Name: Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Fusion - American/Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1 cup chili garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, but adds a nice flavor); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish; 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this incredible Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza, a dish that expertly balances bold, spicy flavors with the comforting familiarity of a classic pizza. From the first crispy, golden bite of the crust to the luscious melted cheese layered with tender, garlicky chicken, this pizza brings a thrilling twist to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to spice up a quiet night in or impress guests with something unforgettable, the Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza is your new go-to recipe for a deliciously memorable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs in vibrant flavors and textures that come together perfectly. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the mouthwatering taste, the perfect texture, or even a pop of color that makes this Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza so visually inviting.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for your pizza dough, providing structure and that classic chewy crust.
Sugar and salt: Just the right amount to activate the yeast and enhance flavor.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully, light and airy.
Warm water: Essential to activate the yeast without killing it.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps keep it tender.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for absorbing the chili garlic marinade.
Garlic and red chilies: The dynamic duo that creates that signature spicy, aromatic punch.
Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil: These combine into a flavorful marinade that balances heat with sweet and tangy notes.
Red pepper flakes: Optional but excellent for dialling up the heat.
Chili garlic sauce: The soul of the pizza, it adds depth and that irresistible saucy kick.
Mozzarella and provolone cheeses: The gooey, melty duo that blankets the pizza in delicious creaminess.
Fresh cilantro and green onions: Bright garnishes that add freshness and a lovely contrast.
Sesame seeds: A subtle crunch and nutty flavor to finish things off (optional).

How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until the dough forms. Knead it well on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is the foundation for that perfect crust – soft yet crisp and slightly chewy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

While the dough is rising, get your chicken ready. In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that will take the chicken to the next level.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. This locks in all those juicy flavors and ensures every bite bursts with zest.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Spread a generous layer of chili garlic sauce over the base, then evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top, creating that luscious cheesy blanket that melts just right in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza onto a hot baking stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden brown. The aroma alone will have you eager to dig in!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right after baking, sprinkle fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add freshness and a little crunch, making every bite exciting and vibrant.

How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions brighten the rich, spicy flavors, while sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and textural contrast that keeps the experience fresh and delicious with every bite.

Side Dishes

An easy side salad with crisp cucumbers and a light vinaigrette beautifully balances the pizza’s heat. Alternatively, serving some cooling yogurt-based dips or a simple roasted vegetable medley can round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza on a wooden pizza peel for that rustic, authentic feel. Cut it into small squares for a fun party appetizer or present each slice with a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce for spice lovers looking for an extra kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover slices of Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day quick meal.

Freezing

If you want to save some pizza for longer, freeze individual slices by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. This pizza keeps well frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, reheat your pizza slices in a hot oven or a non-stick skillet instead of a microwave. This method keeps the crust crunchy and the cheese melty and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time; just toss it in the chili garlic sauce briefly before adding it to your pizza to ensure it absorbs those wonderful flavors.

How spicy is the Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted. Use fewer chilies or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add more if you love turning up the heat!

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, you can switch out provolone for other melty cheeses like fontina or gouda, or just stick with mozzarella for a classic, creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can use gluten-free flour blends to make the dough, though the texture may vary slightly; just be sure the other ingredients like soy sauce are also gluten-free.

Can I make the chili garlic sauce myself?

Definitely! Making your own chili garlic sauce at home allows you to customize the heat and freshness, using ingredients like fresh chilies, garlic, vinegar, and a hint of sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of bold flavors brought together in perfect harmony. I encourage you to try this recipe because it turns an ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary experience that everyone will remember. Give it a go and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after spicy, cheesy bite!

Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza is a flavor-packed twist on classic pizza nights, combining a crispy homemade crust, tender chili garlic-infused chicken, and a blend of creamy cheeses. This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet notes with a delicious chili garlic sauce, making it an exciting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home and sure to impress.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion – American/Asian-inspired
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the 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

For the Pizza Toppings:

1 cup chili garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the pizza dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour and salt, then mix in the olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Cook the chili garlic chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red chilies, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-4 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Preheat oven and prepare the pizza base: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lightly brushed with olive oil.
Assemble the pizza: Spread the chili garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer the cooked chili garlic chicken evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
Bake the pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Add garnishes and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional sesame seeds. Slice and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy and savory flavors.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red chilies and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
If you prefer, substitute gluten-free flour to make the dough gluten-free, but expect a slightly different texture.
To make your own chili garlic sauce, combine chopped garlic, red chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of honey or sugar.
For extra crispiness, prebake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used for other dishes like wraps or salads.