese for a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness. Great for weeknight dinners, game nights, or summer cookouts, and even better when made with my easy no-rise pizza dough and homemade jerk seasoning.
This jerk chicken pizza with mango chipotle glaze is a bold fusion of Caribbean-inspired flavors with a delicious twist. Spicy jerk chicken pairs with a sweet and smoky mango chipotle glaze for an unforgettable topping, while mozzarella and cheddar cheese, red onion, and bell peppers bring everything together. This pizza offers a balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, summer cookouts, or whenever you’re craving a unique homemade pizza, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick and easy crust, try my easy no-rise pizza dough. And if you want to make your own seasoning, my homemade jerk seasoning will take this to the next level and save you some money to boot!
Reasons to Love This Recipe
Ingredient Overview
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Jerk Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even at high heat. Their natural rich flavor pairs perfectly with jerk seasoning. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts but be careful not to overcook them.
- Jerk Seasoning. This spice blend is what gives the chicken its Caribbean-inspired flavor. It typically includes allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and spicy peppers. Store-bought versions work well, but for the best flavor, try my Homemade Jerk Seasoning. (Note: Some store-bought blends are saltier than others, so adjust as needed.)
- Olive Oil. A small amount of oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken while also preventing sticking during cooking. If you’re grilling, you can also lightly oil the grates for even better results.
Mango Chipotle Glaze (Optional)
- Fresh Mango (or Frozen, Thawed). Mango adds sweetness that balances the heat of the chipotle. Fresh mango is ideal, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw it first. A ripe mango should be slightly soft with a fragrant aroma.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce. This smoky, spicy pepper brings a spicy roasted flavor to the glaze. Use 1 or 2 peppers depending on your preference. If you want even more smokiness, add a small amount of adobo sauce from the can. (Tip: Leftover chipotle peppers freeze well for future use.)
- Honey. A touch of honey enhances the sweetness of the mango while helping to balance the spice and acidity. You can also use maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
- Lime Juice. Fresh lime juice adds flavor and acidity, preventing the glaze from being too sweet. It also enhances the tropical flavors of the mango. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Water (as needed for blending). A small amount of water helps adjust the consistency to make the glaze smooth and pourable. Add it gradually until it’s as thick as you would like it.
- Pinch of Salt. A little salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the mango and honey. Even just a small amount makes a big difference in bringing all the elements together.
Pizza
- Pizza Dough. A good crust is the foundation of any great pizza. You can use store-bought dough for convenience or try my easy no-rise pizza dough for a quick, homemade option. If using store-bought, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking.
- Barbecue Sauce. BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet base that pairs beautifully with the jerk chicken and mango glaze. Choose a sauce with a balance of sweetness and acidity, or experiment with different varieties like spicy or honey BBQ.
- Mozzarella Cheese. Mozzarella gives the pizza its stretchy texture. Pre-shredded mozzarella works, but freshly shredded melts better.
- Cheddar Cheese. Cheddar adds sharpness and depth of flavor that complements the smoky and sweet flavors. A mild or sharp cheddar works well. Choose based on your preference.
- Red Onion. Thinly sliced red onion brings a slight bite and natural sweetness that enhances the jerk seasoning and mango glaze.
- Red Bell Pepper. Red bell pepper adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that balances the spice. If you want more depth of flavor, you can lightly sauté or roast the pepper slices before adding them to the pizza.
- Lime Wedges (for Serving). A squeeze of fresh lime juice over each slice enhances the flavors. This step is optional but highly recommended for the perfect finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
This is a brief overview. Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Pizza
Step 1: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Preheat the oven to 475 F (245 C) with a pizza stone inside (if using). Transfer the pizza and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Mango Chipotle Glaze (Optional)
Tips for Success
- Let the Pizza Dough Rest. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. This prevents it from shrinking back and makes it easier to stretch. Lightly flour your surface so the dough doesn’t stick.
- Adjust the Spice Level. Jerk seasoning and chipotle peppers can bring a lot of heat. If you prefer your pizza to be less spicy, start with half a chipotle pepper and, then adjust to taste.
- 4. Use a Pizza Stone. For a crispy crust, preheat a while the oven is preheating.
- Prevent a Soggy Pizza. If using frozen mango, thaw and drain excess liquid before blending. Also, don’t overload the pizza with BBQ sauce. A thin layer is enough to add flavor without making the crust soggy.
- Transfer the Pizza Easily. Assemble the pizza on parchment paper on a pizza peel or your countertop. Then, slide it onto the hot stone or baking pan. After 2 minutes, carefully remove the parchment for an extra crispy bottom.
- Let the Pizza Rest Before Slicing. As tempting as it is to cut right in, let the pizza rest for 2-5 minutes or longer after baking. This helps the cheese and glaze set slightly so the toppings don’t slide off.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftover Pizza
- Refrigerate: Let the pizza cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Ways to Reheat Pizza
1. Skillet Method (Best for Crispiness)
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Place a slice in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
2. Oven Method (Great for Multiple Slices)
- Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Place pizza slices directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
3. Air Fryer Method (Quick & Easy)
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F (175 C).
- Place slices in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes, checking for doneness.
4. Avoid Microwaving (Unless in a Pinch)
While the microwave is the fastest method, it can make the crust soft and chewy rather than crispy. If using a microwave:
- Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat for 30-45 seconds, then finish in a skillet for a crispier crust.
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Delicious Pizza and Flatbread Ideas
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 2 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon jerk seasoning homemade version here (Note 1)
For the Mango Chipotle Glaze:
- 1 cup mango chunks fresh or frozen, thawed
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce use half for less heat (Note 2)
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce optional, for extra smokiness
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup water as needed for blending
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade easy no-rise dough (Note 3)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Prepare the Jerk Chicken
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Preheat a grill pan or stovetop skillet over medium heat.
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If needed, pound 2 chicken thighs slightly to an even thickness. (Note 1)
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Rub chicken thighs all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoon jerk seasoning.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). (Note 4)
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Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Make the Mango Chipotle Glaze
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In a blender, combine 1 cup mango chunks, 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a 1 pinch salt. Blend until smooth, adding ¼ cup water as needed.
Prepare the Pizza Dough
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If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. (Note 2)
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Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
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Roll out the 1 pre-made pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or pizza pan.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza
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Preheat your oven to 475 F (245 C) with the pizza stone inside (if using). (Note 3)
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Spread ½ cup barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
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Arrange the sliced jerk chicken, ½ red onion, and ½ red bell pepper on top.
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Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or place the pizza pan in the oven. (Note 4)
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. (Note 5)
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Drizzle mango chipotle glaze over the baked pizza.
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Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off. (Note 6)
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Serve with Lime wedges for squeezing over each slice. Enjoy!
- Pound chicken thighs slightly before seasoning to ensure even cooking and avoid dry spots.
- If using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. Lightly flour your surface.
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it while the oven is preheating.
- To transfer the pizza easily, assemble it on parchment paper on a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, then slide it onto the stone or pan.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly but the crust isn’t fully cooked, loosely tent the pizza with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a lid for the best or bake at 375 F (190 C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust chewy.
Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 1186mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1777IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 3mg
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 506kcal
