Hot Honey Chicken Pizza Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Cheesy
The first time I made hot honey chicken pizza, I knew it would become a family favorite. The sweet heat of the hot honey paired with perfectly cooked chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a crispy golden crust makes this a show-stopping dish for any pizza night.
I love how simple ingredients come to life with such vibrant flavor combinations. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving this irresistible twist on classic pizza all the time. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make room for a new favorite on your weekly menu!
Make dinner exciting with the sweet and spicy kick of this Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs Recipe.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Pizza Recipe
- 1–2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 pizza crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons hot honey for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: This recipe makes two 10–12 inch pizzas, serving 2–4 people.
Variations to Try
Hot honey chicken pizza is versatile, so you can tweak it to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spicier version: Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Cheese variety: Swap mozzarella for smoked gouda, cheddar, or provolone for an elevated flavor.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based option.
For more comforting meals, browse our collection of Dinner Recipes today.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet or pizza stone: For baking the pizza.
- Skillet: To cook the chicken evenly.
- Mixing bowls: For seasoning and preparing the chicken.
- Tongs: To flip chicken while cooking.
- Brush or spoon: To spread sauce and evenly drizzle hot honey.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Pizza?
This recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Each moment of preparation builds layers of flavor that deliver a delightful pizza experience.
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Base
Preheat your oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lay out your pizza crust (homemade or store-bought) on a lightly floured surface or directly on a baking sheet. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the crust using a spoon.
Step 3: Assemble the Toppings
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, ensuring the cheese covers most of the surface. Spread the cooked chicken cubes evenly across the pizza.
For an added touch, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top to enhance the aroma. If you like experimenting, add more toppings like sliced onions, jalapeños, or fresh basil at this stage.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden, and the crust feels crispy to the touch.
Step 5: Add the Hot Honey
Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle your hot honey across the surface. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors balances beautifully with the crispy crust and cheesy toppings. Slice the pizza into pieces, garnish with fresh herbs if you’d like, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Hot honey chicken pizza is a real treat for pizza lovers, and here’s why it stands out.
- The perfect mix of sweet, spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors.
- Quick and easy to prepare for a fuss-free pizza night.
- Versatile enough to customize for every preference.
- A unique option that feels gourmet yet approachable.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Pizza?
Presentation matters when serving this delicious pizza. Start by slicing it into clean, even pieces with a pizza cutter. Arrange the slices on a wooden board or serving platter to keep it casual yet trendy.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a side salad or garlic knots for a complete meal. To keep the balance of flavors intact, serve extra hot honey on the side for those who want more sweetness or spice.
If you love bold flavors, don’t miss our Hot Honey Ground Chicken Recipe.
Nutritional Information
This irresistible pizza is deliciously satisfying. Here’s a breakdown for approximate servings (per slice):
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 13g
Make Ahead and Storage
Hot honey chicken pizza is not just easy to make but also convenient to store for later.
Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to preserve the crispness of the crust and gooey cheese.
Freezing: You can also freeze prepared pizza. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for the best texture.
If making pizza ahead, pre-cook the chicken and assemble the toppings but bake the pizza fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After experimenting with this recipe, I’ve discovered a few tricks to make the perfect hot honey chicken pizza.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle cornmeal on your pizza pan before baking.
- If you love bold flavors, try marinating the chicken in garlic and paprika before cooking.
- Use fresh pizza dough for a fluffy, airy crust.
- Don’t skimp on the hot honey drizzle; it’s the highlight of the dish!
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature for a crispy crust.
Hot honey chicken pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed adventure. From its fiery kick to its crave-worthy sweetness, this pizza is destined to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Give it a try and share it with family and friends. It’s too good to resist!
Who Started Hot Honey Pizza?
Hot honey pizza originated from a genius idea by Mike Kurtz, the founder of the popular hot honey brand Mike’s Hot Honey. He first introduced the concept while working at a Brooklyn pizzeria, adding hot honey as a topping for a spicy-sweet pop of flavor. The idea took off, and foodies everywhere adopted this unique twist.
Why Do People Put Hot Honey on Pizza?
Hot honey brings the perfect mix of heat and sweetness, which complements savory pizza toppings like cheese and chicken. The drizzle not only enhances flavor but also adds a gourmet touch to homemade pizzas. It’s a simple yet brilliant way to elevate a classic comfort food.
Hot Honey Chicken Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lay out your pizza crust (homemade or store-bought) on a lightly floured surface or directly on a baking sheet. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the crust using a spoon.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, ensuring the cheese covers most of the surface. Spread the cooked chicken cubes evenly across the pizza. For an added touch, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top to enhance the aroma. If you like experimenting, add more toppings like sliced onions, jalapeños, or fresh basil at this stage.
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden, and the crust feels crispy to the touch.
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle your hot honey across the surface. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors balances beautifully with the crispy crust and cheesy toppings. Slice the pizza into pieces, garnish with fresh herbs if you’d like, and serve warm.