Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza with Pesto

Smoky, spicy, and bursting with bold flavor, this Jamaican jerk chicken pizza brings island vibes to your kitchen with an unexpected twist: basil pesto instead of tomato sauce. It’s quick to make, loaded with juicy toppings, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why you’ll love this jerk chicken pizza

We’re swapping boring pepperoni for more flavor and spice. Add some scotch bonnet heat, juicy pineapple, and a fragrant jerk chicken marinade with melty cheese and crispy crust.

And instead of a traditional tomato base? We’re going bold with basil pesto. That herby brightness cuts through the smoky jerk and makes every bite sing.

Best part? You’re using store-bought dough, so dinner comes together fast. No kneading. No stressing.

What makes this a Jamaican pizza?

Jerk chicken is the heart of this dish. The seasoning blend featuring scotch bonnet, allspice, garlic, and thyme is iconic to Jamaican cuisine. On pizza, it becomes something magical: spicy, smoky, sweet, and creamy, all at once.

Add pineapple, peppers, and a touch of BBQ sauce, and it’s a flavor burst.

How to make jerk chicken pizza

Ingredients you’ll need

• Jerk Chicken (shredded) – Use my homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning paste or store-bought (Walkerswood is great!). Marinate for at least an hour, ideally overnight.
• Premade Pizza Dough – 10-inch rounds, individual portions of pizza crust, or even naan bread.
• Basil Pesto – Any brand you like. You’ll only need a few spoonfuls.
• BBQ Sauce – Just enough to coat the shredded chicken.
• Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese – Or a combo!
• Toppings – Bell peppers (red peppers or green for color), tomatoes, banana peppers, pineapple chunks, onions, green onion/scallions.

Preparing jerk chicken pizza

1. Marinate & Roast the Chicken

1. Marinate your chicken (breast or thigh) in jerk paste for 1–12 hours.
2. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until fully cooked.
3. Let rest, then shred and toss with ¼ cup BBQ sauce.

2. Prep the dough

1. Roll out your dough. If your brand calls for pre-baking, do it now.
2. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the dough package.

3. Assemble Your Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of pesto across the dough.
2. Add shredded jerk chicken, then layer with chopped peppers, onions, pineapple, and cheese.

4. Bake

1. Bake until cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown (about 12–15 mins).
2. Top with scallions and serve hot.

Pro Tips

• Chop veggies small so they cook evenly.
• Use parchment or foil to line your tray for easy cleanup.
• Want extra heat? Add sliced scotch bonnet or hot banana peppers.
• Roast your bell peppers or pineapple beforehand for caramelized flavor.

Substitutions & Additions

• No dough? Use naan, pita, or hard dough bread.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese or skip it altogether.
• Spicier? Add crushed red pepper or hot pepper sauce.
• More veggies? Try broccoli, mushrooms, corn, or sweet potato.

What to serve with jerk chicken pizza

• Caribbean potato salad
• A simple side salad
• Sorrel BBQ wings
• Fresh fruit skewers

FAQs

Storing & Reheating

To store Jamaican pizza:

Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Use a skillet on medium heat with a few drops of water in the pan, covered, until warmed through.

Tried This Recipe?

Drop a star rating and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Tag me on Instagram @thisbagogirl so I can see your delicious slice of Caribbean fusion magic.

More recipes to try

If you like jerk pizza, you’ll love these Caribbean-influenced recipes too:

• Saltfish Buljol Pizza – A Caribbean breakfast remix on pizza.
• Rasta Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with jerk flavor.
• Sticky BBQ Jerk Chicken – Smoky, saucy, and oh-so-addictive.
• Coconut Bake Biscuit –

Recipe