Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe – Tandoori Chicken & Kashmiri Chili

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe – Tandoori Chicken & Kashmiri Chili

Okay, friends, buckle up! I’m about to share a recipe that completely blew my mind – and will probably blow yours too. It’s a fusion dream: Butter Chicken Pizza! Yes, you read that right. All the creamy, dreamy goodness of butter chicken, piled high on a crispy pizza crust with tender tandoori chicken. I first made this for a game night with friends, and it was an instant hit. Prepare for serious pizza cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just good pizza, it’s an experience. We’re talking about taking two comfort food champions – Indian butter chicken and Italian pizza – and marrying them in the most delicious way possible. The smoky tandoori chicken, the rich tomato-based sauce, and the bubbly mozzarella… honestly, what’s not to love? It’s a little bit of work, but trust me, it’s SO worth it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress anyone you’re cooking for.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Butter Chicken Pizza magic happen:

• 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes
• 2 green chilies
• 2 tbsp garlic ginger paste
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 2 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp tandoori masala
• 3 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp tandoori masala
• Pizza dough (enough for 2 pizzas)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few of these are key to getting that authentic flavor.

• Kashmiri Chili Powder: Don’t skip this! It gives the sauce that beautiful red color and a mild, fruity heat. It’s different than regular chili powder. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of paprika and a pinch of cayenne, but it won’t be quite the same.
• Kasoori Methi: These dried fenugreek leaves add a unique, slightly bitter, and wonderfully aromatic flavor that’s essential to butter chicken. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Tandoori Masala: There are tons of pre-made tandoori masala blends out there, and they’re all a little different. Feel free to use your favorite!
• Pizza Dough: This is where things get serious. For the best results, I highly recommend using a 2-day fermented pizza dough. The longer fermentation develops so much more flavor and gives you a beautifully airy, chewy crust. It makes a huge difference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of tandoori masala. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer is better!). Then, cook the chicken until nicely charred – you can grill it, bake it, or even pan-fry it. Once cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Butter Chicken Sauce: In a blender, combine the canned tomatoes, green chilies, garlic ginger paste, 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder, kasoori methi, salt, and ½ teaspoon tandoori masala. Blend until smooth.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Heat the neutral oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the tomato mixture and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
4. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your pizza oven to 750°F+ (if you’re lucky enough to have one!). If you’re using a conventional oven, crank it up to its highest temperature – usually around 500-550°F (260-290°C).
5. Assemble the Pizza: Stretch out your pizza dough. Spread a generous layer of the butter chicken sauce over the dough, leaving a little space for the crust. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with the sliced tandoori chicken, red onions, and a few extra green chilies if you like it spicy.
6. Bake the Pizza: If using a pizza oven, bake for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. In a conventional oven, bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is blistered and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Garnish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overload the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Use high-quality mozzarella: It makes a difference in the flavor and melt.
• Hot oven is key: The hotter the oven, the crispier the crust.

Variations

• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of green chilies or Kashmiri chili powder. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper later if you want more kick.
• Gluten-Free Crust Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are some really good ones out there now!
• Festival/Game Day Adaptation: Make mini pizzas on naan bread for easy snacking at parties. My family loves this!

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is a meal in itself, but if you want sides, I recommend a simple cucumber raita (yogurt dip) to cool things down, or a side salad with a light vinaigrette.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this pizza is best enjoyed immediately. But if you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to crisp up the crust.

FAQs

• Is this pizza best served immediately? Absolutely! The crust is crispiest and the cheese is melty-est when it’s fresh out of the oven.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Sure! Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious.
• What is Kasoori Methi and can I substitute it? Kasoori Methi are dried fenugreek leaves. If you absolutely can’t find them, you can try substituting with a teaspoon of dried oregano, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Reduce the amount of green chilies and Kashmiri chili powder.
• Can I make the butter chicken sauce ahead of time? Yes! You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• What’s the best way to get a crispy pizza crust at home? Use a pizza stone or steel, preheat your oven to the highest temperature, and don’t overload the pizza with toppings.