Mediterranean Cilantro Lime Chicken Pizza
This Mediterranean Cilantro Lime Chicken Pizza is a bright, zesty twist on a classic favorite. It combines tender chicken, sweet onions, and gooey mozzarella with a refreshing cilantro-lime sauce that brings a pop of flavor. With optional toppings like feta, olives, and fresh greens, this pizza leans into Mediterranean flair while keeping a bold, citrusy kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Serves: 2–4
Ingredients
For the Pizza
Prepared Pizza Crust (store-bought or homemade)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Cooked Chicken Breast (diced or shredded)
Diced Sweet Onion
For the Cilantro-Lime Sauce
Fresh Cilantro Leaves (loosely packed)
Lime Juice (from fresh limes)
Canned Diced Green Chiles
Ground Cumin
Chili Powder
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Salt, to taste
Optional Mediterranean-Inspired Additions
Feta Cheese, crumbled
Kalamata Olives, sliced
Fresh Spinach or Arugula
Cherry Tomatoes, halved
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Heat to 425°F (220°C) or according to pizza crust package directions.
Make the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, lime juice, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt.
Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Pizza:
Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread a layer of the cilantro-lime sauce evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Top with chicken and diced onion.
Add any optional Mediterranean toppings (feta, olives, spinach, cherry tomatoes) at this stage if desired.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven. If using fresh arugula or spinach, add it after baking for a crisp finish. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
Cheese Mix: Try blending mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for extra Mediterranean tang.
Extra Greens: Add arugula, spinach, or fresh basil after baking for a fresh, peppery bite.
Make It Spicier: Toss in jalapeños or a drizzle of harissa for more heat.
Crispier Crust: For store-bought dough, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up with roasted peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
Grilled Variation: Grill the pizza instead of baking for a smoky flavor—perfect in summer.
Citrus Kick: Zest the lime before juicing and add the zest to the sauce for a brighter citrus punch.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the cilantro-lime sauce ahead of time and refrigerate—it will keep for 2–3 days.
Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
A: Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it on top of the pizza.
Q: Can I make the cilantro-lime sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Give it a quick stir before using.
Q: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A: You can substitute fresh parsley or a mix of parsley and basil for a milder, Mediterranean-style sauce.
Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza crust as the base.
Q: Should I add the arugula or spinach before or after baking?
A: Add them after baking so they stay fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
(per serving, 4 servings)
Approximate values without optional toppings:
Calories: 310–340
Protein: 21–23 g
Carbohydrates: 30–34 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugars: 3–5 g
Fat: 12–14 g
Saturated Fat: 5–6 g
Sodium: 550–650 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cilantro Lime Chicken Pizza brings together zesty herbs, juicy chicken, and melty cheese with a refreshing citrus kick. The cilantro-lime sauce makes the base unique, while Mediterranean add-ins like feta, olives, and greens elevate it even further. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress guests. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete, vibrant meal.