If you crave the comfort of pizza and the luscious, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine, this Butter Chicken Curry Pizza is about to steal your heart! Imagine melty mozzarella, creamy butter chicken, and a riot of colorful toppings—all layered onto fluffy naan for an irresistible fusion dinner that’s as easy as it is exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Indian-Inspired Flavor: Every bite brings rich, creamy butter chicken sauce paired flawlessly with vibrant vegetables and tangy cheese.
- Super Simple and Quick: Using store-bought naan and jarred sauce means dinner is on the table in under 40 minutes, but tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable to Please Everyone: Pile on your favorite toppings or swap in what you love to make this Butter Chicken Curry Pizza your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This pizza tastes just as delicious the next day—easy to store, reheat, or freeze for another meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of specialty items to make Butter Chicken Curry Pizza taste incredible—each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor, color, and fun. Gather these simple ingredients and get ready to be amazed by what a little creativity can do!
- Butter: Adds that classic, rich base to the chicken curry filling and infuses everything with velvety flavor.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and tender during the quick cooking process—way more flavorful than chicken breast.
- Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce (or Tikka Masala): This shortcut brings all the complex, savory spices of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen, no takeout menu required.
- Naan Bread: Soft, chewy, and just the right thickness for holding those bold toppings—store-bought naan works wonders.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Brings melty, cheesy goodness that ties the curry and toppings together.
- Thinly Sliced Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and beautiful pops of color.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Lends a zingy bite that brightens every slice.
- Pickled Jalapeño Slices: For just the right kick—a little tang, a little heat, and a ton of flavor dimension.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese: Brings creamy, tangy contrast to the rich sauce and melts into pockets of flavor.
- Fresh Mint or Basil: The finishing herbal touch that makes every bite taste bright and fresh.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Butter Chicken Curry Pizza is just how easy it is to add your own spin. Whether you want to lighten it up, go extra spicy, or make it vegetarian, the options are truly endless. Here are some delicious ideas to get you inspired:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets or chickpeas and use your favorite plant-based butter sauce for a satisfying meatless pie.
- Vegan-Friendly: Try vegan naan, dairy-free cheese, and a coconut-based curry sauce for all the flavor, no animal products required.
- Spice Control: Prefer it mild or blazing hot? Adjust by adding (or omitting) jalapeños, and choose a butter chicken sauce that fits your heat level.
- Switch Up the Cheeses: Don’t love goat cheese? Feta, paneer cubes, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheddar would taste dreamy here!
- Play With Your Veggies: Almost any vegetable that roasts nicely (like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach) would be welcome on top of this pizza.
How to Make Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for your naan pizzas. Heat a large sauté pan over medium, melt the butter, and add those juicy chicken thigh pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides—about 5 minutes should do the trick. You’re looking for golden, slightly crispy edges!
Step 2: Simmer with Butter Chicken Sauce
Once your chicken is browned, pour the butter chicken (or tikka masala) sauce right into the pan. Stir everything so that every piece gets a generous coating of rich, fragrant sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes—just enough time for the chicken to soak up all that bold flavor while you prep your toppings.
Step 3: Prep Your Pizza Bases and Toppings
While the chicken curry simmers, slice your bell pepper, red onion, and gather your pickled jalapeños and goat cheese. Lay out your naan on baking sheets—you want them ready for assembly as soon as the sauce is done. The fresh garnishes make all the difference in taste and visual appeal!
Step 4: Assemble the Naan Pizzas
Spoon the hot butter chicken curry and sauce evenly across each naan, making sure to leave a border around the edge for those irresistible crispy crusts. Top each generously with mozzarella cheese, then add bell pepper, onions, jalapeños, and finish with crumbled goat cheese for little pockets of creamy tang.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Cheesy Perfection
Pop the pizzas into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly cheese, lightly toasted naan edges, and hot, melty toppings. As soon as they come out, a sprinkle of fresh mint or basil won’t just look gorgeous—it adds a cool, bright finish that lifts all the flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
- Naan Choice Matters: Choose thick or fluffy naan for a sturdier crust that won’t get soggy under all that luscious sauce—look for naan with golden bubbles for the best texture.
- Sauce Simmering: Don’t rush the simmer! Let the chicken really drink in the sauce for maximum depth; a few extra minutes won’t hurt.
- Toppings Timing: Add softer toppings like goat cheese and herbs after baking if you want an ultra-fresh finish, or before baking for a creamier melted bite.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The chicken curry mixture can be made a day ahead for even more flavor—the spices deepen and mellow overnight.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Curry Pizza
Garnishes
Fresh mint or basil on top of Butter Chicken Curry Pizza is an absolute must! You can also scatter extra pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of plain yogurt or swirl of chutney, and a dusting of chili flakes for color and kick—each flourish brings out a whole new dimension.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines on its own, but it’s even more special with a simple side salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, crispy papadums for crunch, or a bowl of raita to cool things down. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve Butter Chicken Curry Pizza with mango salsa or chutney for that irresistible sweet-salty combo!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pizzas into small squares for a fun appetizer platter, or serve whole naan pizzas family-style for everyone to grab a piece. For extra flair, sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens over the top, or arrange the slices in a dramatic swirl on a round board with bowls of dipping sauces around the edge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Butter Chicken Curry Pizza cool completely, then layer slices in an airtight container—pop parchment or wax paper between layers if you’re stacking to keep them from sticking. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for 2–3 days; just know the naan softens a bit, but the flavors intensify!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover pizza slices. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then stash in a zip-top bag or container for up to a month. When you’re ready, reheat from frozen—no need to thaw—for a quick, savory meal that feels wonderfully special.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 10 minutes until hot and bubbling. My secret favorite? Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes—this method brings back some of that just-baked crispness to the crust and melty cheese!
FAQs
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Can I use pizza dough instead of naan for Butter Chicken Curry Pizza?
Absolutely! While naan gives the pizza a unique chew and subtle flavor, traditional pizza dough works too—just roll it out thin and pre-bake for a few minutes before loading on the toppings so it gets crisp and sturdy.
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Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast or thigh can substitute beautifully—just simmer briefly in the butter chicken sauce to heat through and infuse with flavor before assembling your pizza.
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What’s the best kind of cheese to use for Butter Chicken Curry Pizza?
Mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, but feel free to blend in cheese like paneer, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for different flavors. Goat cheese adds tang and creaminess, but you can skip or replace it if desired.
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Can I make Butter Chicken Curry Pizza ahead for parties?
Definitely! Prepare the chicken curry and toppings in advance, then assemble and bake the pizzas right before serving. If you want to bake ahead, reheat the pizzas just before guests arrive, and sprinkle on fresh herbs for that just-finished touch.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you try Butter Chicken Curry Pizza, there’s no going back—this playful mashup is pure comfort and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait for Pizza Night to roll around; dive in, have fun with the toppings, and let your kitchen fill up with the magic of creamy, spicy, crispy goodness. I can’t wait for you to taste your own delicious creation!
PrintButter Chicken Curry Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
A fusion delight that combines the flavors of butter chicken curry with the convenience and comfort of a pizza. Tender chicken in a rich masala sauce tops crispy naan bread with a blend of cheeses and fresh veggies, creating a unique and delicious meal.
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.
Set a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped chicken pieces. Salt and pepper the chicken, then brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the butter chicken sauce into the pan.
Coat the chicken in the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Chop fresh ingredients for the pizzas.
- Lay out the naan bread on baking sheets.
Spoon the chicken curry over the naan. Top with mozzarella, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, and goat cheese. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh mint and serve warm.
Notes
- Let the pizza cool completely before storing leftovers.
- Reheat by baking at 350°F for 10 minutes or air frying for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg