Tandoori Chicken Pizza
Tandoori Chicken Pizza is a flavorful fusion of Indian and Western cuisines, combining the smoky, spicy essence of traditional tandoori chicken with the cheesy indulgence of pizza. This dish showcases the adaptability of pizza to global tastes, as classic Italian techniques are enhanced by vibrant Indian spices. Often featured in modern fusion food recipes, tandoori chicken—marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder—provides a bold and aromatic topping that stands out against a base of creamy sauce and melted cheese. The result is a pizza with a perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness.
Popular across India and among Indian food lovers worldwide, Tandoori Chicken Pizza reflects the culinary creativity that comes from cultural blending. Often made with naan or traditional pizza dough, and topped with ingredients like red onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, this dish is a Favorite in both home kitchens and restaurants. Whether baked in a tandoor-inspired oven or a standard kitchen oven, it delivers bold Flavors with a familiar comfort-food appeal, offering a spicy, satisfying twist to the classic pizza experience.
Tandoori Chicken Pizza Recipe
Servings: 1 large pizza (12 inches)
Prep Time: 1.5–2 hours (including marination and dough rise time)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440 g)
all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)
active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml)
warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tandoori Chicken:
- 250 g boneless
chicken (breast or thigh), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic
paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander
powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp red chili
powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil for
cooking
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup tomato puree or
pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp cream or plain
yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to
taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ to 2 cups
shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ red onion, thinly
sliced
- ½ green or red bell
pepper, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
(for garnish)
- Optional: Green chili slices or chaat masala for extra zing
Instructions
1.
Marinate the Chicken:
o In a bowl, mix yogurt,
lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices. Add chicken pieces, coat
well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper
flavor).
2.
Cook the Chicken:
o Heat 1 tbsp oil in a
skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked
and slightly charred (8–10 minutes). Set aside to cool.
3.
Prepare the Dough:
o In a small bowl, dissolve
sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
o In a large bowl, mix flour
and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes
until smooth.
o Cover and let rise in a
warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4.
Preheat Oven:
o Preheat oven to 475°F
(245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
5.
Make the Sauce:
o Mix tomato puree, cream
(or yogurt), garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to
taste.
6.
Assemble the Pizza:
o Punch down the risen dough
and roll it into a 12-inch circle.
o Transfer to a baking sheet
or parchment paper-lined pizza peel.
o Spread the sauce evenly on
the base. Add shredded mozzarella, followed by cooked tandoori chicken, sliced
onions, and bell peppers.
7.
Bake:
o Bake for 12–15 minutes, or
until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
8.
Garnish and Serve:
o Remove from oven, sprinkle
with fresh cilantro and optional green chilies or chaat masala.
o Slice and serve hot with
mint chutney or yogurt dip if desired.
This
fusion pizza is spicy, tangy, and rich in flavor—perfect for those who enjoy
the bold taste of Indian cuisine in a familiar Western format.