Sourdough Chicken Pizza with Bell Pepper and Pineapple
Homemade pizza reaches a whole new level when you use a naturally fermented sourdough crust. This Sourdough Chicken Pizza with Bell Pepper and Pineapple combines a crispy, chewy artisan crust with juicy seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, rich pizza sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Every bite offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Unlike traditional pizza dough made with commercial yeast, sourdough develops a deeper flavor through slow fermentation. The crust bakes into a beautifully golden exterior with a soft, airy interior that perfectly complements the fresh toppings.
Whether you’re hosting a family pizza night, entertaining friends, or simply craving a homemade pizza that’s better than takeout, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Fermentation Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
Yield: 2 medium pizzas or 1 large pizza
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 325g warm water
- 10g sea salt
- 15g olive oil
Chicken Topping
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pizza Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, well drained
- ¼ cup sliced red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh oregano
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir until dissolved.
Add the bread flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Add the salt and olive oil, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Cover and allow the dough to ferment for 4–6 hours, performing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during the first two hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
Slice the bell peppers into thin strips.
Drain and pat dry the pineapple chunks to remove excess moisture.
Grate the mozzarella if using a block of cheese for the best melt.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside, if available.
Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Stretch each portion into a 12-inch round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Top with the seasoned chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, and optional red onion.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven.
Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing.
Top with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Use an active, bubbly sourdough starter for the best rise.
- Drain the pineapple well to prevent a soggy crust.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings.
- Preheat your pizza stone for a crispier crust.
- Freshly grated mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
Delicious Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms or black olives.
- Swap chicken for grilled turkey or cooked bacon.
- Use smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle with barbecue sauce after baking for a BBQ chicken pizza twist.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or in a hot oven until the crust is crisp.
Freezing
Freeze baked slices individually for up to 2 months.
Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven until heated through.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Chicken Pizza with Bell Pepper and Pineapple combines the rustic charm of artisan sourdough with colorful, flavorful toppings to create a pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. The naturally fermented crust provides outstanding texture and depth of flavor, while the juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp bell peppers make every bite memorable.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner, a special gathering, or your weekly pizza night, this homemade sourdough pizza is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Once you try it, you’ll discover just how delicious homemade sourdough pizza can be.
