Hatch Green Chile Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons flour

5-6 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup white wine

3/4 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 cups Hatch green chiles (canned green chiles also work), seeded and diced

1 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon cumin

pizza dough

3/4 cup roasted chicken, shredded

juice of 1 lime

shredded mozzarella

chopped fresh cilantro, optional topping

Instructions

In a sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the jalapenos and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.

Add the flour and incorporate with a whisk. Continue to whisk until the roux (the butter and flour mixture) becomes golden brown.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Whisk in the white wine and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cumin, cream and 1 cup of Hatch green chiles. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced. Turn off the heat and add the juice of 1/2 a lime. Stir to combine.

While the sauce is simmering, place the chicken into a bowl and top with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and juice of half a lime. Set aside.

Turn the oven to 500 degrees.

Roll out the pizza dough onto a floured surface. Add a few spoonfuls of hatch chile sauce to the top of the dough. Be sure to evenly spread out the sauce. Keep in mind that too much sauce will make for soggy pizza.

Evenly distribute the chicken on top of the pizza.

Top with 1/2 cup (or more) chopped green chiles and shredded mozzarella.

Bake in the oven for 10-14 minutes or until the pizza is golden and the cheese melted.

Top with optional cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 slices | SERVING SIZE: 1 slice

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough can be used as a convenient alternative to homemade dough.

Just make sure to follow the package instructions for any required preparation steps, such as thawing or proofing.

How spicy is this pizza with the addition of jalapenos and Hatch green chiles?

The spiciness level can vary depending on personal taste preferences and the specific jalapenos and Hatch green chiles used.

Generally, the jalapenos and green chiles provide a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to control the spice level.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative to reduce the calorie content?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with lighter alternatives such as half-and-half or milk to reduce the calorie content.

Keep in mind that this substitution may affect the richness and creaminess of the sauce, so adjust according to your preference.

Is there a vegetarian option for this pizza?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this pizza by omitting the roasted chicken.

You can also add other vegetarian toppings such as sautéed vegetables or additional varieties of cheese to customize it to your liking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later use?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days.

When ready to use, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop until warmed through before spreading it on the pizza dough.

Can I use pre-made pizza crust instead of making my own dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made pizza crust for convenience.

Just follow the instructions on the packaging for baking or preparation.

What can I use as a substitute for white wine in the sauce?

You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the white wine if you prefer.

It will alter the flavor slightly, but still contribute to the overall richness of the sauce.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the pizza to suit different preferences?

To adjust the spiciness, you can vary the amount of jalapeno and Hatch green chiles used.

Additionally, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno for a milder flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days.

Just reheat it before using it on the pizza.

Do I need to cook the chicken before putting it on the pizza?

The roasted chicken should be cooked before placing it on the pizza.

Shred the cooked chicken and season it as directed in the recipe before topping the pizza.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh cilantro as a topping?

Yes, you can use dried cilantro as a substitute for fresh cilantro.

However, dried cilantro has a more concentrated flavor, so you may want to use it sparingly.

How can I prevent the pizza from becoming soggy with too much sauce?

To prevent the pizza from becoming soggy, ensure that you spread the sauce evenly and thinly over the pizza dough.

Avoid adding too much sauce, as it can make the crust soggy.

Can I use frozen green chiles instead of canned ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green chiles instead of canned ones.

Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe.

Is there a way to make the pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough or make your own gluten-free pizza crust using alternative flours such as almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

What other toppings could I add to enhance the flavor of the pizza?

You can add toppings such as sliced onions, bell peppers, black olives, or cooked bacon to enhance the flavor of the pizza and customize it to your liking.