Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever caught yourself torn between a crispy, cheesy pizza and a saucy, aromatic Indian curry, this Butter Chicken Pizza is the wild culinary mashup you didn’t know you needed. Imagine swoon-worthy butter chicken sauce, smoky tandoori chicken, and rich mozzarella all coming together on a bubbly homemade crust — it’s a true flavor party with every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each element in this Butter Chicken Pizza recipe plays its part — from the deeply spiced sauce and juicy marinated chicken to the refreshing crunch of red onion and the creamy mozzarella. These simple but bold ingredients meld into a feast for the senses.

• 28 oz can whole tomatoes: Go for a brand with just tomatoes and salt for pure, tangy flavor. Avoid anything packed with basil.
• Green chilies (jwala or jalapeño): They add just the right amount of heat and bright color. Remove seeds for less spice.
• Garlic ginger paste: A fragrant base for both the sauce and chicken. You can buy it or make your own blend.
• Kashmiri chili powder: This gives color and gentle heat; sub with a blend of paprika and cayenne if you’re in a pinch.
• Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves): These magical leaves lend signature butter chicken aroma and complexity.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
• Tandoori masala: A robust spice mix bringing deep, smoky flavor to your chicken and sauce.
• Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable): Used for blooming spices and marinating the chicken.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and succulent, they soak up the marinade and stay tender after baking.
• Naga pickle (optional): For those who love a fiery punch — a little goes a long way!
• Pizza dough (enough for 2 pizzas): Homemade or store-bought; if you have a pizza oven, go for a dough recipe you love.
• Fior di latte (fresh mozzarella): Torn into bites for that perfect gooey, indulgent cheese pull.
• Thinly sliced red onion and green chilies: A garnish that adds freshness, color, and a lively kick.
• Finely chopped cilantro: The finishing touch — so fresh and vibrant!

Variations

One of the best things about Butter Chicken Pizza is how endlessly adaptable it is — don’t be afraid to play! Whether you prefer a little more heat, need it dairy-free, or want a veggie twist, customizing is encouraged.

• Paneer Butter Pizza: Swap the chicken tikka for cubes of paneer marinated in the same spices for a satisfying vegetarian take.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mozzarella and coconut cream in the sauce, and brush the crust with olive oil instead of butter for a rich finish.
• Spicier Kick: Double up on green chilies, add extra naga pickle, or drizzle with hot chili oil as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Traditional Touch: Try adding sliced black olives, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of garam masala just before serving for some added flair.

How to Make Butter Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

Start by crushing the canned tomatoes by hand or using a food mill for a silky texture. Sauté garlic ginger paste in oil until aromatic, then gently bloom kashmiri chili, kasoori methi, tandoori masala, and salt — this unlocks the heart of the sauce. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer with green chilies until thick and fragrant, then blend until smooth. This step can be done ahead to build incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tikka

Mix tandoori masala, garlic ginger paste, kasoori methi, salt (if your spice mix isn’t salty), naga pickle if using, and oil to create a vibrant marinade. Toss in the chicken thighs and coat well. Let them marinate for an hour or more — or just a quick dunk if time is short. Roast in the oven or grill until just cooked through (about 165°F). After cooling, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so every slice of pizza gets plenty of smoky morsels.

Step 3: Prep the Pizza Dough

Let your dough come to room temperature if it was in the fridge. Using your hands (not a rolling pin!), gently stretch and shape the dough balls, keeping those puffy edges intact for a classic pizza crust. If you’ve perfected a favorite dough recipe or have something from your local bakery, this is the time to let it shine.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread a generous layer of butter chicken sauce over the base, keeping some in reserve for a final drizzle. Scatter the chopped chicken tikka evenly, followed by torn pieces of fior di latte. Top with thinly sliced red onion and a few jalapeño or green chili rounds. Slide into your pizza oven (750–800°F for 90 seconds) or bake in your home oven until golden and melty, watching for that irresistible blistered crust.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the pizzas are out of the oven, drizzle with more warm butter chicken sauce for a glossy, flavor-packed finish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, and get ready for that first glorious slice!

How to Serve Butter Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Don’t skip the lively, chopped cilantro — its bright green pop is both beautiful and refreshing. For extra punch, sprinkle on a few more fresh sliced chilies, a dash of chaat masala, or a swirl of Greek yogurt for that cool-tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Butter Chicken Pizza is plenty hearty, but it loves simple sides: think crisp cucumber salad, kachumber, or a quick raita with mint and lemon. Even a tangle of lightly dressed arugula works beautifully to balance the rich, spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your pizza into small squares for party-style bites, or fold slices in half and wrap them in parchment for a fun, food-truck vibe. Serving on a rustic wooden board with bowls of extra sauce and toppings lets everyone customize their dream Butter Chicken Pizza slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter Chicken Pizza keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze Butter Chicken Pizza, either fully baked or as assembled but unbaked pies. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Butter Chicken Pizza in a hot oven (425°F) or a skillet until the cheese is gooey and the crust is revived. The microwave works in a pinch, but an oven or toaster oven keeps everything beautifully bubbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to shake up pizza night? Butter Chicken Pizza turns classic comfort food on its head in the best possible way. Gather your favorite people, savor each saucy, cheesy bite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new obsession in your kitchen!

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