Quick Chicken Pita Pizza Recipe – Smoky Tikka Mayo & Mozzarella

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Chicken Pita Pizza Recipe – Smoky Tikka Mayo & Mozzarella

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need pizza, but don’t have the time (or energy!) for a full-blown pizza night. That’s where this quick chicken pita pizza comes in. It’s seriously the easiest, most satisfying weeknight meal, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I first made this when my kids were craving pizza but I was short on time – it’s been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pizza. We’re taking the delicious flavors of Indian-inspired smoky tikka mayo and pairing them with classic pizza toppings, all on a soft, chewy pita bread. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and is totally customizable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover shredded chicken! Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pita pizza:

• 1 Arabian Pita (Khuboos)
• 0.5 cup Shredded Chicken (about 125g)
• 0.5 tbsp Oregano
• 0.5 tbsp Black Pepper powder
• 2-3 Black Olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Eggless Mayo
• 1.5 tbsp Smoky Tikka Mayo/Pizza Sauce
• 2 tbsp grated Mozzarella (about 25g)
• 0.5 tbsp minced Coriander leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Arabian Pita/Khuboos: This is key! It’s soft, pliable, and holds up beautifully to the toppings. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, a regular pita bread will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
• Smoky Tikka Mayo: This is where the magic happens! It adds a wonderful smoky flavor that really elevates the pizza. You can find it pre-made, or easily make your own by mixing tikka masala paste with mayonnaise. Pizza sauce is a great substitute if you can’t find it.
• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor and helps the pita get nice and golden brown.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat a skillet on low flame and brush it with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. This is important – we want a nice, even heat without burning the pita.
2. Place the pita on a plate and spread Smoky Tikka Mayo or Pizza Sauce evenly over it. Don’t be shy!
3. Layer shredded chicken and chopped black olives on the pita. Sprinkle oregano and black pepper powder over the top.
4. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the pizza. A little extra oil helps the cheese melt beautifully.
5. Carefully transfer the assembled pita to the preheated skillet. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the pita is warmed through. The lid traps the heat and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
6. Remove from skillet, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and drizzle eggless mayo before serving.
7. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pita with toppings. Less is often more!
• Keep the heat low and slow. This prevents the pita from burning before the cheese melts.
• If you don’t have a lid for your skillet, you can use a large plate or baking sheet to cover it.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan mozzarella alternative and vegan mayo. You can also swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. My friend, Priya, makes a fantastic version with spiced chickpeas!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tikka mayo for an extra kick.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: Use pre-shredded chicken and pre-grated cheese to save even more time.
• Festival/Game Day Snack Adaptation: Make mini pita pizzas using smaller pita breads – perfect for parties!

Serving Suggestions

This pita pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A side salad
• Some crispy potato wedges
• A cooling raita (yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

This pita pizza is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore some of the crispness.

FAQs

What type of pita bread works best for this recipe?

Arabian pita (Khuboos) is ideal because of its soft texture. But regular pita bread will work too!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.

Can this be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before cooking.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Ground beef, lamb, paneer (Indian cheese), or even leftover roasted vegetables would all be great substitutes.

Is Smoky Tikka Mayo essential for the flavor profile?

While it adds a unique and delicious flavor, you can definitely use pizza sauce as a substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!