Ok, you need to hear me out here. I know, this sounds crazy, but it really really works. Sweet and savory pizza combinations are best when one element earns its place rather than just being unexpected for its own sake. Here, the balsamic reduction is the hero: reducing the vinegar by half concentrates its acidity and sweetness before the strawberry preserves are stirred in, creating a sauce that is tangy, fruity. Thick enough to hold up under cheese and toppings without making the crust soggy. Add the Sriracha and you have a base sauce that will blow your mind!
Tossing the chicken in a couple tablespoons of the sauce before scattering it over the dough means the meat stays moist and flavored all the way through. The fresh strawberries and cilantro go on after baking, which keeps them bright and prevents the berries from becoming jammy in the oven. Reliable. A pizza stone or preheated sheet pan at 450F is worth the effort for a crisper crust bottom. This is a fun choice for a dinner when you want something that feels more exciting than a standard pie.
Trust me on this one, you won’t regret it! 
How to Make Strawberry Balsamic Pizza with Chicken, Sweet Onion and Applewood Bacon
Make the Balsamic-Strawberry Sauce
Bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
Stir in the strawberry preserves and Sriracha, then set aside to cool. Toss the diced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of this sauce before assembling.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Roll the pizza dough out to a 14-inch circle on a floured surface and place it on parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.
Spread the remaining balsamic-strawberry sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Scatter the sauced chicken, then add three-quarters of the Italian blend cheese, the bacon pieces and sweet onion slices, and finish with the remaining cheese.
Bake at 450°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
Finish with Fresh Toppings
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro and small-diced fresh strawberries evenly over the top before slicing and serving.
Strawberry Balsamic Pizza with Chicken, Sweet Onion and Applewood Bacon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
We love this unique and flavorful pizza, with sweet strawberries and balsamic glaze with chicken, bacon, and cheese. Unexpected, delicious!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha Chili Sauce
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 1 cup diced or shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup applewood smoked bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup thin sliced sweet onion
- 12 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
Instructions
- Place pizza stone or sheet pan on middle rack of oven. Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 4 to 5 minutes or until reduced to half of the original volume and mixture is thick and syrupy. Add strawberry preserves and Sriracha and mix well. Set aside to cool.
- Pat or roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately a 14 inch circle. Place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an upside down sheet pan. Sprinkle parchment paper lightly with cornmeal. Fold dough in quarters and place on parchment paper, then unfold.
- Combine chicken with 2 tablespoons of the balsamic-strawberry mixture and mix to coat all chicken with sauce. Pour rest of sauce onto pizza dough and spread to cover, leaving a 1 inch border all around the edge. Scatter chicken evenly over the sauce.
- Place about 3/4 of the cheese on top of dough and spread to cover sauce evenly. Scatter bacon and sweet onion over cheese to distribute evenly. Scatter remaining cheese over this layer.
- Slide parchment paper with pizza on top onto stone or cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly, 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and fresh diced strawberries. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, refrigerated or fresh store-bought dough works well here. Let it come to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before rolling so it stretches without springing back.
What can I substitute for the fresh cilantro?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley or fresh basil both work as substitutes. Basil pairs especially well with the strawberry and balsamic flavors.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
The balsamic-strawberry sauce can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated. Cook and dice the chicken ahead as well, but assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the best crust texture.
I gotta hand it to you, I thought this would be super-weird but it was actually very very good. The sweetness, the saltiness, all paired so well. I am really glad I tried it!!