Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken & Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe
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Perfect balance of sweet and savory with caramelized onions and pineapple.
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Uses simple ingredients and easy steps for home cooks.
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Makes two large pizzas — great for sharing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
CHICKEN
3 to 4 (1 pound) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2‑inch pieces
1 cup tropical or Hawaiian‑flavored bottled marinade
ONIONS
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 sweet onions, cut into 1/4‑inch slices
3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
PIZZA
2 pre‑baked pizza crusts (about 14 ounces or 12‑inch each)
2 cups pizza sauce
2 cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed and drained
2 cans (8 ounces each) pineapple tidbits, drained
4 cups coarsely shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F and position two oven racks about 5 inches apart in the lower third of the oven. Lightly coat two large baking sheets or pizza pans with cooking spray.
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Place the chicken and marinade in a zip‑seal bag, seal, and massage to coat. Refrigerate while cooking the onions.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the brown sugar and cook about 5 more minutes until caramel colored. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
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Drain the marinade from the chicken and discard it. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
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Place the pizza crusts on the prepared pans. Spread half the pizza sauce on each crust. Top each with half the broccoli, pineapple, caramelized onions, cooked chicken, and shredded mozzarella.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pizzas between the racks halfway through, until the cheese is melted and pizzas are heated through.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 slices (2 large pizzas)
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–60 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour
Variations
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Halve the recipe to make just one pizza if you don’t need two.
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Substitute broccoli with other veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
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Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from raw.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Once cooled, wrap leftover pizza slices in airtight containers or foil and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in an oven set to 350°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp. Reheating in a microwave is quicker but may soften the crust.
FAQs
How can I make this pizza spicier?
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre‑baked crusts?
Yes — simply roll out and par‑bake your dough before adding toppings for best results.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms are great alternatives.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes — just drain excess juice and pat the pineapple dry to avoid a soggy crust.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is ready when the cheese is fully melted, and the crust edges are golden.
Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Yes — you can caramelize the onions and cook the chicken ahead to save time on pizza night.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Don’t overload toppings, and make sure pineapple and broccoli are well drained before adding.
Is this recipe freezer‑friendly?
You can freeze assembled pizzas before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?
Yes — just use gluten‑free pre‑baked pizza crusts.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Chicken & Caramelized Onion Pizza is a crowd‑pleasing twist on classic pizza with a satisfying mix of sweet caramelized onions, tangy pineapple, tender chicken, and plenty of cheese. It’s a fun meal for pizza night and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
