Southwestern Pizza
A flavorful Southwestern-style pizza featuring spicy chicken, salsa, and melted cheese on a tender biscuit crust, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F. Grease a cookie sheet or 12-inch pizza pan.
- Mix Bisquick baking mix and hot water; beat vigorously 20 strokes.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead about 60 times or until no longer sticky.
- Press the dough into a 13-inch circle on a sheet or press into the prepared pizza pan. Pinch the edge to form a rim.
- Mix cooked chicken with salsa or picante sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese over the crust.
- Top with chopped onion, the chicken mixture, and chopped bell pepper.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the toppings.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is brown and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. If you don't have Bisquick, a homemade pizza dough made from flour, baking powder, and salt can work as a substitute. Don't forget to preheat your oven well for a crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southwestern Pizza hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor. Pair it with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing Citrus Gazpacho Grilled Chicken for a complete meal. It also goes well with salsa or sour cream for dipping, enhancing the Tex-Mex theme.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southwestern Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Pizza contains roughly 1903 calories, with 130g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (261% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (137% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for this pizza?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for more flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, which can affect the texture of your pizza.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this pizza vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. You could also incorporate black beans for extra protein, keeping the dish hearty and satisfying without the meat.
How can I make the crust thinner or thicker?
To achieve a thinner crust, simply press the dough out to a larger diameter, being careful not to overwork it. For a thicker crust, leave the dough a bit thicker when pressing it into the pan. Adjusting the baking time may also be necessary, as a thicker crust may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).