Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe

Imagine all the magic of creamy, spiced Indian butter chicken—swirled right onto a crispy, bubbly pizza base. That’s Butter Chicken Pizza: rich, vibrant sauce, smoky chicken tikka, and all your favorite toppings, coming together for a mashup that just might outshine takeout. Get ready to fall head-over-heels!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a quick trip to any Indian grocer can deliver big, bold flavors! Every ingredient in Butter Chicken Pizza earns its place—contributing luscious texture, glowing color, or irresistible aroma.

• Canned Tomatoes: Go for a can with only tomatoes and salt (no basil!). These form the juicy base of your sauce.
• Green Chilies (Jwala/Finger hot or Jalapeño): Adds gentle heat—dial up or down depending on your spice preference.
• Garlic Ginger Paste: This classic duo creates next-level depth and fragrance in both sauce and chicken.
• Kashmiri Chili Powder: Gives that signature brick-red color and a mild warmth—sub with some cayenne and paprika if needed.
• Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): No skipping! These crushed leaves give authentic aroma and complexity.
• Tandoori Masala: Adds earthy, smoky backbone that makes your chicken tikka pop.
• Neutral Oil: Ensures the blooming of spices—that means bigger flavor in every bite.
• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up tikka marinade.
• Pizza Dough: Use your favorite recipe, store-bought, or the method described if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Fior di Latte (Fresh Mozzarella): Torn into pieces, this cheese melts into creamy puddles among the toppings.
• Red Onion & Green Chilies (for topping): Bring needed crunch and an extra pop of color and heat.
• Cilantro: For that fresh, herby flourish right at the finish line.
• Naga Pickle (Optional): If you love it hot, this spicy condiment gives serious kick to your chicken tikka.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t be shy!

Variations

What makes Butter Chicken Pizza so much fun is how inviting it is to riff on, reinvent, or adapt. Just a few swaps and tweaks, and you’ve got a totally new spin that matches your taste, cravings, or dietary needs!

• Paneer Butter Pizza: For a tasty vegetarian twist, swap the chicken tikka with cubes of paneer marinated and grilled—same spices, new vibe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Reach for a gluten-free pizza crust or naan-style base, and you’re good to go!
• Extra Veggies: Pile on baby spinach, sliced bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant for extra color and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based yogurt and coconut cream in the sauce, marinated tofu for the “tikka,” and vegan cheese shreds—delicious inclusivity!

How to Make Butter Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

Start by hand-crushing your canned tomatoes, making sure to remove any stems along the way. If you have a food mill, now’s the time to use it—it’ll give your sauce an extra-smooth consistency! Halve and seed your chilies, get everything prepped, and then heat your oil over medium-low. Sauté the garlic-ginger paste until it stops sputtering, then drop the heat, add your spices and salt, and bloom them for a minute for maximum fragrance. Stir in the tomatoes and chilies and let everything simmer gently, covered, for about 30 minutes. Once it’s cooled, blend the sauce until it’s velvety smooth. This is the soul of your Butter Chicken Pizza!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tikka

Mix the tandoori masala, garlic-ginger paste, kasoori methi, salt, and enough oil to form a vivid marinade slurry. Don’t forget a dab of naga pickle if you want a smoky, fiery kick! Toss the whole chicken thighs in the marinade using tongs for maximum coverage (and clean hands). Marinate in the fridge for an hour or longer, but don’t stress if you’re short on time—it still tastes incredible even after a quick soak. Grill or roast the chicken at 400°F until it hits 165°F inside. Let it cool and slice into bite-sized, juicy morsels.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pizzas

With sauce and chicken ready, preheat your pizza stone, steel, or oven as hot as you can safely manage. Shape your dough gently with your hands (no rolling pin!)—protect the edges to ensure a beautiful bubbly crust. Spread a generous spoonful of that stunning butter chicken sauce over the base, top with the sliced chicken tikka, and nestle torn pieces of fresh mozzarella between the toppings. Finish with a scatter of thinly sliced red onion and green chilies. It’s starting to look irresistible!

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake your Butter Chicken Pizza at the highest heat your oven allows—if you have a pizza oven, aim for 750–800°F for that restaurant-quality crust in about 90 seconds, but a blazing-hot home oven works beautifully, too. As soon as it’s golden and bubbly, pull it out and (if you’re feeling fancy) drizzle with a little extra butter chicken sauce using a squirt bottle, then sprinkle plenty of fresh cilantro over top. Slice and serve immediately while everything is piping hot and gooey!

How to Serve Butter Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed finishing touch! Fresh, finely chopped cilantro adds that final pop of color and freshness, while an extra drizzle of butter chicken sauce brings the pizzeria wow-factor. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of roasted kasoori methi or a few red chili flakes for a little extra punch.

Side Dishes

Butter Chicken Pizza is rich and flavorful, so balance it with something fresh and crunchy—think a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a cool raita for dipping the crusts. If you’re setting up a spread, toss in some crispy papad, pickled onions, or a tangy slaw to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

This pizza loves a party! Cut it into thin slices and serve as finger food at your next gathering; or bake mini Butter Chicken Pizzas for a dazzling appetizer. For a twist, try grilling the dough for a smoky base, or finish each slice with a flourish of yogurt raita and a lime wedge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Butter Chicken Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more tempting! Just be sure to separate any extra sauce or toppings so the crust stays as crisp as possible.

Freezing

The butter chicken sauce freezes beautifully—stash extra portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Fully assembled and baked pizza slices can be frozen, too; just flash-freeze on a tray before bagging so the toppings stay in place.

Reheating

To reheat, use a hot oven or toaster oven until the crust crisps up and the cheese is bubbling again—about 5–8 minutes at 375°F. Avoid the microwave for best texture, though a quick zap for a fast snack totally works in a pinch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to turn your favorite Indian comfort food into a fun, joyful pizza night, Butter Chicken Pizza is the recipe you simply can’t skip. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new Friday night tradition—go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and share the deliciousness with everyone you love!

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