Apple Jack Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions

Apples? On a pizza? Are you sure it isn't dessert? That's what I thought the first time I saw this recipe. We decided to try it regardless and decided that it deserves to be in the parade of pizza recipes that we have =-)

I usually leave out the butter when cooking the onions. A little bit of oil works just as well. On the other hand, I do use a little bit of butter to cook the apples as it seems to work better. Other than that, I stay pretty true to the recipe with the exception of making my own crust that can be found here. If you are making the crust, I have found that substituting half unsweetened applesauce-half oil for the full quantity of oil works just as well.

The worst thing about this recipe is that it takes some prior planning. It's not a recipe that can be thrown together in just a few minutes. There is a fair amount of chopping /slicing and several ingredients must be sauteed on the stove before the pizza ever goes in the oven. However, in the end, the pizza is worth the work. Try it out!

(P.S. sorry about the blurry picture above)

Apple Jack Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions
3 Tbsp. butter (I leave out all but 1 Tbsp)
2 large sweet onions (Maui or Walla Walla), thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 can refrigerator pizza crust (make my own)
1 unpeeled large Red Delicious apple, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 c. cooked, cubed chicken breast
1/3 c. real bacon bits
2 medium green onions, sliced
1-1/2 c. shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a 12-inch skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add sweet onions and thyme; cook about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Stir in salt and pepper. Remove onions from the skillet. Set aside.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll pizza crust. Bake 7-11 mintues or until golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Meanwhile in the same skillet, melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add apple slices and sugar; cook 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until sugar is melted and apple is slightly soft.

Spread onion mixture over partially baked crust. Top evenly with chicken, apple mixture, bacon, green onion, and cheeses. Bake 10-20 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.