This Chicken Pizza recipe is a delightful combination of a soft, fluffy crust, flavorful chicken, and a deliciously cheesy topping. With a homemade dough and perfectly seasoned chicken, this pizza is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. The sauce-filled crust adds a special touch that makes every bite irresistible.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough to rise)
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients for Dough:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant rise yeast
- ½ cup (120 ml) lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for enhanced flavor)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredients for Chicken:
- 250g (9 oz) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp oil
Ingredients for Pizza Sauce and Assembly:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp oregano
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese (to taste)
- Vegetables of choice (for garnish)
Directions:
For the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix sugar, yeast, and lukewarm water. Be careful not to use too warm water as it can kill the yeast.
- Add olive oil and mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sift in 1 cup of flour and add salt (don’t mix the salt directly with yeast).
- Combine the mixture with a dough whisk and knead by hand, adding water gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Knead until smooth, place in an oiled bowl, and let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
For the Chicken:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper, Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and oil.
- Heat oil in a pan, add the marinated chicken, stir fry for a minute, then cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium and cook until the water evaporates and the chicken is fully cooked.
For the Pizza Assembly:
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and Tabasco sauce for the pizza stuffing sauce.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, place it on a greased pizza tray, and fold the edges. Pipe the sauce mixture into the crust for a filled crust.
- Prepare pizza sauce by mixing ketchup, hot sauce, and oregano. Spread this sauce on the pizza dough.
- Add the cooked chicken chunks, sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and garnish with vegetables of your choice.
- Brush oil on the crust and sprinkle oregano.
Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Enjoy with a cold beverage like soda or lemonade.
- Serve with extra dipping sauces like garlic mayo or ranch.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure the water for the yeast is lukewarm, not too hot.
- Marinate the chicken for extra flavor if you have time.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier base.
- Brush the crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Chicken: High in protein and low in fat.
- Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
- Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fats to the dough.
- Kashmiri chili: Adds color without excessive heat.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or paneer.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour for the dough.
- Low-carb option: Replace the dough with a cauliflower crust.
- Nut-free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 150mg
Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The sauce-filled crust adds a delicious twist.
- You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences.
- The combination of mozzarella and cheddar makes the pizza extra cheesy.
- The homemade dough ensures a soft and flavorful base.
- It’s a fun and interactive recipe to make with family or friends.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Pizza is a delicious homemade alternative to takeout pizza, combining a soft and flavorful dough with perfectly cooked, spiced chicken and a cheesy, gooey topping. The sauce-filled crust adds an extra layer of flavor, making every bite satisfying. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time, but homemade gives a better texture and flavor.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
- What other toppings can I add? You can add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, or any other favorite pizza toppings.
- Can I make this pizza without a pizza oven? Yes, a regular oven works perfectly fine. Just bake at 200°C (392°F) as mentioned.
- How can I make the crust crispier? Bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or bake it at a higher temperature for a few minutes to achieve a crispier crust.