California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is stepping into new culinary territory with its latest pizza offering, marking an unexpected but intriguing collaboration. Embracing the growing trend of “swicy” (sweet and spicy) flavors, CPK’s new limited-edition pizza is set to spark conversations among pizza enthusiasts.
Known for its innovative approach to pizza, CPK has a history of pushing flavor boundaries. The brand introduced popular pies like the Original BBQ Chicken, Thai Chicken, and California Club long before such combinations became mainstream. Now, CPK is adding a new creation to its lineup: the Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza.
Chef Paul Pszybylski, CPK’s Vice President of Culinary Innovation, expressed excitement about the new offering, saying, “We’ve been longtime fans of Mike’s Hot Honey, so we aimed to give our guests a pizza collaboration unlike any other. We love fusing flavors and cuisines, and hot chicken paired with hot honey seemed like the perfect combination for our next great pizza.”
Available until September 30, the Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza takes inspiration from the traditional chicken sandwich. It features CPK’s classic dough topped with hand-battered crispy chicken, ranchito sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese. The pizza is then finished with dill pickles, cayenne seasoning, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.
Two elements of this pizza are likely to generate buzz: the pickles and the hot honey. Pickles, often polarizing, are a staple of the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, providing a tangy, briny contrast to the other flavors. Meanwhile, Mike’s Hot Honey adds a sweet heat that lingers, balancing the cayenne’s spice and encouraging another bite.
Despite the bold flavors, this pizza is designed to be approachable, even for those who typically shy away from spicy foods.
The Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza is now available at California Pizza Kitchen locations until the end of September. Pricing and availability may vary by restaurant.