Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

If you’ve ever craved a pizza that perfectly balances spicy heat, garlicky goodness, and cheesy comfort, this Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza is your new favorite. Imagine a chewy, golden crust topped with fiery chili garlic sauce, tender bites of marinated chicken, and melted mozzarella and provolone — all finished with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds.

It’s a flavor explosion that brings the best of Asian-inspired spice and Italian-style comfort food right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or treating yourself to a bold homemade pizza night, this recipe promises to satisfy both your craving for heat and your love for cheese.

🍕 Inspiration Behind This Fiery Fusion

The inspiration for this Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza comes from the marriage of two beloved comfort foods — spicy Asian stir-fry and classic Italian pizza. Picture the sticky, garlicky heat of chili chicken meeting the crisp chew of fresh pizza dough. The result? A dish that’s bold, saucy, and utterly irresistible.

It’s perfect for spice enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of umami with every bite. The homemade dough gives it that artisanal pizzeria texture, while the chili garlic marinade infuses the chicken with deep, savory-sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Serve it on game day, for a weekend pizza party, or as a special dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Flavor Powerhouse – Bold chili garlic sauce meets juicy, tender chicken for the perfect spicy kick.
• Homemade Pizza Perfection – Soft and chewy crust that’s crisp on the edges — just like your favorite pizzeria.
• Customizable Heat Levels – Easily adjust the spice by adding more or less chili and red pepper flakes.
• Fresh, Vibrant Garnishes – Cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds bring freshness and crunch.
• Easy to Make Ahead – Prep the dough and marinate the chicken in advance for quick pizza night assembly.
• Versatile & Creative – Try it with tofu, veggies, or extra cheese for your own personal twist.

🧂 Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes two 12-inch pizzas — perfect for sharing or saving leftovers (though you probably won’t have any!).

🍞 For the Pizza 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)

Yield: 2 (12-inch) pizzas
Category: Dinner

🔪 Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this pizza night seamless, gather the following tools:

• Large mixing bowls (for dough and chicken)
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Large skillet or wok
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Pizza peel (optional but helpful)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Cutting board

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza masterpiece from scratch.

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water (105–115°F). Let it stand for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise

2️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This will evenly distribute the salt before adding any wet ingredients, preventing uneven seasoning.

3️⃣ Bring the Dough Together

Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should start coming together but still feel slightly sticky.

4️⃣ Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add small amounts of flour if it’s too sticky, or a splash of water if too dry.

5️⃣ First Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

6️⃣ Punch Down the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any trapped air bubbles. Set it aside while you prepare the toppings.

7️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (optional), and salt & pepper to taste.

Add the chicken cubes, toss well to coat, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

8️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing from heat.

9️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 450°F (232°C).
If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating — this ensures a crisp, restaurant-style crust.

🔟 Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12-inch circle (or your preferred shape). Adjust thickness depending on whether you like thin and crispy or soft and chewy crusts.

11️⃣ Assemble the Pizza

• Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal (or a baking sheet).
• Spread a generous layer of chili garlic sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone evenly over the sauce.
• Distribute the cooked chili garlic chicken across the pizza.

12️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

13️⃣ Garnish and Serve

Remove the pizza and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final pop of flavor.

Repeat the process for your second pizza.

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Adjusting Spice Levels: Use fewer chilies or omit red pepper flakes for mild heat; add extra for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
• Cheese Swaps: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda for new flavor dimensions.
• Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce: Mix chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil for a quick DIY version.
• Crust Customization: Roll thinner for a crisp bite or thicker for a soft, chewy interior.

🧄 Flavor Profile & Pairings

This pizza is bold, spicy, savory, and just a little sweet. The chili garlic sauce brings warmth and complexity, while honey balances the heat. The gooey mozzarella and provolone add creamy richness, and the fresh garnishes provide brightness and crunch.

Perfect Pairings:

• Wine: A chilled glass of Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the spice.
• Beer: Try a light lager, wheat beer, or IPA for a refreshing contrast.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lime soda, iced green tea, or mango lassi.

Side Dish Ideas:
Serve alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad, garlic knots, or roasted corn with lime butter for a complete meal.

🧮 Nutritional Overview (Per Slice, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	14g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	Moderate (depends on soy sauce and cheese)

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten and dairy. Can be adapted to be dairy-free with vegan cheese and gluten-free flour mix.

🕒 Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Activate yeast	10 min	Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water
First rise	1–1.5 hr	Dough doubles in size
Marinate chicken	30 min	Infuse flavor
Cook chicken	10 min	Brown and caramelize
Preheat & bake	15 min	Crispy crust, melted cheese
Total	~70 min	Delicious homemade pizza night

🧊 Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Dough: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before rolling.
• Chicken: Marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Sauce: Use store-bought or make your own and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pizza slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough saves time and works great — just let it rest at room temperature before rolling.

Q2: What’s the best chili garlic sauce to use?
Brands like Huy Fong or Lee Kum Kee offer authentic, well-balanced sauces, but homemade versions work beautifully too.

Q3: Can I make this pizza less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or skip the red chilies and flakes, and increase the honey slightly for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Q4: Can I grill this pizza instead of baking?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook each pizza for 4–5 minutes per side until crisp and bubbly.

Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza flour blend and verify that your sauces are certified gluten-free.

Q6: What can I do with leftover chicken?
Use it in wraps, rice bowls, or salads for a quick and flavorful meal the next day.

🧀 Ingredient Spotlight: Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is the soul of this recipe. It delivers spice, tang, and depth — all in one spoonful.

Choosing the Best Sauce:
Look for sauces that balance chili heat with garlic aroma and a touch of sweetness.

Storage:
Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 months. Stir well before using.

Enhance It:
Add a splash of lime juice, sesame oil, or honey to tweak the flavor to your liking.

🔥 Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a Pizza Stone: For restaurant-quality crust, always preheat your stone in the oven.
• Avoid Overloading: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Let It Rest: Allow pizza to rest for 3–5 minutes after baking to help the cheese set.
• High-Heat Bake: A hotter oven equals crispier edges — don’t be afraid of 450°F!
• Fresh Herbs Last: Always add garnishes after baking for the freshest taste and texture.

🧊 Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temp: Keep leftover slices at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in foil and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven (375°F) or air fryer for best crispness — avoid microwaving if possible.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza on a wooden board with small bowls of extra chili garlic sauce and honey for dipping.
Sprinkle extra cilantro for color, and serve with chilled drinks or a crisp side salad to balance the spice.

🔄 Recipe Variations

1. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Twist: Add small chunks of pineapple for a sweet counterbalance to the heat.
2. Asian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap chili garlic sauce with hoisin or BBQ sauce and top with scallions.
3. Tofu Lover’s Version: Use crispy tofu cubes marinated in the same sauce.
4. Extra-Cheesy Delight: Double the mozzarella and add dollops of ricotta for an ultra-creamy finish.

🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Daily Value*
Calories	~340	17%
Protein	22g	44%
Carbs	32g	11%
Fat	14g	18%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	4g	4%
Sodium	Moderate	—

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

💬 Conclusion

This Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Every bite combines the fiery depth of Asian spices with the gooey comfort of Italian cheese and homemade crust. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something exciting, a little spicy, and absolutely satisfying.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your rolling pin, and get ready to impress yourself — and everyone else — with this homemade flavor explosion. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your masterpiece online with the hashtag #ChiliGarlicPizzaLove.

Happy cooking — and even happier eating! 🍕❤️🌶️

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