Name: Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza: A Fusion Feast of Spices and Cheese
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if preferred); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter or ghee; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat); 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt to taste

Description

Some recipes are born from tradition, while others are inspired by creative fusion—and Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza is the best of both worlds. This dish takes the rich, spiced creaminess of India’s famous chicken tikka masala and combines it with the universally loved comfort of pizza. Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even game nights, it’s a recipe that’s both exciting and satisfying. The bold, aromatic sauce paired with tender chicken pieces and gooey melted cheese makes every slice unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Chicken Marinade

1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt

For the Tikka Masala Sauce

2 tbsp butter or ghee
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for the marinade. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through (it will finish cooking in the oven). Set aside.
For the sauce, melt butter in a pan. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and adjust seasoning with salt. Cook until the sauce is thickened.
Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread tikka masala sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Top with mozzarella cheese, partially cooked chicken, red onion, and bell peppers.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes marination)
Cook Time: 30 minutes