Fry Bread Pizza With a Spicy Kick

The scent of fry bread always brings me back to summer evenings spent at powwows. The air thick with woodsmoke, drums beating in the distance, and the irresistible aroma of freshly fried dough. We’d pile it high with chili and cheese, a messy, delicious feast shared with family and friends. This recipe takes that comforting memory and gives it a fun, pizza-inspired twist, perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a unique party appetizer. It’s a delightful fusion of Native American flavors and a classic Italian favorite!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 pizza
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free)

Ingredients

• For the Fry Bread:

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 1 cup warm milk (can substitute non-dairy milk)
  • Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well)

• For the Toppings:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 2 bell peppers (any color, diced)
  • 2 onions (diced)
  • 2 cups hot and spicy BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • Spaghetti sauce (enough to lightly coat the fry bread)
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese alternative)

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Tongs
• Rolling pin
• Deep fryer or large pot for frying
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fry Bread Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, oil, and warm milk.
2. Mix the Dough: Mix well until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if necessary, until the dough comes together.
3. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into baseball-sized balls. This recipe yields approximately 4-6 individual fry bread pizzas, depending on how large you roll them out.
4. Roll Out the Disks: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into large disks, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a rustic, slightly irregular shape – that’s part of the charm of fry bread!
5. Fry the Fry Bread: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or large pot to medium heat (approximately 350°F or 175°C). Be very careful not to let the oil smoke, as this indicates it is too hot and can scorch the fry bread.
6. Cook Each Fry Bread: Gently place one disk of dough into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffy.
7. Drain the Fry Bread: Remove the fried bread with tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
9. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onions and bell peppers.
10. Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
11. Add the Chicken and BBQ Sauce: Add the cut chicken to the skillet and cook until browned. Pour in the hot and spicy BBQ sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce begins to thicken and brown slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, as it will only be heated through in the oven later.
12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Assemble the Pizzas: Place the fried bread on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce over each fry bread.
14. Add Toppings: Top with the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
15. Bake the Pizzas: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent the crust from burning.
16. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Consistency is Key: If your dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable. If it’s too dry, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the fry bread will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If it’s too cold, the fry bread will be greasy. Use a thermometer for best results, or test with a small piece of dough – it should sizzle gently and brown evenly.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The fry bread can be fried ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before adding toppings.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the BBQ sauce to control the spice level to your liking. You can also use a milder BBQ sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
• Crispy Fry Bread: For extra crispy fry bread, place the cooked fry bread on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) while you prepare the toppings. This helps to keep it warm and crisp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Fry Bread Pizzas hot and fresh, straight from the oven. They’re best enjoyed immediately, as the fry bread can become soggy over time. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted, or microwave in short bursts. Reheating will soften the fry bread, so it’s best to consume them as soon as possible.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	550 kcal	28%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	1200mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate	50g	17%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	15g	N/A
Protein	30g	60%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Fry Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right consistency.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and more bell peppers and onions.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella cheese alternative and non-dairy milk.
• Different BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ, smoky BBQ, or even a fruit-based BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Add Some Greens: Top with fresh spinach or arugula after baking for added nutrients and a pop of color.
• Southwestern Twist: Add a can of diced green chilies to the chicken mixture for a Southwestern flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the fry bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, the fry bread can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for a day or two. Reheat it in the oven before adding the toppings.

Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
A: No problem! You can fry the bread in a large pot or Dutch oven filled with enough oil to submerge the dough. Just make sure the oil temperature is consistent.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, will save you time. Just shred it and add it to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Q: How do I keep the fry bread from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to drain the fry bread well after frying and don’t overload it with too much sauce. Baking the pizza immediately after adding the toppings will also help keep the fry bread crisp.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover fry bread pizza?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the fry bread will change. It’s best to consume the leftovers within a couple of days.

Final Thoughts

This Fry Bread Pizza with a Spicy Kick is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and cultures. It combines the comforting familiarity of pizza with the unique, delicious taste of fry bread. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own unique version. And don’t forget to let me know what you think! Enjoy!