The Best Tandoori Chicken Pizza Recipe

The moment I had tandoori chicken pizza, it was pure magic. The charred, smoky chicken, the creamy, spiced sauce, the balance of cheese and crunchy crust—it was like a flavor bomb I never saw coming. But here’s the problem. No matter how many times I tried ordering it from various slots, everything felt slightly lacking. The chicken was sometimes too dry, the sauce too bland, and the crust too soft.

I just knew I needed to make it at home. I wanted to create a pizza that surpasses the quality of takeout. A pizza with bold, deep flavors in every bite. After several attempts (okay, maybe more than several), I finally nailed it. The ideal tandoori chicken pizza—flavorful, juicy, crunchy, and cheesy in all the right ways.

If you’ve ever wanted a pizza that’s smoky, spicy, and oozing with flavor, this is your pizza. And trust me — it’s easier than you may think to make. 

So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a pizza that will leave everyone begging for more!

List of Ingredients You’ll Need for a Tasty Tandoori Chicken Pizza

This tandoori chicken pizza combines big flavor, a crispy crust, and gooey cheese, all in one bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Tandoori Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breast for a leaner option)
• Plain Yogurt
• Tandoori Masala
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Salt

For the Pizza Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour (or Bread Flour for a chewier crust)
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Lukewarm Water
• Olive Oil

Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough or naan bread for a quicker option.

For the Sauce:

• Tomato Sauce or Paste
• Plain Yogurt
• Garam Masala
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Salt
• Black Pepper

For the Toppings:

• Mozzarella Cheese
• Red Onion, thinly sliced
• Bell Peppers (Red, Green, or Yellow)
• Fresh Cilantro or Mint
• Jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and salt.
2. Coat the chicken well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for maximum flavor).

Chef’s Tip: A longer marination results in juicier, more flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water and olive oil, stirring to combine.
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Cook the Tandoori Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill.
2. Remove excess marinade and bake or grill the chicken for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Let it rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Tip: Grilling enhances the smoky, restaurant-style flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, yogurt, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Roll out the pizza dough and spread a layer of the prepared sauce.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
3. Add tandoori chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
4. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
5. Garnish with cilantro or mint before serving.

How Many Calories in Tandoori Chicken Pizza?

The exact amount varies, depending on serving size and toppings. Here’s an approximate per-slice (based on an 8-slice pizza):

• Tandoori Chicken – 90–120 calories
• Dough – 150–200 calories
• Sauce & Cheese – 100–150 calories
• Vegetables & Herbs – 20–50 calories

A total Calories Per Slice are about 350–500 (depending on cheese and crust thickness).

Customization Ideas:

Tandoori Chicken Pizza is tasty as it is, but you can make it even better with your own twist! Try these fun changes:

• Cheese Choices – Mozzarella is classic, but you can add feta for a salty kick or smoked gouda for a deep flavor.
• Vegetable Toppings – Bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, or even pineapple can add a unique touch.
• Spice Level – Want it spicier? Add extra chili flakes or sliced jalapeños. Prefer mild? Use a creamy yogurt drizzle.
• Meat Alternatives – Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or shrimp for a different but delicious taste.
• Crust Options – Try a whole wheat crust for a healthy twist or a naan base for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best chefs make mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:

• Too Many Toppings – Overloading your pizza can make the crust soggy. Keep it balanced.
• Not Preheating the Oven – A hot oven ensures a crispy crust. Always preheat before baking.
• Thick Crust Issues – If you love thick crust, bake it longer to avoid a doughy center.
• Overcooking the Chicken – The chicken will cook again in the oven. Keep it juicy by not overcooking.

Storing & Reheating Tips (Keep It Fresh & Crispy!)

If you want to enjoy your pizza later, follow these simple steps:

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating – To keep it crispy, heat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust chewy.

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Best With Tandoori Pizza?

Make your pizza night even better with these tasty pairings:

• Fresh Side Salad – A cucumber and mint yogurt salad cools down the spices.
• Perfect Drinks – Pair it with a rose sharbat for sweetness or masala chai for warmth.
• Dipping Sauces – Try mint chutney, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Want more great recipes? Try these from our collection:

• Chicken Tikka Masala – A creamy, flavorful classic.
• Peri Peri Chicken – Spicy grilled chicken you’ll love.
• Restaurant-Style Palak Paneer – A rich and nutritious dish.
• Original Ema Datshi – Bhutan’s famous spicy cheese dish.

Each of these dishes pairs well with pizza or makes a great meal on its own!

Last Thoughts

This tandoori chicken pizza is the ultimate fusion between Indian flavors and classic pizza. Whether you bake or grill the chicken, and whether you make your own dough or use store-bought naan, the outcome is always delicious. Give it try today!

Nutritional Detail (Per Slice – 1/8th of Pizza)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360 kcal
Carbohydrates	36g
Protein	19g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	5g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g
Monounsaturated Fat	8g
Trans Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	1100mg
Potassium	260mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2.5g
Vitamin A	410 IU
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	170mg
Iron	2mg

This homemade tandoori chicken pizza not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a better nutritional balance than many store-bought or restaurant pizzas.