Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza Recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People?

If you’re looking for a taste of some Tennessee heat, you’ve found it in this Nashville hot sauce chicken and pizza mash-up. That’s right, y’all. It’s NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN PIZZA. Topped off with a drizzle of sweet, sweet honey, this pizza has a blazing hot sauce topped with fried chicken, chilled pickles, and onions. Tell me a better combo. I’ll wait.

It’s All About That ‘Za

There are a few ways you can go about making this pizza. The recipe below will walk you through the easiest version possible, with ingredients that are accessible for anyone to use! I wouldn’t recommend using just any pizza dough, though, especially the canned varieties or precooked crusts you can usually spot near the pizza sauce section at the grocery store. Recently, I’ve seen many of my local grocery stores selling bagged, premade pizza dough for you to take home and make your own pizza! Which is great since most people don’t have all day to make their own crust, considering all that rise time. If you don’t see any in your chilled deli area, you might also have some luck finding pizza dough in the freezer section. I’ve found frozen pizza dough myself, but be warned that the thaw time is nearly as long as a rise time.

But if you really want a gourmet pizza, feel free to make the dough from scratch. Or make your own chicken wings, dredged by hand. Heck, you can even make the mozzarella at home if you’re so inclined. Regardless of how you acquire your dough, the most important factor is letting the dough reach room temperature (or even a touch warmer) to get a bubbly rise in the crust.

What’s in Nashville Hot Sauce?

If you are craving the authentic flavor of a Nashville hot sauce with some actual heat, look no further. While this sauce makes the base of the pizza in this recipe, there is plenty left over to use on traditional wings, pork chops, and more!

Here’s What You Need:

• Chili powder – Adds a deeper layer of heat.
• Butter – Skip the oil; the real key to getting a thick sauce is to use lots of butter.
• Honey – This sweetness tricks your taste buds into craving more heat.
• Brown sugar – Adds notes of caramel under the heat.
• Apple cider vinegar – Provides a tangy kick to the sauce.
• Cayenne – We’re using a lot of cayenne pepper in this recipe, but feel free to adjust the amount to fit your taste (though authentic Nashville hot sauce should make you sweat!).
• Smoked paprika – Make sure it’s smoked for more in-depth flavor.
• Black garlic – You can substitute regular garlic, but black garlic adds sweet and earthy notes to the sauce.

Mix ‘n’ Mash Hot & Cold Toppings

During the initial baking of the pizza, we’re only going to top it with mozzarella and our chopped Nashville hot chicken. This ensures the sauce is baked into the crust, and the cheese holds it all together. But to really give your tastebuds a one-two punch, we’re going to leave our onions and sweet pickle slices chilled and wait to toss those on at the very end.

Your mind will be blown not only by the sweet-meets-heat Nashville Hot flavors, but the mishmash of the hot pizza combined with the chilled pickles and onions will leave you craving this pizza long after you’ve eaten it. Good thing you can make it whenever you want!

Let’s Cook

First things first, if you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to preheat it to 425°F for at least an hour while you’re getting everything else ready. This will ensure your pizza cooks evenly and has a nice, crispy crust.

Next, let’s talk chicken. Cook your popcorn chicken tenders according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, set them aside to cool while you whip up that delicious Nashville hot sauce.

Melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat until it’s frothy and starting to brown. This gives the sauce a nutty depth that’s just perfect. Whisk in honey, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until everything is combined and lovely. Then toss in the cayenne, smoked paprika, black garlic, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy!

Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. After that, turn the heat down to low and let it cook for another 15–20 minutes until it’s nice and thick. Once it’s reached the perfect consistency, stir in the remaining butter and remove it from the heat. Keep it warm for the pizza.

Assembling the Pizza

Dust your work surface with a bit of flour and roll out your pizza dough to about a quarter inch thick and 12-14 inches round. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.

Brush on about a quarter cup of that spicy Nashville hot sauce, leaving a crust around the edges. Top it with the chopped chicken and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Slide the pizza onto the stone and let it bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Finishing Touches

Here’s where things get fun. Once your pizza is out of the oven, top it with chilled pickle slices and sweet onion. Drizzle a bit of honey over the top if you like.

Tips for the Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza

• Getting the Dough Right: Let your pizza dough come to room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to roll out and help it rise better during baking. If the dough is too cold, it will be tough and may not rise as well in the oven.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Be patient with your sauce. Simmering it for the right amount of time is key to achieving the perfect thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
• Spice Level Control: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Taste the sauce as you go to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
• Balancing Heat and Sweet: The honey drizzle at the end is not just for show. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spicy heat of the sauce.
• Chilling the Toppings: Make sure your pickles and onions are well-chilled before topping the pizza. The contrast of hot and cold really elevates the whole experience.

Common Questions About Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza

• What type of chicken should I use?
  • You can use any type of fried chicken, but popcorn chicken tenders are convenient and bite-sized. Make sure they’re cooked and cooled before adding them to the pizza.
• Can I make the sauce in advance?
  • Absolutely! You can make the Nashville hot sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove before using.
• What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
  • No worries! You can use a regular baking sheet. Just make sure to preheat it in the oven to help achieve a crispy crust.
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for 2–3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
• Can I use other toppings?
  • Of course! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add extra flair.

Now that you’re armed with everything you need to make Nashville hot chicken pizza, it’s time to bring the heat! The blend of spicy chicken, tangy pickles, and sweet honey on a perfectly cooked crust makes for a meal that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this pizza is a guaranteed hit. Remember, the key is to balance those hot and cold toppings for that extra wow factor. Plus, with leftover Nashville hot sauce, you can spice up all kinds of dishes.

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