Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza: The Ultimate Flavor Explosion Recipe
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.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1-1.5 hours dough rising, and at least 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (10 minutes chicken cooking + 12-15 minutes baking)
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large 12-inch pizzas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (American with Asian flavors)
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
- 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 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)
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt evenly to prepare the dough base.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air and prepare it for shaping.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes to evenly marinate and cook.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce followed by provolone if using, to create a melty cheesy layer.
- Add the Chicken: Distribute the cooked chili garlic chicken cubes evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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