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If you love the irresistible zing of Indian spices paired with the comforting familiarity of a crispy pizza, then you are in for a treat with this Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe. This dish combines the smoky, flavorful marinade of tandoori chicken with a homemade pizza crust and a rich, spiced tomato sauce—a delightful fusion that bursts with color, texture, and bold tastes. It’s fun to make, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious to devour, whether you are feeding a family or entertaining friends who crave something a little different from the usual pizza night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick round pizza with a light golden brown crust that has some dark roasted spots on the edge, topped with a red tomato sauce base, slightly melted white cheese layer, scattered green and red bell pepper slices, and thin strips of light purple onion. Small dark brown crispy bits are spread across the top. The pizza sits on a dark gray round plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Though this Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe may look like a feast, its ingredients are refreshingly straightforward and essential for bringing out every vibrant layer of flavor. Each component plays a key role in the final dish, whether it’s the tangy yogurt in the chicken marinade that tenderizes the meat or the fragrant spices that build the sauce’s complexity.

Chicken breast: Thin, bite-sized pieces are ideal for quick marination and even cooking.
Plain whole milk yogurt: Adds creamy tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken.
Fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity that balances the spices.
Crushed garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that form the foundation of Indian-inspired flavors.
Neutral oil (canola or grapeseed): Ensures even cooking without overpowering the spices.
Tomato paste: Delivers a concentrated tomato depth for both marinade and sauce.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.
Tandoori masala powder: The star spice blend that gives this pizza its distinctive tandoori essence.
Paprika powder: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant red color.
Flour (bread or unbleached all-purpose): Forms the sturdy yet tender crust base.
Olive oil: Enriches dough elasticity and adds subtle fruity notes.
Sugar: A pinch helps activate the yeast and balances acid in sauce.
Active dry yeast: The secret to a light, airy pizza crust.
San Marzano tomatoes (canned or fresh): Provide a sweet, rich foundation for the pizza sauce.
Onion and green chili pepper: Add texture and a subtle heat kick to the sauce.
Garlic cloves and bay leaf: Bring aromatic depth to the sauce during simmering.
Italian herbs (oregano, basil, Italian seasoning): Contribute familiar Mediterranean notes and balance the Indian spices.
Additional spices (cumin, coriander, black pepper, red chili flakes): Layer the sauce with complex, warming flavors.
Mozzarella cheese or your preferred blend: Melts beautifully and provides that luscious, stretchy texture we all crave.
Optional sliced toppings (red & green bell peppers, red onion): Add extra crunch, color, and freshness.

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, oil, tomato paste, sea salt, tandoori masala, and paprika. This marinade is where the magic happens—tandoori spices infuse every bite with smoky, tangy, and spicy notes. Let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; overnight is best if you have the time, allowing the flavors to really seep in and tenderize the meat beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Tandoori Chicken

Preheat your oven’s broiler and arrange the marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan. Broil on one side for about 5 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for 4 more. You want a crisp exterior with just a bit of char, mimicking the texture of chicken cooked in a traditional tandoor oven. Once cooked, cover the chicken to keep it warm and juicy until assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Next, activate your yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar until foamy—that’s the key to a fluffy crust. In a bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and olive oil, then gradually add your yeast mixture, kneading until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about an hour. Once risen, punch it down gently and roll it into two 8 to 10-inch pizza bases with a slightly thicker edge for that classic crust feel.

Step 4: Make the Pizza Sauce

Blend tomatoes, onion, and green chili until smooth. Sauté garlic in olive oil until aromatic, then add the tomato blend and remaining seasonings: bay leaf, tomato paste, sugar, sea salt, oregano, basil, tandoori masala, and the extra spices—cumin, coriander, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Let this simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until thickened and fragrant, stirring occasionally and removing the bay leaf before assembly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Pizza

Place your rolled-out dough onto foil-lined sheet pans. Spread a generous layer of the spiced tomato sauce over the crust, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface. Top with the broiled tandoori chicken and any additional vegetables you love, such as sliced bell peppers or red onion. Bake at 450°F for about 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra charred, tandoor effect, broil for an additional couple of minutes. Serve immediately while piping hot and cheesy.

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe

A round pizza with a golden brown thick crust sits on a white metal tray; the pizza has a layer of red tomato sauce topped with melted cheese covered in dark brown cooked spots, scattered with slices of green and red bell peppers and thin rings of purple onion. Next to the tray on a white marbled surface are a white pizza cutter with a colorful red, yellow, and black design on its handle, thin slices of onions, and a white round plate holding two small white bowls—one filled with red pepper flakes and the other with sliced red and green chili peppers. A white cloth with blue stripes is folded near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few rings of raw red onion adds freshness and crunch to balance this richly spiced creation. You can also drizzle a little cooling yogurt sauce or mint chutney on top for a touch of creamy contrast that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This pizza shines when paired with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad, tangy mango chutney, or even a light raita. Such accompaniments refresh the palate and complement the bold spice profile beautifully, making every mouthful feel renewed.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party or family meal, slice your Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve on a wooden board with small bowls of tzatziki, tamarind sauce, or chili oil for dipping. You can also try making mini personal-sized pizzas to let everyone customize their toppings and spice levels—pure joy for both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid sealing it while still hot and reheat promptly.

Freezing

To freeze, cool pizzas completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw refrigerated overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe is in a preheated oven at 375°F until the cheese bubbles and the crust crisps up again, usually about 10 minutes. This method preserves the delicious texture better than a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! While making the dough from scratch adds a wonderful homemade touch, store-bought dough works well and saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Is the chicken spicy?

The heat level depends on your tandoori masala and green chili choices. You can always adjust the spice to your preference by using less masala or omitting the chili pepper for a milder pizza.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the tandoori chicken with grilled paneer cubes or roasted vegetables marinated in the same tandoori spices for a delicious vegetarian twist.

What type of cheese works best on this pizza?

Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but blending mozzarella with a sharper cheese like cheddar or gouda can add a lovely complexity.

How can I replicate the tandoor smoky flavor at home?

Broiling the chicken at a high temperature and finishing the pizza under the broiler mimics the smoky char of a tandoor oven, giving that signature flavor without needing special equipment.

Final Thoughts

This Tandoori Chicken Pizza from Scratch Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that brings something truly special to your kitchen. It’s a fun project that yields a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for sharing and impressing guests. Once you try making it, you’ll find it’s not only a delicious fusion but also a wonderful way to explore bold spices in a familiar, comforting format. Trust me, this pizza will quickly become one of your favorites to make and enjoy again and again!

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