Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world, with many different toppings and flavor combinations. Chicken is a versatile and popular meat that goes well with many different foods. Putting chicken on pizza creates an interesting flavor combination that many people enjoy. However, the taste of chicken on pizza is a subjective matter that comes down to personal preference. Looking at the pros and cons of chicken as a pizza topping can help determine if it results in a tasty pie or not.
The popularity of chicken as a pizza topping
Chicken is a common pizza topping found at many pizza restaurants and chains. Pizza places like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s all offer chicken as a topping option for their pizzas. Customers must enjoy chicken on pizza, or else it would not be so widely available.
There are a few reasons chicken may be a popular topping choice:
- Chicken provides a meaty, filling topping.
- The mild flavor of chicken complements other pizza toppings.
- Diced, grilled, or breaded chicken varieties add texture.
- Chicken is a lean, low-fat source of protein.
Most pizza places offer multiple chicken options as well, from grilled chicken to spicy buffalo chicken. The prevalence of chicken pizzas on menus shows that there is significant demand from customers for this type of pizza.
Potential benefits of chicken on pizza
There are a few key benefits that can come from putting chicken on pizza:
More protein
Chicken provides extra protein, which can help make the pizza more filling and substantial. A single serving of chicken can supply over 25g of protein. This makes chicken pizza a good option for a high-protein meal.
New flavors and textures
Chicken introduces new flavors and textures to pizza beyond just cheese and sauce. This can make each bite of the pizza more interesting and appealing. The crunch of breaded chicken or chew of grilled chicken contrasts nicely with the soft pizza crust and stretchy cheese.
Versatility in the types of chicken used
There are many different ways chicken can be incorporated as a pizza topping. Options like:
- Diced grilled chicken
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Buffalo chicken
- Barbecued pulled chicken
Allow for creativity and customization based on individual tastes and preferences. The chicken can be paired with complementary sauces and flavors.
Healthier than some other meats
Chicken provides a leaner protein source than higher-fat meats like sausage, pepperoni, or bacon. While the healthiness always depends on preparation methods, overall chicken can be a healthier meat choice.
Potential drawbacks of chicken on pizza
Using chicken as a pizza topping also comes with some potential drawbacks to consider:
Moisture from the chicken
Fresh, cooked chicken releases moisture as it bakes on the pizza. This can make the pizza crust soggy if the chicken is undercooked. To avoid this, the chicken needs to be fully cooked before being added as a topping.
Chicken cooks at different rate than pizza
Achieving the ideal doneness for both the chicken and the pizza can be tricky. The chicken may end up overcooked or undercooked if the cooking times aren’t coordinated well.
Lack of flavor compatibility
While chicken pairs well with many foods, some people may find chicken to be a boring or plain-tasting pizza topping. It may not be as exciting as bolder, more flavorful meats or vegetable toppings.
Texture differences
If the chicken is diced or shredded, it can create an inconsistent texture compared to traditional pizza toppings. Some people may not like the variation in textures.
How to make chicken pizza taste best
To maximize the deliciousness of chicken pizza, here are some useful tips:
Fully cook the chicken first
Bake, grill, or sauté chicken pieces until cooked through before topping pizza. This prevents moisture from leaking out and keeps the texture right.
Use flavorful chicken options
Seasoned grilled chicken, spicy buffalo chicken, or bold barbecued chicken have stronger flavor than plain chicken. They hold up better as pizza toppings.
Pair chicken with complementary flavors
Toppings like onions, bell peppers, bacon, pineapple, or barbecue sauce have tastes that meld nicely with chicken.
Use an even layer of chicken
Scatter diced or shredded chicken evenly over the pizza. This distributes the chicken in every bite rather than having chunks in some spots.
Add chicken later in bake time
Put chicken on pizza during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This prevents it from drying out or overcooking.
Brush crust with oil or sauce
Coating edges of the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy underneath chicken topping.
How to season chicken for pizza
Simple seasoning and preparation techniques can make chicken more flavorful as a pizza topping. Recommended approaches include:
Italian seasoning
A Italian spice blend adds classic pizza flavor. Mix diced or shredded chicken with 1 tsp Italian seasoning per pound of chicken.
Barbecue sauce or seasoning
For a barbecue chicken pizza, coat or marinade chicken in barbecue sauce. Can also use dry barbecue seasoning.
Buffalo wing sauce
Toss chicken pieces with buffalo sauce to make spicy and tangy buffalo chicken pizza.
Jerk seasoning
For a Caribbean twist, use jerk seasoning on the chicken before adding to pizza.
Cajun seasoning
Cajun spice mix adds robust flavor to chicken for pizza. Goes well with onions and peppers.
Teriyaki or soy sauce
Marinate chicken pieces in a teriyaki glaze or soy sauce mixture to infuse Asian flavors.
What toppings go well with chicken pizza
Certain toppings pair especially well with chicken as a featured pizza ingredient. Recommended toppings to consider include:
| Topping | Why it goes well with chicken |
|---|---|
| Onions | Sautéed onions add moisture and sweetness to balance chicken. |
| Bell peppers | Peppers add crunch and freshness to chicken pizza. |
| Mushrooms | Meaty texture of mushrooms complements chicken. |
| Barbecue sauce | Tangy, sweet barbecue flavor matches nicely with chicken. |
| Buffalo sauce | Spicy buffalo sauce gives a kick to chicken pizza. |
| Pineapple | Pineapple’s sweetness counters the chicken’s savory flavor. |
| Jalapeños | Spicy jalapeños add heat that works with chicken’s mildness. |
| Cilantro | Fresh cilantro’s herby flavor complements chicken. Pairs well with Mexican flavors. |
Popular chicken pizza recipes
There are endless options when it comes to recipes for chicken pizza. Some of the most popular and delicious chicken pizza recipes include:
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This pizza is topped with barbecue sauce, mozzarella, chicken, red onions, and cilantro. The barbecue chicken pizza combo is a crowd-pleaser.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
For spicy buffalo chicken pizza, shredded chicken is mixed with buffalo sauce and served over a ranch dressing sauce base. Often topped with a cheese blend.
Hawaiian Chicken Pizza
Chicken is combined with classic Hawaiian pizza toppings like pineapple, onions, bacon, and sometimes red peppers on an barbecue sauce base.
Mexican Chicken Pizza
Seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and cheddar or queso fresco create a Mexican-inspired chicken pizza.
Greek Chicken Pizza
Chicken paired with Mediterranean toppings like olives, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes makes a Greek-style chicken pizza.
Conclusion
Chicken can be a tasty and popular pizza topping, but preferences vary on how suitable it is for pizza. Cooking the chicken properly and pairing it with complementary flavors are key to making chicken pizza work. While some may find chicken boring or too plain for pizza, the right recipes and preparation can result in delicious chicken-topped pies. It provides an opportunity to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Chicken pizza will appeal most to those who enjoy both the flavors of chicken and pizza.