This chicken tandoori pizza (gluten-free) is the sizzling, bubbly pizza of your dreams. The chicken is spiced with tandoori masala and slightly charred in the oven. This is a gluten-free recipe because it uses a gluten-free pizza crust, perfect for my celiac needs.
Tandoori is a classic Indian dish, usually made with chicken marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce and baked in a clay oven. But we’re using a cast iron pan here instead. If you don’t want to make the tandoori chicken pizza base from scratch (save on the clean-up – I get it), use gluten-free naan bread as your crust. It’s just as good!
Check out my 20 easy weeknight gluten-free recipes! My vegan gluten-free pasta bake should be on your list, as well as this chicken bacon ranch salad, and my ground beef gluten free tacos.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GLUTEN FREE RECIPE
- Flavor fusion: Love Indian AND Italian food? I get it! This chicken tandoori pizza is the love-child of rich Indian and Italian flavors.
- The perfect char: Authentic tandoori is charred, adding smokiness to it. Bake it long enough to get a bit of char on the chicken.
- Low-mess option: Spread out the washing up by making the chicken the day before or using take-away tandoori chicken.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
For the Tandoori Chicken
- Fat-free plain yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt.
- Lemon juice: Adds acidity to help break down the proteins in the chicken so they are super juicy. Lime juice or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives.
- Tandoori masala spice: Gives flavor to the chicken tandoori pizza. Includes cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili powder. If unavailable, use a mix of garam masala, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of turmeric.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken tandoori and keep it moist at the same time. Avocado oil or melted ghee can be used instead.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Swap with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
For the Pizza
- Gluten-free pizza crust: Use a store-bought gluten-free crust for your tandoori chicken pizza.
- Cooked tandoori chicken: Make your own or use pre-made tandoori chicken. Chicken tikka masala or butter chicken also work well.
- Green bell pepper: Swap with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Red onion: White onion or shallots can be used, too.
- Garlic sauce: A creamy, garlicky drizzle ties all the flavors together in the chicken tandoori pizza.
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey texture without overpowering the tandoori flavors. For a dairy-free tandoori chicken pizza, use vegan mozzarella or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
DIRECTIONS (STEP BY STEP)
For the Tandoori Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, and olive oil until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for more flavor.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a little olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken pieces rest and keep them aside until ready to complete your chicken tandoori pizza.
For the Pizza
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), or follow your pizza crust instructions. Place the gluten-free pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the crust.Spread the chopped tandoori chicken evenly on top. Add sliced green bell pepper and diced red onion.Sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.Remove from the oven and let it sit for a minute.
Drizzle with garlic sauce, slice, and serve your chicken tandoori pizza.
EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS
- Maximize flavor with a longer marinade: Let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor.
- Use room-temperature dough: If using a homemade gluten-free crust, let it come to room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Don’t overload the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to a balanced layer.
- Make it extra smoky: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of chili oil before serving can make your chicken tandoori pizza even more delicious.
STORAGE AND MEAL PREPPING
To save time, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. You can also cook the tandoori chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Store leftover tandoori chicken pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze fully assembled, unbaked pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
To reheat leftover chicken tandoori pizza, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through. You could also reheat leftover tandoori chicken pizza at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
FAQS
Can I make this chicken tandoori pizza dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free yogurt for the marinade.
Why should I use a pizza stone?
A pizza stone helps create a crispier crust by distributing heat evenly and absorbing extra moisture.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No problem! You can use a baking sheet or a cast iron pan instead.
Can I use a pizza oven?
Yes! A pizza oven works great for this chicken tandoori pizza recipe. Just adjust the cooking time.
Why is the chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet?
A cast iron skillet retains heat well and gives the chicken a nice, even sear before baking.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use a baking sheet instead to cook the chicken in the oven.
Can I use leftover Indian takeout on the chicken tandoori pizza?
Yes! Leftover tandoori chicken or other Indian dishes can be a delicious shortcut for this chicken tandoori pizza. Just chop and add them as toppings.
LOOKING FOR MORE GLUTEN FREE RECIPES
Chicken Tandoori Pizza (Gluten-free)
Ingredients
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
- 1 lemon juiced
- 4 tablespoons tandoori masala spice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Ingredients for Pizza
- 1 gluten-free pizza crust
- 2 cups cooked tandoori chicken chopped (from the recipe above)
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic sauce for drizzling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fat-free plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, tandoori masala spice, and olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together into smooth marinade.
- Add the 1-inch pieces of chicken to the marinade. Ensure that all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add a small amount of olive oil to a cast iron skillet. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces for the pizza.
Directions for Tandoori Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your pizza crust instructions recommend a different temperature, follow those instructions.
- Place the gluten-free pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza crust. This base layer of cheese will help the other toppings adhere better.
- Distribute the chopped tandoori chicken evenly over the cheese.
- Scatter the sliced green bell pepper and diced red onion over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two.
- Drizzle the garlic sauce evenly over the top of the pizza.
- Slice the tandoori chicken pizza into desired portions and serve immediately.
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