If you love the rich, creamy flavors of classic Indian butter chicken and crave the crispy, cheesy allure of pizza, then this Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine a golden, bubbly crust layered with tender, saucy butter chicken, mozzarella melting into every bite, and fresh bursts of cilantro and tomatoes that elevate every slice. This recipe brings together the best of two beloved culinary worlds, making it perfect for a fun dinner that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to whip up. Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable fusion feast you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, making sure your pizza tastes as vibrant as it looks. From the soft, chewy dough to the spicy, creamy butter chicken topping, these essentials come together effortlessly to create magic.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the foundation for your crispy, chewy crust.
- 1 cup cooked butter chicken (chopped, with sauce): Tender chicken pieces soaked in luscious spices and gravy add rich Indian flavor.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or reserved butter chicken sauce: Forms the tangy, flavorful base layer on the dough.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic melty cheese that brings gooey, creamy goodness.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a subtle crunch and mild sharpness that complements the creamy topping.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds freshness and juicy bursts of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional): A sprinkle of warm spices to deepen the complexity.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped): Bright, herbal garnish that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed over the dough for a golden, slightly crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Keeps your work surface and dough from sticking while shaping.
How to Make Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone inside if you have one — this extra step crisps your crust beautifully by providing consistent heat right from the bottom. High heat is key to achieving that perfect golden crust while bubbling the cheese just right.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour and roll your dough into a 12-inch circle or oval shape. This size gives you a generous pizza that fits well on most baking sheets, ensuring even cooking. Transfer your dough to a floured pizza peel or baking sheet for easy handling.
Step 3: Brush with Olive Oil
Gently brush the surface of your rolled dough with olive oil. This simple step adds a beautiful golden finish and helps the crust crisp up without drying out as it bakes.
Step 4: Spread the Sauce
Use either your pizza sauce or the reserved butter chicken sauce to spread an even layer across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This flavorful base is what ties the entire pizza together, giving it that signature tang and richness.
Step 5: Add the Butter Chicken Topping
Scatter the chopped butter chicken evenly over the sauced dough. Make sure to include some of that luscious sauce for moisture and flavor. Each bite promises tender chicken infused with creamy Indian spices.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Veggies
Top the pizza generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, then add thin red onion slices and halved cherry tomatoes. The cheese melts into gooey pockets, while the veggies offer fresh crunch and bursts of bright, tart flavor.
Step 7: Sprinkle Garam Masala and Bake
If you want to jazz up your Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe, sprinkle a pinch of garam masala over the top. This optional spice adds warmth and subtle complexity. Bake your pizza for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Step 8: Garnish and Slice
Once your pizza emerges from the oven, finish it off by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro all over. This herbaceous touch perfectly balances the rich, creamy flavors. Slice it up and enjoy while hot!
How to Serve Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe with fresh cilantro is a must, but feel free to add a drizzle of warm cream or yogurt just before serving. This adds another layer of luscious creaminess and helps mellow the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a simple cucumber raita or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. These lighter accompaniments refresh the palate and complement the rich, hearty pizza perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pizza on naan bread for an easy flatbread style, or cut it into smaller squares for appetizers at your next gathering. Pairing it with a fruity mango chutney dip or a cool mint sauce adds unexpected layers of flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pizza completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your fusion favorite anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
For the best reheated pizza, warm slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and the crust re-crisps. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust chewy and soggy instead of maintaining that perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought butter chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought butter chicken is a convenient way to save time, and it works perfectly for this pizza. Just chop it up and include some of the sauce for flavorful topping.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries at all—you can bake this pizza on a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It might not have quite the same crispiness on the bottom, but the flavors will shine through beautifully.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the butter chicken for your favorite paneer tikka or roasted vegetables cooked in butter chicken sauce for a delicious vegetarian twist on this recipe.
Is garam masala necessary?
Garam masala is optional but highly recommended. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the creamy butter chicken sauce, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Can I use naan instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Naan makes an excellent quick pizza base, especially if you want a soft, chewy flatbread-style pizza. Just top and bake it for a shorter time until cheese melts and edges crisp up.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe is one of those dazzling dishes that perfectly blends comfort food with adventurous flavor. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving family or friends. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that livens up pizza night in the most delicious way imaginable!
Print
Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (2–4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Butter Chicken Pizza is a delicious fusion dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Indian butter chicken with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a classic pizza. This recipe uses cooked butter chicken, a flavorful tomato-based curry with tender chicken pieces, atop a hand-rolled pizza dough, topped with mozzarella cheese, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic spices, then baked to perfection. It’s perfect for those craving an innovative twist on pizza with bold Indian flavors.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Butter Chicken Topping
- 1 cup cooked butter chicken (chopped, with sauce)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or reserved butter chicken sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat thoroughly during this time to achieve a crisp, evenly cooked crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or oval shape. Transfer the rolled dough onto a floured pizza peel or baking sheet to prepare for topping.
- Oil the Dough: Brush the surface of the rolled dough lightly with olive oil. This helps develop a golden crust and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
- Add Sauce: Spread the butter chicken sauce or alternatively pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the chopped cooked butter chicken pieces on top of the sauce layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then add thinly sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Optional Spices: For an extra aromatic touch, sprinkle a pinch of garam masala evenly over the toppings to enhance the Indian flavor profile.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or onto the pizza stone. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Slice into wedges and serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a quicker flatbread-style pizza, use naan bread as the base instead of rolling out pizza dough.
- To add extra richness, drizzle a spoonful of warm cream or yogurt over the pizza just before serving.
