Looking to spice up your next pizza night? This Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza combines the bold, creamy flavors of India’s beloved curry with the comforting, cheesy satisfaction of a freshly baked pizza. It’s a match made in culinary heaven—perfect for Friday nights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to impress with something deliciously unexpected.

The idea for this dish came after a night of indecision: Indian takeout or pizza? Why not both? That led to an experiment that turned into a staple in our house—a crispy crust topped with rich tikka masala sauce, marinated chicken, melty cheese, and pops of fresh herbs. It’s indulgent, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible.

What Is Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza?

Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is a bold and flavorful fusion dish that takes the creamy, spiced curry sauce used in the classic Indian dish and uses it as the base for a pizza. Marinated, grilled chicken pieces replace traditional toppings like pepperoni or sausage, while mozzarella and red onions bring familiarity. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro ties it all together.

This recipe is about bringing two comfort foods—Indian curry and Italian pizza—together in a way that’s both unique and crave-worthy.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Bold fusion flavors: Creamy tikka masala sauce meets gooey cheese and a crisp crust.

• Crowd-pleasing: A fun twist that appeals to fans of both Indian food and pizza.

• Customizable: Use store-bought dough and sauce to save time or go all-in with a from-scratch version.

• Perfect for parties: Easily scaled for gatherings or game-day spreads.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to spice preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• 1/2 cup tomato puree or passata

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

• Salt to taste

Shortcut: You can use store-bought tikka masala sauce if you’re in a hurry.

For the Pizza Assembly:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 small green bell pepper or jalapeño, sliced (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Drizzle of yogurt or raita (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, garlic, and ginger.

2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tikka Masala Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat butter or ghee over medium heat.

2. Add onions and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).

3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Stir in cream and simmer for another 3–5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get hot.

2. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

3. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.

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Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a generous layer of tikka masala sauce over the dough.

2. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

3. Add the cooked chicken, red onion slices, and optional green bell pepper or jalapeños.

4. Transfer the pizza (on parchment) to the preheated stone or baking sheet.

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Step 6: Bake and Garnish

1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

2. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.

3. Garnish with chopped cilantro and an optional drizzle of yogurt or raita.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza

1. Use High-Heat Baking

A very hot oven ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. Preheating your pizza stone or pan helps mimic the effect of a wood-fired oven.

2. Don’t Over-Sauce

Tikka masala is rich, so a thin layer goes a long way. Too much can make your pizza soggy.

3. Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor

If you have a grill or cast-iron pan, searing the chicken adds a smoky depth that echoes tandoori cooking.

4. Customize the Toppings

Not a fan of raw onions? Use sautéed. Want more heat? Add chili flakes or fresh serranos. Craving crunch? Toss on cashew pieces after baking.

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Serving Suggestions

This pizza is rich and satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Mint Yogurt Sauce or Raita: A cooling counterbalance to the spices.

• Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crisp.

• Masala Fries or Spiced Potato Wedges: Fusion comfort food heaven.

• Mango Lassi: A sweet, creamy drink to cool your palate.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To Make Ahead:

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

• Make the sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Pre-cook the chicken and store in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Storage:

• Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use naan instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! Using naan makes for an excellent shortcut and a slightly crispier flatbread-style pizza. Great for individual servings too.

Is this pizza spicy?

It has warmth and depth but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust heat levels by tweaking the chili powder or using milder sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Mozzarella melts well and provides that familiar pizza vibe. You can also mix in cheddar for sharpness or use paneer for more authenticity.

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Fusion Cooking at Its Best

Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is more than just a creative dish—it’s a celebration of global flavors and culinary innovation. It’s perfect for those days when you’re feeling adventurous, or when you want to serve something that surprises and delights your guests.

This recipe is also a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters. Because who doesn’t love pizza?

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two iconic cuisines in one dish

• Perfect for pizza nights with a twist

• Customizable for spice, toppings, and dietary needs

• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly

Whether you’re a curry lover looking to try something new or a pizza fan wanting to branch out, this Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is the fusion recipe your kitchen has been waiting for.

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Give It a Try!

So next time you’re torn between ordering pizza or Indian food, make the best of both worlds and cook this Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza at home. It’s bold, creamy, melty, crispy, and downright addictive.

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