Flavor Explosion Chicken Pizza

This Thanksgiving Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza transforms your holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering fusion masterpiece. The combination of tender chicken, spicy chili garlic sauce, and melted cheeses creates a perfect balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I created this recipe the weekend after Thanksgiving when my family was tired of traditional leftover sandwiches. Now they request this pizza before the holiday even arrives, knowing what awaits them the following weekend.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour forms the foundation for a perfectly chewy yet crispy crust that stands up to our bold toppings
• Active dry yeast gives the dough its essential rise and adds depth of flavor through fermentation
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein that absorbs our flavor-packed marinade beautifully
• Red chilies bring adjustable heat and bright color to both the marinade and finished pizza
• Soy sauce adds umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates
• Honey balances the heat with necessary sweetness while helping the chicken caramelize
• Chili garlic sauce serves as our pizza base instead of traditional tomato sauce for a bold flavor twist
• Mozzarella and provolone cheeses create the perfect melty, stretchy texture with complementary flavors
• Fresh cilantro and green onions finish the pizza with brightness and color that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast

Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water exactly between 105-115°F. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won't activate it properly. Wait until the mixture becomes foamy and aromatic, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Combine and Knead the Dough

Mix your dry and wet ingredients until they form a shaggy mass, then turn onto a floured surface. Knead with the heel of your hand, folding and pushing repeatedly for a full 8-10 minutes. The dough will transform from sticky and rough to smooth and elastic. It should spring back slightly when poked with your finger.

First Rise

Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and find the warmest spot in your kitchen. The dough needs to double in size, which takes about 90 minutes depending on kitchen temperature. A proper rise develops flavor and texture that make homemade pizza crust superior.

Prepare the Chili Garlic Chicken

Cube chicken into uniform pieces and marinate in our spicy sweet mixture for at least 30 minutes. When cooking, use high heat to develop caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Look for golden brown edges before removing from heat.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza

Roll dough thin for a crispier result or thicker for a chewier bite. The sauce should be spread evenly but not too thickly to prevent a soggy center. Cheese first, then toppings, allows everything to meld together perfectly during baking. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles with light brown spots.

Bookmark

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents how our family transforms traditional holiday meals into something unexpected. The combination of Asian flavors with the pizza format always sparks conversation around our table about food traditions and how they evolve.

Make-Ahead Options

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility for busy holiday weekends. The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to three days before baking. Simply bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. The chicken can be marinated overnight and cooked the day before assembly. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then warm slightly in the microwave before adding to the pizza.

Spice Level Adjustments

Not everyone enjoys the same heat level, which makes this pizza perfect for customization. For a family-friendly version, reduce the fresh chilies to one and omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For heat lovers, add thinly sliced jalapeños as an additional topping and increase the red pepper flakes to a full teaspoon. You can also divide the dough into four smaller pizzas with varying spice levels to please everyone.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple Asian-inspired slaw dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil and a touch of honey. For beverages, a cold lager beer or crisp white wine cuts through the richness, while a non-alcoholic option like lemongrass iced tea complements the spicy flavors perfectly. Serve the pizza on a wooden board garnished with extra fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.

The Dough Difference

The homemade dough truly elevates this pizza beyond ordinary takeout. The slow fermentation process develops complex flavors that commercially produced doughs lack. For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose if you have it available. The higher protein content creates even better structure and chew. If time is limited, quality store-bought dough can substitute, but I strongly recommend trying the homemade version at least once.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! While the homemade dough adds great flavor, a good quality store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this dish when you're short on time. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling for best results.

→ How can I adjust the spice level of this pizza?

You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of fresh red chilies, reducing or eliminating the red pepper flakes, or using a milder chili garlic sauce. For extra heat, add a drizzle of sriracha before serving.

→ What's the best way to achieve a crispy pizza crust?

For the crispiest crust, use a preheated pizza stone if available. Alternatively, preheat your baking sheet before adding the dough, and consider par-baking the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.

→ Can I prepare components of this pizza ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. The chicken can be marinated and cooked up to 2 days ahead. Store components separately in airtight containers until assembly time.

→ What sides pair well with this chili garlic chicken pizza?

This flavorful pizza pairs beautifully with a simple Asian slaw, cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, or garlic butter breadsticks. For drinks, consider a cold lager beer or a slightly sweet riesling wine to balance the heat.

→ How can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or use roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli. Marinate either option in the same chili garlic mixture for maximum flavor.