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I Fell in Love with Butter Chicken Pizza (And Why Your Family Will Too)

Butter Chicken Pizza combines the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken with the cheesy goodness of pizza. This fusion recipe is a perfect blend of Indian and Italian cuisines, making it a crowd-pleaser with a unique twist!
Butter Chicken Pizza combines the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken with the cheesy goodness of pizza. This fusion recipe is a perfect blend of Indian and Italian cuisines, making it a crowd-pleaser with a unique twist!

Let me take you back to 2022. I’m at a food truck in Seattle, skeptical about “Indian-Italian fusion.” Butter Chicken Pizza? I ordered it to be polite. One bite later—mind blown. Creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese on crispy crust? I’ve made this weekly ever since. My kids call it “curry pizza night.” Here’s how to create this flavor explosion in your kitchen—no takeout required.

Why Butter Chicken Pizza?

This fusion dish is perfect for anyone who:

  • Loves Indian food but fears complicated recipes
  • Wants dinner ready in 30 minutes (yes, really!)
  • Needs to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken

I’m obsessed because:

  • It’s kid-approved (my picky eater licks the plate)
  • Costs less than $15 for two large pizzas
  • Feels fancy but requires basic ingredients

My 7-Ingredient Cheat Sheet

No specialty stores needed. Here’s my grocery list:

  1. Dough: Store-bought pizza dough or naan (Trader Joe’s garlic naan works!)
  2. Butter chicken sauce: Jarred (Patak’s)
  3. Chicken: Rotisserie leftovers or canned chunk chicken.
  4. Cheese: Shredded mozzarella + cheddar blend.
  5. Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt for marinade.
  6. Spices: Garam masala, cumin, paprika.
  7. Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley.

Total cost: 18vs.18vs.40+ at fusion restaurants.

The Sauce Shortcut That Changed My Life

Jarred sauce: Perfect for busy nights. Doctor it up:

  • Mix 1 cup Patak’s butter chicken sauce + 2 tbsp heavy cream + 1 tsp honey.

Homemade hack (when feeling fancy):

  • Sauté 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste in 2 tbsp butter.
  • Add 1 tsp each: garam masala, cumin, paprika.
  • Stir in 1 cup tomato puree + ½ cup cream. Simmer 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Recipe (Weeknight Warrior Edition)

1. Marinate Chicken (5 Minutes)

  • Mix 2 cups shredded chicken with ¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp each garam masala and lemon juice.

2. Prep Dough

  • Stretch store-bought dough into a 12-inch circle.
  • Or: Brush naan with garlic butter.

3. Layer Flavors

  1. Spread sauce: ½ cup butter chicken sauce (leave 1-inch border).
  2. Add cheese: 1½ cups shredded blend.
  3. Top chicken: Spread marinated chicken evenly.
  4. Optional: Add caramelized onions or paneer cubes.

4. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese bubbles.
  • Broil 1 minute for golden spots (watch closely!).

5. Finish

  • Sprinkle cilantro. Drizzle extra sauce.

6 Mistakes I Made (Save Your Dinner!)

  1. Soggy crust: Pat chicken dry—wet marinade = mushy base.
  2. Bland sauce: Add ½ tsp sugar to jarred sauce for balance.
  3. Burnt spices: Cook spice blends in butter/oil first.
  4. Over-cheesing: 1½ cups max. More hides the chicken.
  5. Raw dough: Preheat baking sheet 10 minutes for crispiness.
  6. Skipped garnish: Fresh herbs cut through richness.

Customize Your Fusion Masterpiece

  • Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or chili garlic sauce.
  • Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower + chickpeas.
  • Gluten-free: Use cauliflower crust or gluten-free naan.
  • Extra creamy: Dollop plain yogurt before serving.

What to Serve With Your Pizza

  • Weeknight dinner: Cucumber raita + store-bought samosas.
  • Game day: Mango lassi + spicy roasted peanuts.
  • Date night: Coconut rice + candlelight (it works!).

Why Homemade Beats Takeout

  1. Control heat: Mild for kids, spicy for adults.
  2. Budget-friendly: 4perpizzavs.4perpizzavs.25+ delivery.
  3. Healthier: Reduce cream/oil without sacrificing flavor.

Freezer Hacks for Busy Moms

  1. Freeze individual portions: Pre-slice, wrap in foil. Reheat at 375°F for 15 mins.
  2. Pre-mix spice blends: Store garam masala mix in jars.
  3. Batch-cook chicken: Freeze shredded chicken in sauce.

My Pantry Savior

Keep canned chicken and jarred sauce for “emergency pizza nights.” My kids never know the difference!

You Can’t Ruin This!

My first attempt used jarred Alfredo sauce (don’t ask). My third resembled orange soup. My sixth? My Indian neighbor said, “Tastes like Delhi!” Start simple. Embrace the fusion.

P.S. Leftover sauce? Toss with pasta + peas. Kid-approved “curry mac”! 🍛🍕

Butter Chicken Pizza FAQ (From My DMs!)

  1. No garam masala? Use curry powder + cinnamon.
  2. Too spicy? Add 1 tbsp honey to sauce.
  3. Vegan option? Use coconut milk + vegan butter.

Now preheat that oven. Your taste buds are about to take a first-class trip to Flavor Town—no passport needed!

Why This Recipe Works for Real Life

I’ve tested this through teething babies, power outages, and last-minute playdates. It survives:

  • Substitutions: Used tofu when chicken sold out.
  • Shortcuts: Store-bought naan on pediatrician days.
  • Mini versions: Made personal pizzas for fussy eaters.

The Science Behind the Fusion

Butter chicken’s acidity (tomatoes, yogurt) balances pizza’s richness. Fat in cheese carries spice flavors. Pro tip: Add 1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek) for authentic aroma.

Kid-Tested Tweaks

  • Hide veggies: Grate zucchini into sauce.
  • Dippable: Serve pizza strips with raita.
  • Fun shapes: Use cookie cutters for stars/hearts.

Final Tip from My Kitchen

Butter Chicken Pizza taught me that food rules are meant to be broken. Who says curry belongs only in bowls? Next time you’re bored with dinner routines, grab that naan. Your family’s taste buds—and your Instagram—will thank you.

Hungry for more fusion? My Tikka Masala Tacos recipe drops next week—follow me so you don’t miss it! 🌮✨

Butter Chicken Pizza Pro Tips

  1. Better leftovers: Reheat in skillet for crispy crust.
  2. Meal prep: Freeze butter chicken filling in muffin tins.
  3. Party trick: Serve appetizer-sized naan pizzas.

The Origin Story (For Food Nerds Like Me!)
Butter chicken was born in 1950s Delhi from leftover tandoori chicken. Smart chefs simmered it in spiced tomato cream—genius! Pizza fusion likely started in multicultural cities like Toronto or London. Whoever combined them? Bravo.

Ready to Roll?
Grab that dough. Your kitchen’s about to smell like a Mumbai street food stall meets Naples pizzeria. Let’s get saucy!

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1
Calories: 320
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Butter Chicken Pizza combines the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken with the cheesy goodness of pizza. This fusion recipe is a perfect blend of Indian and Italian cuisines, making it a crowd-pleaser with a unique twist!

Ingredients
    For the Toppings:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
  • 1 tsp salt 🧂
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C) 💧
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
    • For the Toppings:
  • 2 tbsp butter 🧈
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 cup tomato purée 🍅
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder 🌶️
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced 🍗
  • Salt to taste
    • For the Toppings:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced 🌶️
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish 🌿
Instructions
    Prepare the Dough
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, mix yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. 3
    Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
    5. Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
  5. 5
    Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and golden.
  6. 6
    Add tomato purée, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
  7. 7
    Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
    8. Preheat the Oven
  8. 8
    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
    9. Shape the Dough
  9. 9
    Roll out the dough into a thin circle (12-14 inches) on a floured surface. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper.
    10. Assemble the Pizza
  10. 10
    Spread the butter chicken sauce evenly over the dough.
  11. 11
    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  12. 12
    Add red onion slices and diced bell peppers.
    13. Bake the Pizza
  13. 13
    Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
    14. Garnish and Serve
  14. 14
    Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Slice and serve immediately.
Note

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, and spices before cooking. Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder. Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or skillet for the best texture.

Read it online: https://tastyleap.com/recipe/i-fell-in-love-with-butter-chicken-pizza-and-why-your-family-will-too/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.