Save This bold Thai Peanut Chicken Pizza is a flavor-packed riff on classic takeout and pizza night combined in one crave-worthy pie. It layers tender chicken, a creamy homemade peanut sauce, and a mess of fresh, crisp veggies on a golden crust. Whenever I serve this at gatherings, the pizza vanishes within minutes and people are constantly asking for the recipe.
This pizza started as a fun experiment on a quiet Friday and quickly became my most-requested party food. There is always someone scraping up those last bits of peanut sauce on the platter.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: makes the lush base for the sauce choose one with minimal added sugar for depth and authentic flavor
- Soy sauce: brings crave-able umami and salt taste for a good balance of salty and savory
- Rice vinegar: adds gentle acidity to brighten up the sauce go for unseasoned if you have the option
- Honey: sweetens just enough so that the peanut flavors shine any floral, light honey works well
- Lime juice: gives a little zing that keeps the sauce vibrant use fresh for the biggest punch
- Sesame oil: brings nutty warmth to the sauce toasted is best if you can find it
- Garlic: adds aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut and sesame grate or mince finely for even distribution
- Fresh ginger: offers gentle heat and bright flavor grate it just before mixing for the most impact
- Pizza dough: forms the crispy-chewy canvas for all your toppings look for dough made with olive oil for extra tenderness
- Cooked chicken breast: makes the pizza hearty without overpowering the other flavors shred for even layering and maximum sauciness
- Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that classic stringy finish choose whole milk mozzarella for richness
- Shredded carrots and thin sliced red bell pepper: keep everything crisp and fresh buy pre-shredded for easier prep
- Red onion: offers a little bite and sweetens as it bakes slice extra thin for best results
- Fresh cilantro: gives the final pop of herbal brightness no need to remove all stems
- Roasted peanuts: provide crunch and a salty contrast chop just before sprinkling for maximum crunch
- Olive oil: creates a golden finish on the crust use a fruity extra virgin variety
- Bean sprouts: add a signature Thai crunch and juicy texture buy the freshest possible and rinse well
- Jalapeño: brings colorful heat include seeds if you crave it fiery
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and heat a pizza stone if using one. A hot oven is essential for a crisp bottom crust and bubbly top
- Make the Peanut Sauce:
- Combine peanut butter soy sauce rice vinegar honey lime juice sesame oil garlic ginger and just enough warm water to make a smooth sauce. Whisk thoroughly so everything is completely blended and glossy
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into a twelve inch circle. Work gently from the center outward to avoid stretching holes. If dough resists rolling let it rest for five minutes then continue
- Dress the Dough:
- Brush olive oil over the surface of the shaped dough. This helps prevent sogginess and adds flavor. Spread about two thirds of the peanut sauce evenly over the base leaving a small border for the crust
- Layer the Toppings:
- Scatter the shredded chicken and mozzarella over the sauced dough. Add carrots bell pepper and red onion in even layers so every bite gets a little of everything
- Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully slide your pizza onto the hot stone or a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese bubbles
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce and quickly sprinkle on the cilantro chopped peanuts fresh bean sprouts and jalapeño if using. The heat from the pizza gently wilts the herbs and brings out all of their flavors
- Slice and Serve:
- Use a sharp chef's knife or pizza cutter to slice the pizza into wedges. Serve right away while those toppings are bright and the crust is still crisp
Save Cool leftover pizza to room temperature then wrap in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the crispiest crust reheat slices directly on an oven rack or a hot skillet. The peanut sauce can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated in a covered jar
Ingredient Substitutions
Try sautéed tofu or cooked shrimp instead of chicken for variation. If gluten is a concern you can use your favorite gluten-free dough and tamari in place of soy sauce. For a dairy-free pizza try a creamy cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a bright cucumber salad or a shredded cabbage slaw with extra lime to really echo those Thai flavors. Chilled fruit like pineapple or mango makes an unexpectedly delicious dessert right after this pizza
Cultural and Historical Context
Thai peanut sauce known as satay sauce is a street food classic in Thailand often paired with grilled meats. Fusing those flavors with an American pizza base creates a modern comfort food mashup that is perfect for adventurous eaters or introducing kids to Thai flavors in a friendly way
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap the carrots and bell pepper for thin sliced zucchini in summer or shredded root veggies in winter. Add extra bean sprouts and fresh herbs for a spring garden vibe. In autumn use roasted squash cubes for a sweet-savory twist
Easy to prep ahead by making sauce and prepping toppings in advance. Works with both store-bought and homemade dough. Leftover peanut sauce dresses salads or noodles beautifully
Success Stories
A friend doubled this recipe for a kids’ birthday and not a scrap was left. Another time my neighbor swapped in rotisserie chicken for speed and still got raves. If you like sharing recipes expect lots of requests for this one
Freezer Meal Conversion
Par-bake the shaped and sauced dough for five to six minutes then cool completely before adding toppings and placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge then add cheese and veggies before finishing baking. The sauce freezes separately for one month in a small sealed container
Save These tips will help ensure your Thai Peanut Chicken Pizza is a delicious success. Enjoy this unique and flavorful twist on pizza night with friends and family.
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy is this pizza?
The spice level is mild, but you can increase the heat by adding sliced jalapeño or extra chili sauce to suit your taste.
- → Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick assembly.
- → What are good vegetarian options for the chicken?
Sautéed tofu or tempeh work well as flavorful substitutes for chicken. Adjust seasoning as needed for taste.
- → Is this pizza recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free pizza dough and swap soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
- → What dishes and drinks pair well with it?
This fusion pizza pairs nicely with a crisp Riesling or an iced Thai tea. Light salads also complement the bold flavors.
- → How do I make the crust crispy?
Bake at a high temperature (475°F/245°C) and use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for a crisp bottom crust.