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Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza: The Ultimate Flavor Explosion Recipe

4.5 from 69 reviews

This Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza offers a vibrant burst of flavors with spicy marinated chicken, a tangy chili garlic sauce, and melted mozzarella and provolone cheeses atop a homemade, crispy pizza crust. Combining a homemade dough with a bold chili garlic marinade and fresh garnishes, this pizza creates the ultimate flavor explosion for those craving a spicy, savory meal experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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
  • 23 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 Assembly

  • 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

  1. 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, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt evenly to prepare the dough base.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, beginning the base texture of your pizza crust.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding flour or water as needed to reach the right consistency.
  5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
  6. Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air and prepare it for shaping.
  7. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes to evenly marinate and cook.
  8. Make the Chili Garlic Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to absorb the flavors.
  10. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven as it preheats, if using, to help crisp the crust.
  12. Prepare the Pizza Dough: Divide the risen dough in half. On a floured surface, roll one portion into a 12-inch circle or desired shape.
  13. Transfer the Dough: Move the rolled dough onto a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour, or directly onto a baking sheet to prepare for topping.
  14. Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of chili garlic sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust to rise and crisp.
  15. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce followed by provolone if using, to create a melty cheesy layer.
  16. Add the Chicken: Distribute the cooked chili garlic chicken cubes evenly on top of the cheese layer.
  17. Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese bubbles and melts beautifully.
  18. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional sesame seeds. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
  19. Repeat: Repeat the dough rolling, topping, and baking steps with the remaining dough and ingredients to make additional pizzas.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of red chilies and red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use a pizza stone for the best crispy crust; if unavailable, a baking sheet works fine.
  • Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances flavor intensity.
  • Homemade chili garlic sauce can be substituted with store-bought for convenience.
  • Provolone cheese is optional but adds a nice flavor and texture contrast.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: chili garlic chicken pizza, spicy chicken pizza, homemade pizza, chili garlic sauce, marinated chicken pizza, pizza recipe with chicken, spicy pizza