Name: Hawaiian Chicken & Caramelized Onion Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crust; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh cilantro leaves, optional for garnish

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken & Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

This pizza offers a delicious twist on classic flavors with sweet caramelized onions and pineapple paired with savory marinated chicken and melted cheese. It’s great for gatherings and makes two large pizzas, so there’s plenty to share.

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 brown sugar, firmly packed

PIZZA
2 pre‑baked pizza crusts (14‑ounce or 12‑inch)
2 cups pizza sauce
2 cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed and drained
2 cans (8 ounces each) pineapple tidbits, drained
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and position racks about 5 inches apart. Lightly coat two large baking sheets or pizza pans with non‑stick spray.
Place the chicken pieces and marinade in a resealable plastic bag, seal it, and refrigerate while you cook the onions.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown. Stir in the brown sugar and cook another 5 minutes until richly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Drain and discard the marinade. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook 8–10 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
Place the pizza crusts on prepared pans. Spread half the pizza sauce on each crust, then divide the broccoli, pineapple, caramelized onions, chicken, and cheese evenly over the crusts.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pizzas between racks halfway through, until the cheese is fully melted and the pizza is hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 slices total (two pizzas)
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–60 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour

Variations

Make just one pizza by halving the ingredients.
Swap pineapple for fresh fruit instead of canned for a juicier flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken or precooked chicken to cut down on prep time.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: After cooling completely, wrap leftover pizza slices in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in an oven preheated to about 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly again. Reheating in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat can also revive a firmer crust. Avoid microwaving if you want the crust to stay crispy.

FAQs

How can I make this pizza faster?

Use precooked chicken or a store‑bought rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre‑baked crusts?

Yes, homemade dough can be used, but adjust the baking time according to the dough recipe.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?

Caramelizing the onions adds sweetness and depth of flavor, but you can use raw onions if you’re short on time.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

You can use bell peppers, spinach, or omit the vegetable altogether if preferred.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Don’t overload the sauce or toppings, and make sure any canned fruit or vegetables are well drained.

Can I freeze this pizza?

You can freeze baked pizza slices wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone or cheddar for more flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the chicken and add extra veggies or use a plant‑based chicken substitute.

Is this pizza spicy?

No, this recipe is mild. Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you want heat.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chicken & Caramelized Onion Pizza is a satisfying way to bring sweet and savory flavors together in one delicious dish. With marinated chicken, caramelized onions, pineapple, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a crowd‑pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Customize the toppings to your taste and enjoy a homemade pizza that’s full of flavor.