There aren’t many joys that can match up to taking a sizzling, bubbly pizza out of a blazing hot oven. I’ve taken this particular pizza out of my oven on many occasions, mostly for guests, because such pleasures (and the results of such efforts) must be shared.

Pizza naturally induces happiness, and this homemade Tandoori Chicken Pizza is next-level blissful.



Well first: there’s bread – the backbone of many a satisfying meal. Two: cheese. Need I say more? Three: the sauce. Fresh, bursting with flavor. It’s the last and essential element that elevates bread and cheese, giving pizza its well-deserved stature. Add tandoori chicken to all this, and it’s nothing short of magic, really.

INGREDIENTS 

For the Tandoori Chicken Topping

  • 1 (~300 g) chicken breast, cut into thin, small bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup (61 g) plain, whole milk yogurt
  • 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp crushed garlic or paste
  • 1/2 tbsp crushed ginger or paste
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed
  • 1-2 tsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt, depending on tandoori masala powder
  • 1 tbsp Tandoori masala powder, use less if yours is spicy
  • 1 tsp paprika powder

For the Crust

  • 2 ½ cups bread flour, or unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup warm water, 100-110°F
  • 1 (2 1/4 tsp) standard packet active dry yeast

For the Sauce

  • 1 28-oz (794g) can Italian Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes, (or sub equal amount fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 small (140-170 g) onion
  • 1 small green chili pepper, I use Serrano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 (~1 tsp crushed) garlic cloves
  • 1 medium bay leaf
  • 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or basil
  • 1/2-1 tsp tandoori masala powder
  • 1/4 tsp each cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, red chili flakes, and, increase to taste

For the Pizza

  • 2 Prepared crusts
  •  Prepared sauce
  •  Prepared tandoori chicken
  • 2 cups (8 oz or 227 g) quality mozzarella cheese or a blend of mozzarella and preferred cheese, or more if desired
  •  Additional toppings such as red bell pepper, green bell p