Transform your pizza night with an unforgettable Teriyaki Chicken Pizza – a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will captivate your taste buds.
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There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of homemade pizza, and this Teriyaki Chicken Pizza takes that joy to a whole new level. Forget the ordinary; prepare your palate for an exciting journey featuring succulent teriyaki-glazed chicken, sweet pineapple, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella, all finished with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to be a memorable highlight of any meal.
Why This Teriyaki Chicken Pizza is a Game-Changer
While traditional pizza holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes it’s exhilarating to venture beyond the classic pepperoni or Margherita. This Teriyaki Chicken Pizza is far from your typical pizzeria offering; it’s a gourmet experience you can create right in your own kitchen. What makes it so irresistibly good?
- Harmonious Flavors: The rich, umami depth of teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the tropical sweetness of pineapple. This creates a balance that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Tender Chicken: Bites of perfectly cooked chicken breast add a satisfying protein element, soaking up all the delicious teriyaki goodness.
- Melted Mozzarella Magic: A blanket of gooey, stretchy mozzarella cheese acts as the perfect canvas, binding all the bold flavors together.
- Fresh Finish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end provides a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of vibrant color.
It’s bold, it’s profoundly flavorful, and it leaves a lasting impression. This isn’t just another pizza; it’s a testament to how creative you can get with your favorite comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving something extraordinary for dinner, this Teriyaki Chicken Pizza is guaranteed to impress. It’s time to elevate your pizza night!
Essential Ingredients for Your Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
Crafting this incredible pizza doesn’t require an overwhelming amount of time, especially if you plan ahead. However, for the absolute best results, I highly recommend making some of the components from scratch. Many elements can be prepared in advance, streamlining your pizza-making process on the day of. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- The Teriyaki Sauce: The heart of this pizza’s flavor lies in its teriyaki sauce. My homemade teriyaki sauce is ideal for this recipe because it’s wonderfully thick, almost like a glaze, which is exactly what you need for a pizza base. A thinner sauce might make your crust soggy. Preparing it a few days in advance is a smart move, and you’ll likely have extra for other dishes, like a delicious teriyaki chicken stir-fry or marinade. If opting for store-bought, ensure you choose a teriyaki glaze, not a thin sauce, for optimal adherence and flavor concentration.
- The Pizza Dough: For years, my homemade pizza dough has been a weekly staple in my kitchen. While store-bought crusts offer convenience, the flavor and texture of fresh, homemade dough are simply unparalleled. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many home cooks are hooked! I often prepare the dough in the morning for dinner that evening, but it can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated (just be mindful of its slow rise) or even frozen in portions for future use. Always refer to my dedicated post for comprehensive tips on perfecting your pizza dough; every detail is crucial for a fantastic crust.
- The Chicken: You’ll need a boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small, manageable pieces (about 1/2-inch). This small amount of chicken cooks very quickly in a skillet, taking just a few minutes until it’s perfectly done. While you could cook the chicken ahead of time, its quick preparation often makes pre-cooking unnecessary. For added flavor, consider a quick marinade in a little teriyaki sauce before cooking.
- The Pineapple: Both fresh and canned pineapple work well in this recipe. While fresh pineapple offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, canned pineapple is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The key is to cut the pineapple into small, uniform pieces to ensure it distributes evenly and doesn’t create large, overly moist spots on your pizza. If using canned, be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent a watery crust.
- The Rest (Cheese & Cilantro): These final ingredients tie everything together. I highly recommend using freshly grated Mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded varieties are often coated with starches to prevent clumping, which can hinder their melting capabilities and result in a less creamy, less desirable texture. A brick of whole milk mozzarella from the grocery store is perfect. As for cilantro, I know it’s a divisive herb! If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it. However, for those who appreciate its fresh, bright, and slightly citrusy notes, it adds an incredible layer of flavor that beautifully complements the teriyaki and pineapple. For an alternative, a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions can offer a mild oniony freshness.
Achieving Pizza Perfection: Tips and Tricks
Making great pizza at home is an art, and a few simple tips can elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Pizza from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Preheat Your Pizza Stone: A hot pizza stone is crucial for a crispy crust. Place it in the oven while it preheats and allow it to get scorching hot for at least 30 minutes. This mimics a professional pizza oven’s intense heat, ensuring a beautifully crisp base.
- Don’t Overload the Pizza: While it’s tempting to pile on toppings, too much can lead to a soggy crust. Distribute the chicken and pineapple evenly and in moderation to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
- Proper Dough Handling: When flattening your dough, a lightly floured piece of parchment paper is your best friend. It prevents sticking and makes transferring the pizza to the hot stone a breeze. Ensure your dough is at room temperature for easier handling.
- Watch for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pizza! Oven temperatures can vary. Your pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted, with possibly a few delightfully browned spots.
- Let It Rest: Just like a steak, pizza benefits from a brief rest (1-2 minutes) after coming out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing all the toppings from sliding off when you cut into it.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
This Teriyaki Chicken Pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some simple garlic knots to complete the experience. For a fun family pizza night, consider making a pizza buffet with a few different flavors – like a classic White Pizza Recipe, a spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or a smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Want to experiment? Here are a few variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or a drizzle of sriracha after baking for a fiery twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Sautéed bell peppers (red or green) or thinly sliced red onions would be fantastic additions, adding more texture and flavor.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with a mix of mozzarella and provolone, or even a touch of Monterey Jack for a different melt and flavor profile.
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of pan-frying, grill your chicken breast for a smoky flavor that complements the teriyaki beautifully.
Even More Pizza Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’ve enjoyed this unique pizza, you’ll love exploring other delicious homemade pizza creations. The possibilities are endless when you start with a great crust and quality ingredients. Here are some more favorites to inspire your next pizza night:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
- Sausage and Peppers Pizza
- Antipasto Pizza
- Meatball Pizza
- Artichoke, Tomato and Spinach Pizza
- Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza
- Butternut Squash and Sage Pizza
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Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 8-10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce*
- 1 lb** pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place a pizza stone in the oven***. Preheat the oven to 450º-500ºF for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through. Add in the 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce and stir to coat.
- Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and flatten the pizza dough into a large circle, about 14” in diameter.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over the pizza crust. Top with the shredded cheese, then the cooked chicken and the pineapple.
- Bake the pizza until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, 8-10 minutes.
- Top with the chopped cilantro and cut into slices to serve.
Recipe Notes:
**1 pound of pizza dough will make a fairly thick pizza. I use my pizza dough recipe and instead of cutting it into 3 1-lb portions, I use 1/4 of the dough to make 4 pizzas. That way the crust is a little thinner.
***If you don’t have a pizza stone, just preheat the oven to 450º-500º – no need to preheat for 30 minutes. Total cook time does not include that 30 minutes to preheat. If you are skipping that, you’ll probably have your pizza on the table in even less time.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.