Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole

Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole is a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. This recipe combines the bold flavors of grilled chicken, pickled red onions, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole to create a unique and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The combination of spicy jalapeños, tangy lime juice, and creamy avocado reflects the region's rich cultural heritage and love for bold flavors.

Ingredients

2 unbaked pizza shells (9 inches)
Pickled red onion
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Grilled chicken
Fresh tomato salsa
Fresh guacamole
0.5 cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Pickled red onion

1.5 tbsp butter
1 small red onion, sliced 0.13 inch thick
0.25 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce

Grilled chicken

2 (5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1.5 tsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.5 tsp honey
pinch of cumin

Fresh tomato salsa

3 roma tomatoes, cut into 0.5 inch dice
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
0.5 tsp minced jalapeño pepper
salt

Fresh guacamole

1 x (8 oz) california avocado
1 tbsp chopped green onion
1 tsp fresh lime juice
0.5 tsp minced jalapeño pepper
salt to taste

How to prepare

Just before service

Scatter half of the onion mixture over each pizza shell; top each with 0.75 cup of cheese.
Layer each with half of the chicken and 0.25 cup of cheese.
Bake at 500°F (260°C) until the crust browns and the cheese at the center is bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Garnish each hot pizza with half of the salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro.

Pickled red onion

Melt butter over medium-high heat; add red onion slices, stirring, until it just begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
Add red wine vinegar; reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
Add soy sauce and cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes longer.

Grilled chicken

Combine olive oil, fresh cilantro, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and cumin.
Marinate chicken breast halves for 15 minutes.
Grill chicken, turning once, until browned and just firm to the touch, about 5 minutes per side.
Chill.
Cut into 0.5 inch cubes; reserve.

Fresh tomato salsa

Combine tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, minced jalapeño pepper, and salt.
Allow flavors to marry for 0.5 hour.
Strain to remove excess liquid; reserve.

Fresh guacamole

Roughly mash avocado.
Stir in green onion, lime juice, minced jalapeño pepper, and salt; reserve.

Variations

Add black beans or corn for an extra dose of fiber and protein.
Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust for a healthier option.
Top with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an added kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Strain the fresh tomato salsa to remove excess liquid and prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

- Be generous with the toppings to create a flavorful and visually appealing pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, while pickling the red onions adds a tangy and sweet element.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought salsa and guacamole if you're short on time.

- Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pickled red onions, grilled chicken, and fresh salsa ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Top the pizza with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a festive meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is rich in healthy fats from sources such as avocado, olive oil, and cheese. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

The grilled chicken in this recipe provides a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from ingredients such as tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and soy (soy sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines bold flavors and fresh ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a fun night with friends and family. Enjoy the flavors of Santa Fe in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Maria was an incredible cook and she always had the most delicious dishes to share with me.

That day, Maria invited me over for lunch and told me she was going to make a special pizza recipe that she had learned from a local chef. She called it Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole and I was intrigued. I had never heard of such a unique pizza before, but I knew it was going to be amazing.

As Maria started preparing the pizza, I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed the dough and topped it with a flavorful combination of ingredients. She explained that the key to this pizza was the fresh guacamole that would be spread on top after it came out of the oven.

While the pizza baked in the oven, Maria shared with me the story of how she came to learn this recipe. She explained that she had attended a cooking class in Santa Fe where the chef had taught her how to make this delicious pizza. Maria had put her own spin on the recipe, adding some of her own favorite ingredients to make it even more special.

Finally, the pizza was ready and Maria pulled it out of the oven, the aroma filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. She carefully spread the fresh guacamole on top, adding a final touch of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

As we sat down to enjoy the pizza, I took my first bite and was immediately blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tangy barbecue sauce paired perfectly with the tender chicken, sweet corn, and spicy jalapenos. And the fresh guacamole added a creamy and refreshing element that tied everything together.

I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole for myself. I asked Maria for the recipe and she gladly shared it with me, along with some tips and tricks she had picked up along the way.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to recreate the pizza in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and carefully followed Maria's instructions, taking my time to ensure that each component was just right.

After some trial and error, I finally perfected the recipe and was able to make a Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole that was just as delicious as the one Maria had made for me that day in Santa Fe.

I have since shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about how unique and flavorful it is. I love being able to pass on the story of how I learned to make this special pizza, and I always make sure to give credit to Maria and the chef who inspired it.

In the end, this Santa Fe Chicken Pizza with Fresh Guacamole has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I will continue to make for years to come. And every time I take a bite of that delicious pizza, I am transported back to that sunny day in Santa Fe, where I first learned the recipe that has brought so much joy to my kitchen.