If you are craving a pizza that bursts with bold, spicy flavors and irresistible aroma, look no further than the Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza. This vibrant creation combines tender marinated chicken infused with garlic and chili heat, a rich spread of chili garlic sauce, and the gooey bliss of melted mozzarella cheese—all atop a perfectly crispy homemade crust. Every bite is a delightful adventure that balances heat, sweetness, and a touch of tang, making it an unforgettable treat that’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites.

Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza couldn’t be simpler, but each element plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the fluffy pizza dough to the spicy chicken marinade, every ingredient works together to make your pizza absolutely mouthwatering.

All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base for a soft yet crispy homemade pizza crust.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors in the dough and balances the sweetness in the marinade.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for creating that airy, light crust.
Warm water (1 1/4 cups): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons plus extra): Adds tenderness to the dough and richness to the chicken marinade.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Tender protein, cut into cubes to soak up all that chili garlic goodness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers pungent aroma and warmth, a key player in the chicken marinade.
Red chilies (2-3, finely chopped): Packs customizable heat and vibrant color.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides a salty depth and umami punch.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a balanced sweetness that tames the chili’s heat beautifully.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle tang that brightens the marinade.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Introduces a toasty, nutty layer of flavor.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love their Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza extra fiery.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, enhancing every component.
Chili garlic sauce (1 cup): The star ingredient that delivers vibrant, spicy-sweet flavor to the entire pizza.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): The classic melting cheese that provides that irresistible gooeyness.
Provolone cheese (1/2 cup, shredded, optional): Adds a delightful sharpness and creaminess.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): A fresh herbal topping to cut through the richness.
Green onions (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Contributes a gentle crunch and mild oniony brightness.
Sesame seeds (optional): A subtle nutty crunch for garnish.

How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare Dough

Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water, letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s delightfully foamy—this assures the yeast is alive and kicking. Meanwhile, whisk your flour and salt in a large bowl. Then, combine the flour mixture with the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This dough is your canvas, so knead with joy and patience! Once done, place it in a greased bowl to rise in a warm spot for an hour or so, until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

While the dough is rising, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optionally red pepper flakes in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss your cubed chicken in this fiery, fragrant mixture, ensuring every piece is coated with that powerful chili garlic marinade. Let the chicken soak up the flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to four hours if time allows—this step infuses the chicken with incredible depth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and sauté the marinated chicken cubes for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through, slightly caramelized, and full of the vibrant marinade flavor. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible—it’s your first taste of the magic to come.

Step 4: Shape and Prepare the Pizza Base

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), placing a pizza stone inside if you have one. Divide your risen dough, then roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a 12-inch circle or your preferred pizza shape. Transfer this dough carefully to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or straight onto a baking sheet, prepping it for the toppings.

Step 5: Assemble the Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

Spread a generous layer of chili garlic sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving room around the edges for that golden crust. Next, shower the surface with shredded mozzarella cheese, and if you like, add a sprinkle of provolone for an extra creamy hit. Evenly arrange the cooked chicken atop the cheese, making sure every slice will be packed with that bold chili garlic chicken flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

Bake your pizza on the hot stone or baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is crispy and golden, while the cheese melts into bubbling perfection. Once out of the oven, let it rest just a few minutes before garnishing with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional sesame seeds. Slice and get ready to dive right into a slice of pure, spicy, cheesy bliss.

How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions add a lively pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and spicy chicken. Sesame seeds not only provide a subtle crunch but also complement the Asian-inspired flavors in the chicken marinade perfectly. Garnishing your Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza this way takes it from fantastic to truly memorable.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some lightly roasted vegetables to balance the heat and richness. A cool cucumber raita or even a mild coleslaw also complements the spicy kick from the pizza wonderfully, offering refreshing contrast and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza on a rustic wooden board to highlight its homemade goodness. For a fun twist, turn it into a party appetizer by slicing it into small squares for easy sharing. Another idea is to add a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes right before serving for guests who love more heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and maintains the balance of flavors, making it a perfect next-day quick bite.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, you can freeze fully cooked pizza slices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, place parchment paper between slices. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat pizza is in a hot oven or skillet to restore crispness. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, or warm slices in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the bottom crisps and cheese melts. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade dough offers that special touch and flavor, pre-made dough works wonderfully and saves time. Just roll it out to your desired thickness before adding toppings.

How spicy is the Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza?

The heat level depends on the amount of red chilies and red pepper flakes you include. You can easily adjust it to your liking, either dialing it back for milder tastes or kicking it up for an adventurous spice experience.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! Shrimp or thinly sliced pork work well with the chili garlic marinade. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian take that still embraces the classic chili garlic flavors.

What’s the best cheese combination for this pizza?

Mozzarella is a must for its meltiness and mild flavor, but adding provolone gives a lovely extra layer of creaminess and sharpness. You can also experiment with a hint of Monterey Jack or cheddar for a twist.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try making this Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your pizza rotation. It’s a fantastic blend of fiery, sweet, savory, and fresh that feels elevated yet totally approachable. So, roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’re about to discover a new favorite that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

This Chili Garlic Chicken Pizza combines a crispy homemade crust with spicy marinated chicken, flavorful chili garlic sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, topped with fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional sesame seeds for a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 2 medium pizzas (12-inch each) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Marinating, Sautéing
Cuisine: Fusion (American-Asian inspired)
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

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

Chicken Marinade & Cooking

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

Pizza Assembly

1 cup chili garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

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 to use.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and all the ingredients come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little flour or water as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air bubbles, then set it aside for shaping.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ready for marinating and cooking.
Make the Chili Garlic Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, slightly caramelized, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven while it heats if you have one for a crispier crust.
Prepare the Pizza Dough: Divide the risen dough into halves or smaller portions as desired. On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape.
Transfer the Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour, or place it directly on a baking sheet if you don’t have a peel.
Add the Sauce: Spread a generous and even layer of chili garlic sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then add the provolone cheese if using for extra flavor.
Add the Chicken: Distribute the cooked chili garlic chicken evenly on top of the cheese layer.
Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red chilies and red pepper flakes to control the pizza’s spiciness according to your preference.
For the best crust, using a pizza stone is highly recommended to ensure even heat and crispiness.
Chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours but not less than 30 minutes to develop flavor.
Provolone cheese is optional; you can omit it or substitute with another mild cheese if preferred.
Leftover pizza can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free pizza flour blend and adjust liquid quantities as needed.