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Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza

A fusion pizza combining marinated chicken tikka masala with mozzarella on a store-bought crust for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients

  • 10 oz skinless boneless chicken breast cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 jalapeño seeded
  • salt to taste
  • 1 12-inch store-bought pizza crust or three 7-inch (18 cm) mini pizza crusts
  • olive oil for brushing
  • 1/4 whole onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • cilantro (coriander) leaves chopped, save some for garnishing
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • 4 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp cumin (for sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala (for sauce)

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl combine the chicken cubes with 1 tbsp butter, minced garlic, 1/2 jalapeño (seeded), 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp minced ginger, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp plain yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon; mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, discarding excess marinade; grill in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 6–7 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.
  • While the chicken cooks, combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl: 4 oz tomato sauce, 2 tbsp plain yogurt (for sauce), 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp garam masala; set aside.
  • In a small saucepan melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic and jalapeño until aromatic, then add the spice mix and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant; remove and discard the jalapeño.
  • Add the prepared tikka masala sauce to the saucepan, season with salt to taste, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes; turn off the heat and stir in the cooked chicken to coat it in the sauce.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the pizza crust on a pizza pan and lightly brush with olive oil.
  • Spread the chicken tikka masala mixture over the crust, sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella, arrange the sauced chicken on top, add the thinly sliced 1/4 onion and chopped cilantro, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over everything.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and bake the pizza for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden; remove and garnish with remaining cilantro before serving.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Small Saucepan
  • Spoon
  • Oven
  • pizza pan

Notes

  • Bake according to your pizza crust package instructions as times may vary.
  • You can stir-fry the chicken instead of oven-grilling if preferred.
  • Use a 12-inch store-bought crust or three 7-inch mini crusts as noted.
  • Naan can be used as an alternative base if desired.