Imagine the best of two worlds colliding: the decadent creaminess of butter chicken curry and the cheesy, golden goodness of pizza. That’s exactly what you get with Butter Chicken Curry Pizza! It’s my go-to dish when cravings strike for something indulgent, colorful, and crowd-pleasing, and it never lasts long when I pull it out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fusion Flavor Explosion: Butter Chicken Curry Pizza brings together two beloved cuisines, delivering bold, creamy curry with every cheesy bite.
- Quick and Weeknight Friendly: With simple shortcuts like jarred sauce and naan as the base, you’ll have dinner on the table in just 40 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
- Customizable Toppings: Let your creativity shine by swapping out veggies, playing with cheeses, or tailoring the spice level to everyone at the table.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Finished with fresh herbs and bright toppings, each pizza is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how easy it is to create Butter Chicken Curry Pizza using just a handful of everyday favorites. Each ingredient plays a starring role—delivering everything from the crispy crust to rich sauce, melty cheese, and pops of color and freshness on top.
- Butter: Adds that signature richness to the chicken and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Stay juicy and tender through baking—perfect for soaking up all the curry flavor.
- Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce (or Tikka Masala): The shortcut hero! All the deep spices and creaminess of classic butter chicken, no complicated prep required.
- Naan Bread: A chewy, sturdy base that crisps up wonderfully and holds all the toppings without getting soggy—no need to bother with pizza dough.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melty, stretchy cheese that caramelizes just right in the oven and balances the spices.
- Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Red Onion: A hint of sharpness—slice it thin so it softens as the pizza bakes.
- Pickled Jalapeño Slices: For the perfect little kick and a touch of tang.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy dollops on top bring this pizza to gourmet territory.
- Fresh Mint or Basil: The finishing touch that brightens everything up once the pizzas come out of the oven.
Variations
One of the best things about Butter Chicken Curry Pizza is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or adjust the spice and toppings based on what you love (or already have on hand)!
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower, paneer cubes, or chickpeas for a hearty veggie delight.
- Spice It Up: Drizzle with extra hot sauce or add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes before baking for more heat.
- Dairy-Free: Opt for plant-based cheese and coconut milk-based curry sauce to keep things creamy but lactose-free.
- Try a Different Base: Use flatbread, pita, or even a pre-baked pizza crust instead of naan for a fun twist.
How to Make Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 450°F so it’s piping hot for baking. While it heats, set a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, toss in your chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until they’re lightly golden and just cooked through—about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer in Curry Sauce
Pour your butter chicken (or tikka masala) simmer sauce over the browned chicken in the pan. Give everything a good stir to coat, then let it bubble away together for another 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and infuse every piece with delicious curry flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Naan and Toppings
While the chicken simmers, gather your naan and slice up your bell peppers, onions, and any other toppings. Lay the naan breads out on baking sheets, ready for assembling the pizzas.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
Spoon the hot butter chicken curry evenly over each naan, leaving a little edge for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella, then scatter on bell pepper, red onion, pickled jalapeños, and pieces of goat cheese for luscious creaminess scattered throughout.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Slide the pizzas into your oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan edges are golden. Pull them out, shower with fresh mint or basil, and serve Butter Chicken Curry Pizza hot for maximum wow factor!
Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
- Crisp Naan, Every Time: For extra crispy crust, pre-bake naan for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Sauce-to-Bread Ratio: Don’t overload—use just enough butter chicken curry for flavor without drowning the crust, especially at the edges.
- Cheese Layering Magic: Start with a little cheese under the sauce, then finish with more on top for that ultimate melty factor.
- Garnish Fresh: Add fresh mint or basil only after baking so the herbs stay bright and vibrant.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
Garnishes
For the prettiest—and most flavorful—presentation, I love sprinkling Butter Chicken Curry Pizza with freshly torn mint leaves or basil as soon as it comes out of the oven. Sometimes, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds or a quick swirl of chili-infused oil takes things up a notch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal festive, pair your pizza with a simple cucumber raita, a colorful tomato salad, or even crisp Indian-inspired slaw to balance the richness. A cold mango lassi is also a dreamy sidekick that tames the spice and refreshes your senses.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice Butter Chicken Curry Pizza into strips for appetizers or cut into mini rounds for party bites. Arrange pizzas on a wooden board with bowls of extra toppings—like pickled onions, lime wedges, or yogurt drizzle—so everyone can customize to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices of Butter Chicken Curry Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and become even more irresistible with time!
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unbaked pizzas by wrapping them tightly in plastic and foil—just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes until hot and bubbly. Leftover baked slices also freeze well; freeze flat, then reheat as needed for a quick flavor-packed snack.
Reheating
To recapture that perfect crispy crust, reheat Butter Chicken Curry Pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the naan a little chewy, though in a pinch, it still tastes fantastic.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer it. Just be careful not to overcook the pieces in the sauté step to keep them juicy—thighs are naturally more forgiving, but breast meat is a lighter, leaner option.
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What other cheese can I use besides goat cheese?
If you’re not a goat cheese fan, try dollops of ricotta, crumbled feta, or even a little paneer for something uniquely delicious. The tang and creaminess help balance out the rich curry sauce, so pick your favorite!
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Can I make this Butter Chicken Curry Pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free naan at specialty grocery stores or use your favorite gluten-free flatbread as the base. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double check your simmer sauce and toppings.
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Is this recipe spicy and how can I adjust the heat?
Butter Chicken Curry Pizza is more creamy and rich than fiery, but you can always add extra heat with more pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To keep it mild, simply reduce or omit the spicy toppings.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Butter Chicken Curry Pizza to your kitchen. It’s one of those memorable recipes that transforms comfort food into a flavor explosion and always has everyone reaching for another slice. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite weeknight treat!
PrintButter Chicken Curry Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Butter Chicken Curry Pizza recipe combines the flavors of classic butter chicken curry with the fun and delicious twist of a pizza. It’s a fusion dish that will surely impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken Curry:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 16 ounces boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 16-ounce jar butter chicken simmer sauce or tikka masala
For the Pizza:
- 6 pieces naan bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced bell pepper
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeno slices
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh mint or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Pour the butter chicken sauce into the pan.
- Lay the pieces of naan bread out on baking sheets.
- Top each pizza with sliced bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, and goat cheese.
- Sprinkle with fresh mint and serve warm.
Set a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped chicken pieces. Salt and pepper the chicken liberally, then stir to brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Stir to coat the chicken pieces in the masala sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Meanwhile chop all the fresh ingredients for the pizzas.
Spoon the chicken curry and sauce evenly over the top of the naan, leaving room around the edge. Sprinkle the top of each pizza with a ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of pizza
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg