Tandoori Chicken Naan Pizza: A Flavorful Twist on Tradition Recipe

Introduction

This Tandoori Chicken Naan Pizza offers a delightful fusion of Indian spices and the comforting appeal of pizza. Featuring tender, marinated chicken atop soft naan bread, it’s a vibrant dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful gathering with friends.

The image shows small flatbreads on a wooden board, each topped with several layers. The base is a lightly browned, slightly puffy flatbread. On top of this, there are pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly charred texture, mixed with sliced green bell peppers and red onions. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The final layer is a thick drizzle of creamy white sauce with small black specks of seasoning, which drips slightly over the edges. A white marbled surface is visible beneath the wooden board in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker consistency)
  • 3 cloves garlic (fresh or minced)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (lime juice can be substituted)
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika (regular paprika for less spice)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (ground coriander as an alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or omit for milder flavor)
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (chicken breasts can be used)
  • 1 cup mango (peach or pineapple can be substituted)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (provolone or feta can provide variation)
  • 4 pieces naan bread (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium red onion (soak slices in cold water to mellow flavor)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • Additional tomato paste (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, hot paprika, cumin, garam masala, and cayenne pepper until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Coat the chicken thighs in half of the marinade, then let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Step 3: Mix the remaining marinade with tomato paste to make a zesty pizza sauce.
  4. Step 4: Grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Spread the sauce generously over each naan bread. Top with grilled chicken, scattered mango pieces, red onion slices, and mozzarella cheese.
  6. Step 6: Place the assembled naan pizzas on the grill or in a skillet and cook until the cheese melts and edges are crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh mint and cilantro right before serving for added freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

  • Soaking red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes softens their sharpness without losing crunch.
  • Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but watch cooking time to keep the meat tender.
  • Swap mango with peaches or pineapple for a different fruity touch that pairs well with the spices.
  • For extra heat, add a sprinkle of fresh chili flakes before serving.
  • If you can’t grill, baking the chicken and pizza in a hot oven works well too.

Storage

Store leftover naan pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the edges crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows two small flatbreads placed on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. Each flatbread has a thick, golden-brown crust with some char marks. The first layer is melted white cheese covering the flatbread. On top, there are pieces of cooked chicken in a light brown color mixed with cooked vegetables like green bell peppers and onions, which add green and purple colors. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top. The dish is finished with drizzles of white creamy sauce with black pepper specks spread across the toppings. In the background, there is a white bowl with extra creamy sauce and a spoon inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, the marinade can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Marinate the chicken shortly before cooking for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of naan bread?

If naan isn’t available, pita bread or flatbreads are good substitutes that will hold toppings well and crisp nicely when cooked.

Print

Tandoori Chicken Naan Pizza: A Flavorful Twist on Tradition Recipe

Tandoori Chicken Naan Pizza is a vibrant fusion dish that combines the smoky, spiced flavors of traditional tandoori chicken with the comforting ease of naan bread pizza. Marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and Indian spices, the grilled chicken is paired with a zesty tomato sauce, fresh mango, red onions, and melted mozzarella, finished with fresh mint and cilantro for a refreshing touch. This recipe delivers a delicious twist on conventional pizza with bold, exotic flavors perfect for a flavorful dinner.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 naan pizzas 1x
  • Category: Pizza
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Indian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt (substitute with Greek yogurt for thicker consistency)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (fresh or minced)
  • 1 inch Ginger (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (can substitute with lime juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Hot Paprika (regular paprika for less spice)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (ground coriander as alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste or omit)

Pizza Toppings

  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (chicken breasts as leaner option)
  • 1 cup Mango (peach or pineapple as alternative)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (provolone or feta for variation)

Assembly Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Naan Bread (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (sliced, soak in cold water to mellow)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (adjust to preference)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (adjust to preference)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice, hot paprika, cumin, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended to form the marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the boneless skinless chicken thighs thoroughly with half of the prepared marinade. Cover and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Make the Pizza Sauce: Mix the remaining marinade with tomato paste to create a zesty, flavorful pizza sauce that will pair perfectly with the naan base.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill to medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are lightly charred on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove and slice as needed.
  5. Assemble the Pizzas: Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce on each piece of naan bread. Top each with grilled chicken slices, scattered pieces of mango, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cook the Pizzas: Place the assembled naan pizzas onto the grill or a hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mozzarella has melted and the edges of the naan are crispy and slightly charred.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from heat and sprinkle fresh mint and cilantro on top for a vibrant burst of aroma and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade consistency that clings well to the chicken.
  • Soaking red onion slices in cold water reduces sharpness and adds a mild sweetness.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your spice preference, or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Chicken breasts may be substituted for a leaner option, but may cook faster.
  • Fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro add brightness and should be added just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • If a grill is unavailable, use a stovetop skillet or broiler to cook the chicken and melt the cheese.
  • For a fruit variation, try peaches or pineapple instead of mango.

Keywords: Tandoori Chicken Pizza, Naan Pizza, Indian Fusion Pizza, Grilled Chicken Pizza, Spiced Chicken Pizza

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