Butter Chicken Pizza

The irresistible union of two global favorites—Indian butter chicken and cheesy pizza—comes alive in this bold and comforting dish. Picture the soft, buttery spiced sauce of your favorite curry layered over a crispy crust and topped with mozzarella cheese that stretches with every bite.

Perfect for pizza nights when you want to shake things up, this Butter Chicken Pizza brings rich flavor, warmth, and indulgence to the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the savory depth of Indian cuisine with the cheesy goodness of Italian classics, making it ideal for sharing or devouring all on your own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

• Olive oil for brushing crust

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Set aside.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add garlic and ginger, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.

6. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and mix well.

7. Fold in cooked chicken and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.

8. Transfer rolled-out dough to a parchment sheet. Brush the edge with olive oil.

9. Spread the butter chicken sauce and chicken mixture evenly over the dough.

10. Top with shredded mozzarella and sliced red onion.

11. Transfer the pizza (with parchment) to the hot stone or baking sheet.

12. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.

13. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Butter Chicken Pizza is the kind of recipe that makes you pause after the first bite. Why? Because it’s not just pizza. And it’s not just butter chicken. It’s a bold, flavorful marriage of two beloved dishes from two very different culinary traditions: Indian cuisine and Italian comfort food. This fusion masterpiece is everything you want in a meal—rich, creamy, spicy, cheesy, and completely satisfying.

The Origins: A Cross-Cultural Culinary Romance

Let’s start with the backbone of this dish: butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani. This North Indian dish was reportedly invented in Delhi during the 1950s by chefs at the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant. They cleverly combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato-butter-cream sauce, creating a dish that would become world-famous. Butter chicken is known for its smooth, velvety texture and complex spices that offer warmth rather than searing heat.

Now, enter the classic pizza, the Italian creation loved the world over. With its chewy crust, tangy tomato base, and gooey mozzarella topping, pizza is a staple in households and restaurants everywhere. It’s versatile, it’s shareable, and it’s endlessly customizable.

Butter Chicken Pizza brings these two together in a way that honors their roots while creating something entirely new. The traditional marinara sauce is replaced with a luxurious butter chicken gravy, while shredded chicken marinated in Indian spices replaces your standard pepperoni or sausage. Add some melty mozzarella and a crispy crust, and you’ve got a cultural crossover that delivers in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Crave It Again and Again)

1. Flavor Depth Like No Other
   The butter chicken sauce is the heart of this pizza. It’s built on a rich base of tomatoes, garlic, onions, ginger, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Unlike a plain tomato sauce, it’s simmered to perfection and finished with cream, creating a depth of flavor that’s bold yet smooth, spicy yet buttery.
2. Customizable Heat and Texture
   One of the great things about butter chicken pizza is that you can control the heat. Want it mild for kids or spice-sensitive eaters? Reduce the chili powder. Want it fiery? Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped green chili on top. You can also customize the crust—go with classic dough, naan bread, or even cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option.
3. Protein-Packed and Satisfying
   Thanks to the shredded chicken and mozzarella, this pizza is rich in protein, which makes it filling and energy-sustaining. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies.
4. A Party Pleaser
   Whether it’s a weekend movie night or a casual dinner with friends, butter chicken pizza is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s different enough to impress, familiar enough to satisfy, and it photographs beautifully—great for sharing on Instagram too.
5. Great for Leftovers
   This recipe makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, and the pizza reheats well in an oven or air fryer, keeping the crust crisp and the cheese gooey.

Benefits of Cooking Butter Chicken Pizza at Home

• Healthier Than Takeout:
  Making this dish from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Use organic chicken, fresh herbs, or even light cream to cut down on calories.
• Balanced Macros:
  You’re getting a good mix of protein, healthy fats (from the cream and cheese), and carbs (from the dough). Add a whole wheat crust for extra fiber.
• Less Waste:
  You can use leftover grilled or roasted chicken, and you can even repurpose the butter chicken sauce for pasta, wraps, or grain bowls.
• Cultural Exploration from Your Kitchen:
  This recipe is an excellent entry point into Indian cooking for those who haven’t tried making Indian dishes before. It’s simplified and approachable, making it a great introduction to ingredients like garam masala, ginger, and turmeric.

Ingredient Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Use Full-Fat Cream:
  It may be tempting to go light, but full-fat cream gives the sauce its luscious, silky finish.
• Toast Your Spices:
  Always toast your spices briefly in butter or oil to unlock their full aroma and richness.
• Homemade Dough or Naan:
  While store-bought dough is convenient, homemade pizza dough or naan really elevates the final product. For a quicker route, store-bought naan is an excellent choice and makes for a more “Indian-inspired” base.
• Fresh Herbs:
  A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or even a drizzle of mint yogurt sauce can take your butter chicken pizza from delicious to unforgettable.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken for paneer cubes, tofu, or even roasted cauliflower. The sauce is already vegetarian-friendly.

Is this spicy?
It can be, but you’re in control. The spices offer warmth and depth, not just heat. You can dial it down or add more heat depending on your taste.

Can I freeze butter chicken pizza?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking for best results. You can also freeze cooked slices—just reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.

A Showstopper for All Occasions

Butter Chicken Pizza is more than just a fun food experiment. It’s a reminder that some of the best recipes are born when you let culinary worlds collide. This pizza is perfect for date nights, parties, or when you just want to break the monotony of classic pepperoni. It’s a flavor-packed, cheesy, spicy, and soul-warming creation that leaves a lasting impression.

Try it once, and it might just become your favorite pizza night twist. The creaminess of the sauce, the softness of the chicken, the chewy crust, and the melted cheese all come together for a meal that feels indulgent but is made with simple ingredients you can find at home. Add this to your weekly dinner rotation, and you’ll never look at takeout pizza the same way again.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Pizza is more than just a fusion dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavor, cultural creativity, and comfort food done right. Whether you’re a fan of classic Indian cuisine or a devoted pizza lover, this recipe brings the best of both worlds to your plate. With its rich, creamy butter chicken sauce, tender chicken pieces, and perfectly melted mozzarella on a golden crust, every bite is pure satisfaction. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, this unique and flavorful pizza is sure to become a repeat favorite in your home.

Give it a go, experiment with toppings, and make it your own. This dish proves that sometimes, the most unforgettable meals are born when cultures blend and creativity leads the way.