Zesty Tandoori Chicken Pizza With Cilantro-Mint Chutney Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering tandoori chicken pizza with zesty cilantro-mint chutney sparks culinary creativity in your kitchen.

Spices dance across a crispy crust, blending traditional Indian flavors with classic Italian comfort.

Bold marinades infuse tender chicken pieces with smoky undertones and vibrant seasonings.

Fragrant herbs and creamy chutney create a sensational topping that awakens every taste bud.

Unexpected combinations challenge ordinary meal routines and invite playful experimentation.

Colorful ingredients promise a delightful twist on familiar pizza nights.

FAQs

• What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori chicken is a traditional Indian dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then typically cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. In this recipe, it’s adapted for a pizza-style preparation with a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with breasts. However, chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and tender. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

• How spicy is this pizza?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and Thai red curry paste you use. You can adjust these ingredients to make the pizza mild or spicy according to your preference.

Tandoori Chicken Pizza with Cilantro-Mint Chutney Kick

• Flavor Explosion: Tandoori chicken pizza combines bold Indian spices with classic pizza elements, creating a mouthwatering fusion that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Customizable Cooking: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences, making it perfect for creative home cooks.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Recreate a gourmet pizza experience without leaving your kitchen, delivering professional-level flavors with simple techniques and accessible ingredients.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation make this recipe a stress-free option for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients to Prepare Tandoori Chicken Pizza

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the protein core of the tandoori pizza.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that helps tenderize and add richness to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Allspice, Garam Masala, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon: Spice blend that creates the signature tandoori flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and traditional Indian flavor.
• Thai Red Curry Paste: Adds complex heat and additional complexity to the marinade.

• Naan Bread: Soft flatbread serving as the pizza base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides creamy texture and traditional pizza character.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tangy vegetable addition for extra flavor and texture.

• Cilantro, Mint: Fresh herbs used in the chutney and as a final garnish for brightness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tandoori Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Whip Up the Cilantro-Mint Chutney

Grab your blender and toss in fresh cilantro, vibrant mint leaves, tangy yogurt, zesty green chilies, zingy ginger, and a splash of lemon juice. Blend everything until silky smooth.

Transfer the chutney to an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to rock.

Step 2: Create the Magical Tandoori Marinade

• Greek yogurt
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Allspice
• Garam masala
• Cayenne pepper
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Thai red curry paste

Whisk these ingredients until they form a harmonious, flavor-packed marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in zip-top bags. Pour the marinade evenly between the bags.

Seal and shake until every inch of chicken is coated. Park these flavor bombs in the refrigerator for 24 hours, giving them an occasional shake to redistribute the magic.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and position a roasting rack on top.

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the juices run clear.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizzas

Grab your naan bread and spread a generous layer of cilantro-mint chutney.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Artichoke hearts
• Tandoori chicken pieces

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Pop the pizzas into the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden landscape. Pull them out and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Slice and dive into your flavor-packed creation!

Tips to Perfect Tandoori Chicken Pizza

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tender meat.
• Use fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic to enhance the chutney's vibrant taste.
• Place chicken on a roasting rack to ensure even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Allow chicken to rest before slicing to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Try different toppings like roasted bell peppers or red onions for added texture and complexity.

Variations to Change Up Tandoori Chicken Pizza

• Vegetarian Tandoori Pizza: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or paneer, marinated in the same spicy yogurt mixture for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap naan bread with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza base to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners while maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with tandoori-spiced shrimp or salmon, creating a lighter yet equally flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pizza option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use roasted portobello mushroom caps as the base instead of bread, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the vibrant tandoori spices and chutney intact.

Pairing Suggestions That Work With Tandoori Pizza

• Choose a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the spicy tandoori chicken, balancing the bold flavors with its slightly sweet and aromatic profile.
• Select an Indian-style pale ale or wheat beer with citrusy notes that can cut through the richness of the cheese and stand up to the zesty chicken marinade.
• Mix a mint mojito or mango lassi cocktail to echo the cilantro-mint chutney's fresh herbal tones and provide a cooling contrast to the spicy pizza.
• Serve a chilled mango lassi or cucumber-mint yogurt drink to soothe the palate and enhance the Indian-inspired pizza's complex spice profile.

Storage Advice for Tandoori Chicken Pizza

• Store pizza in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate pizza slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

Tandoori Chicken Pizza With A Cilantro-Mint Chutney Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy tandoori chicken pizza blends Indian and Italian cuisines in one mouthwatering dish. Fresh cilantro-mint chutney adds zesty complexity that elevates this creative culinary fusion you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cups Greek yogurt (for marinade)
• 4 naan (large pieces, store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mozzarella (shredded)
• 1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts (quartered)
• 1/2 cup cilantro (coarsely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
• 1 tsp cumin (for marinade)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for marinade)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (lightly packed)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (light packed)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for chutney)
• 1/3 cup yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (minced, seeds and veins removed)
• 1 tsp salt (for chutney)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp cumin (for chutney)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for chutney)
• 1 garlic clove (mince

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Instructions

1. Craft the cilantro-mint chutney by blending all ingredients until achieving a silky smooth consistency in approximately 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
2. Create a robust marinade by whisking together yogurt, aromatic spices, lemon juice, and herbs until thoroughly integrated.
3. Distribute the marinade evenly among zip-top bags, submerging chicken thighs completely. Massage bags periodically to ensure comprehensive coating and allow flavors to penetrate for 24 hours in refrigeration.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F with a roasting rack positioned over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the rack, ensuring minimal contact between pieces. Generously brush remaining marinade across the surface.
6. Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches safe consumption point and juices appear transparent. Rest meat briefly before slicing.
7. Carve chicken into bite-sized morsels, preparing for pizza assembly.
8. Spread generous layers of cilantro-mint chutney across naan, followed by mozzarella, artichoke hearts, and tandoori chicken pieces.
9. Bake pizzas for approximately 10 minutes until cheese becomes gloriously melted and bubbling. Garnish with fresh cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Use high-quality Greek yogurt to create a rich, creamy marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne and curry paste quantities to suit personal heat preferences.
• Consider gluten-free options by substituting naan with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza base for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg