Description
This Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza features a homemade, crispy pizza crust topped with spicy, flavorful chili garlic chicken, a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds. The recipe combines a hand-kneaded dough with an intense chili-garlic marinade for the chicken, cooked to tender perfection and baked to a golden bubbly delight, perfect for those who love a zesty twist on classic pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Chili Garlic Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pizza Toppings
- 1 cup chili garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, bringing the mixture together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour or water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air and prepare for shaping.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes ready for marinating.
- Make the Chili Garlic Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss well to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone inside while it heats if using one for a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion into a 12-inch circle or preferred shape.
- Transfer the Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or directly onto a baking sheet.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of chili garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust edge.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly, followed by optional provolone cheese for added flavor complexity.
- Add the Chicken: Distribute the cooked chili garlic chicken evenly over the cheese layer for a balanced bite every slice.
- Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and optional sesame seeds. Slice and serve immediately.
- Repeat: Repeat the dough rolling and topping steps with the remaining dough and ingredients.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of red chilies according to your spice tolerance.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances the depth of flavor.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Provolone cheese is optional; you can substitute with additional mozzarella or another cheese of choice.
- Letting the pizza cool slightly before slicing helps to prevent the toppings from sliding off.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Keywords: Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza, Spicy Chicken Pizza, Homemade Pizza Dough, Asian Fusion Pizza, Chicken Pizza Recipe
