Name: Butter Chicken Naan Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed; ½ cup plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp turmeric; ½ tsp chili powder; Salt to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 ½ cups tomato purée; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp garam masala; Salt to taste; 4 naan breads (store-bought or homemade); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Yogurt or sour cream, for drizzling (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Chicken Naan Pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza. The buttery, spiced chicken pairs wonderfully with the warm, soft naan, while the mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, comforting layer. The dish is a true indulgence, bringing rich, creamy flavors with a hint of spice. It’s quick and easy to make, yet feels special enough to serve on any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the iconic flavors of butter chicken in a new, fun form!

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken:

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 ½ cups tomato purée
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste

For the Naan Pizza:

4 naan breads (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Yogurt or sour cream, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the cubed chicken and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for better flavor).
Cook the Butter Chicken Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato purée, sugar, salt, and garam masala. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Marinated Chicken: In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the butter chicken sauce and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.
Assemble the Naan Pizza: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the naan on a baking sheet. Spoon the butter chicken mixture evenly over each naan, ensuring not to add too much excess sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and red onion slices (if using).
Bake the Naan Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally, drizzle with yogurt or sour cream for an extra creamy touch. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 naan pizzas
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use Leftover Butter Chicken: Speed up the prep time by using leftover butter chicken. Just heat it up and assemble the pizzas.
Substitute Protein: Swap the chicken for paneer for a vegetarian option, or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Add Extra Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the butter chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: Adjust the chili powder to your liking for more or less heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover naan pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. Alternatively, use a skillet over low heat to reheat and keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the butter chicken sauce ahead of time. Just assemble the naan pizzas and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use store-bought naan for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought naan works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use homemade naan if you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free naan or flatbread for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

4. Can I freeze these naan pizzas?

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked naan pizzas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, cook directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes.

5. Can I add other toppings to this naan pizza?

Yes, feel free to add toppings like olives, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for a unique twist.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheese for added flavor.

7. How do I avoid a soggy naan pizza?

Ensure that you don’t add too much excess sauce to the naan before baking, and bake the pizza on a baking sheet with a raised edge to allow air to circulate underneath.

8. How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a mild spice level due to the chili powder and garam masala, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or even fresh chilies if you like it spicier.

9. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, for a vegan version, replace the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh, use dairy-free cheese, and substitute the cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

10. What kind of sauce goes well with butter chicken naan pizza?

A cool yogurt-based sauce like raita or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce would complement the flavors of butter chicken naan pizza perfectly.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Naan Pizza is the ultimate fusion dish, combining the rich flavors of creamy butter chicken with the crispy goodness of naan and gooey melted cheese. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a fun weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a party, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Enjoy the perfect blend of Indian spices and pizza in every bite!