Southwestern Chicken Pizza

Every once in a while I crave pizza, but it isn’t very often. To me pizza has always been kind of a snack food, not a meal. It needs to have a lot of amazing toppings on it or at least have a salad with it for it to be a meal. I know this sounds weird, but it just is not a meal in my world. However, I think I have come up with a substantial enough of a pizza to make it a meal with. Below is my Southwestern Chicken Pizza loaded with chicken breast, black beans, corn, and lots of delicious veggies. You can feel free to customize the toppings and spice level to your likings. If you are vegetarian omit the chicken and load up on some extra veggies and beans.

I don’t know how busy you all are, but if you are anything like myself, you are pretty darn busy. Most days I’m up at 4:00am and I’m home anywhere between 2:30pm – 10:00pm, all depending on that day’s schedule. Some nights are loaded up with homework and I don’t always have the time to make myself a fancy dinner so this comes in very handy. It is loaded up protein and nutrients. If you use a pre-made crust, this makes for a very quick and easy weeknight meal.

Crust

• Pre-made crust such as Udi’s Gluten Free  OR
• Homemade crust (my favorite is still Jeanne’s of The Art of Gluten Free Baking)

Topping

• Sauce: Homemade or Jarred (all depends on how much and how big your pizza is
• 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (boneless/skinless), cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup peppers: red, yellow, and orange, cut into 1/4″ dice
• 1/2 cup corn: fresh, frozen, canned (unsalted and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup black beans: rinsed and drained well
• 1/4 cup red onion: sliced thin
• 1 cup baby spinach: packed and rough chopped
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 clove of garlic grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method of Preparation

1. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add peppers and corn and cook for 3 – 5 minutes.
3. Add black beans and red onions, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
5. After the spinach has wilted, add diced chicken and season with cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, and salt.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Top pizza crush with sauce, cheese, and chicken and vegetable mixture…top with a little additional cheese if you so desire.
8. Bake according to directions of the pizza crust you are using.
9. Enjoy!