Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Tandoori Chicken Pizza

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.

 Read More Pizza Recipes:

Hawaiian Pizza

Food Mood On

Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza 

Hawaiian pizza, contrary to its name, hails not from the tropical islands of Hawaii but from Canada. It was invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born restaurateur in Ontario, who took a bold step by adding canned pineapple to a traditional ham pizza. The result was a sweet and savory combination that sparked widespread intrigue—and controversy. Though divisive, the pairing of juicy pineapple with salty ham and melted cheese became a global phenomenon, featured in countless modern food recipes and turning Hawaiian pizza into one of the most recognizable and debated styles of pizza worldwide.

The essence of Hawaiian pizza lies in the contrast of Flavors and textures. It typically features a tomato-based sauce, mozzarella cheese, cooked ham, and pineapple chunks, all layered on a classic pizza dough. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the saltiness of the ham, while the cheese melts into a creamy layer that ties everything together. Over time, variations have emerged, such as adding crispy bacon or red onion for extra depth. Whether loved or loathed, Hawaiian pizza represents the creativity and cultural fusion that define modern pizza innovation.

Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

Servings: 1 large pizza (12–14 inches)
Prep Time: 1.5 hours (including dough rise time)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose or bread 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 Sauce:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced or sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained thoroughly
  • Optional: ¼ cup cooked bacon bits or sliced red onion
  • Optional: Fresh basil or chili flakes for garnish

Instructions

1.   Prepare the Dough:

o   In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

o   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

o   Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2.   Preheat the Oven:

o   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

3.   Make the Sauce:

o   In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4.   Assemble the Pizza:

o   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12–14 inch circle on a floured surface.

o   Transfer to a pizza peel lined with parchment paper or a greased baking sheet.

o   Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.

o   Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.

o   Add the diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly across the surface. Include bacon or onion if using.

5.   Bake:

o   Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven or preheated pizza stone.

o   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

6.   Serve:

o   Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

o   Garnish with optional fresh basil or chili flakes and enjoy!

Hawaiian pizza is best served hot, where the cheese stretches and the contrasting Flavors come alive with every bite.

Read More Pizza Recipes:

Tandoori Chicken Pizza

Food Mood On

Tandoori Chicken Pizza

Tandoori Chicken Pizza  Tandoori Chicken Pizza is a flavorful fusion of Indian and Western cuisines, combining the smoky, spicy essence of...