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This Mediterranean-inspired Chicken Gyro Pizza transforms your favorite Greek street food into a mouthwatering pizza experience. The combination of tender chicken, tangy olives, and fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast with every bite.
I first created this pizza when trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and was craving something different from our usual pizza night. My family was instantly hooked by the bright Mediterranean flavors and now requests it regularly for our Friday pizza nights.
Ingredients
- Prepared pizza dough: Provides the perfect canvas for our toppings whether homemade or store bought
- Homemade pizza sauce: Adds a rich tomato base that complements the Mediterranean flavors
- Cooked chicken: Brings protein and substance making this a complete meal
- Yellow tomato: Offers a slightly sweeter flavor than red varieties and beautiful color contrast
- Red onion: Adds a sharp pungent bite that balances the other ingredients
- Kalamata olives: Provide that quintessential Greek flavor with their rich briny taste
- Pepperoncini peppers: Bring a mild tangy heat that elevates the entire pizza
- Fresh cucumber: Adds unexpected crispness and coolness reminiscent of traditional gyros
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect melty pizza experience while allowing other flavors to shine
- Dried oregano: The signature herb that ties all Mediterranean flavors together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Heat your oven to 425°F with the pizza stone inside. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes after the oven reaches temperature to ensure your stone is thoroughly heated. This crucial step guarantees a crispy crust that will support all your toppings without becoming soggy.
- Form Your Base:
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until you reach your desired thickness. Working quickly but carefully transfer the dough to your preheated pizza stone. The dough will immediately begin to cook slightly on the bottom which helps prevent a soggy middle.
- Layer Your Toppings:
- Start with a thin layer of pizza sauce spreading it evenly across the dough but leaving a small border for the crust. Next add your chopped chicken followed by yellow tomato and red onion. Distribute the kalamata olives pepperoncini peppers and cucumber slices evenly across the surface. Finish with a generous covering of shredded mozzarella cheese making sure to get some cheese in every area of the pizza.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Sprinkle dried oregano across the top of your pizza and bake in the 425°F oven for approximately 15 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown and the cheese to become bubbly and slightly browned in spots. The bottom should be crisp and the toppings should be hot and sizzling when done.
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The pepperoncini peppers are my secret weapon in this recipe. They add a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and brings the whole pizza to life. My husband who normally picks peppers off his food always leaves these on because they work so magically with the other ingredients.
Make Ahead Tips
This Chicken Gyro Pizza works beautifully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare all the toppings up to two days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dough can also be prepared ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using. Just bring it to room temperature about 30 minutes before you plan to roll it out. Having everything prepped makes assembly quick and painless when you're ready to bake.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this pizza is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers. If you prefer a spicier pizza add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking. For a more authentic gyro experience try adding a drizzle of tzatziki sauce after the pizza comes out of the oven. The cool creamy sauce creates a delightful temperature contrast with the hot pizza.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Gyro Pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad on the side to complement the Mediterranean flavors. For beverages consider serving a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light beer. If you want to create a complete Mediterranean feast add some hummus and warm pita bread as appetizers. For dessert a simple honey yogurt with fresh berries provides a light sweet ending to your meal.
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This Chicken Gyro Pizza is a flavor-packed twist on classic pizza that will quickly become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this dish. The recipe specifically mentions you can use purchased prepared dough as an alternative to the homemade Sam Adams Beer Pizza Dough.
- → Do I need a pizza stone to make this Chicken Gyro Pizza?
While the recipe calls for a pizza stone to achieve the best crispy crust, you can use a heavy baking sheet as an alternative. Preheat the baking sheet just as you would the stone for similar results.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Traditional gyros often feature lamb or beef, which would work wonderfully in this pizza. For a vegetarian option, try adding extra vegetables or incorporating feta cheese as a protein alternative.
- → What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers?
As mentioned in the recipe, banana peppers make an excellent substitute for pepperoncini peppers. If you prefer less heat, roasted red bell peppers can provide a similar Mediterranean flavor without the spice.
- → How do I prevent my pizza from getting soggy with all these toppings?
To prevent sogginess, ensure your pizza stone is thoroughly preheated, use a moderate amount of sauce, and consider pre-cooking high-moisture toppings like tomatoes and cucumbers to remove excess water. Adding the cucumber after baking is another option to maintain its crispness.
- → What side dishes pair well with Chicken Gyro Pizza?
A simple Greek salad with feta cheese and vinaigrette makes an excellent companion. Tzatziki sauce on the side provides an authentic touch for dipping the crust. Roasted vegetables with Mediterranean herbs also complement the flavors beautifully.