Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza

Such a good idea, right? I couldn't resist when I came across this recipe on Rasa Malaysia (a great website in general). I love cooking with Indian spices, and I love pizza. Done and done.

Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza
from Rasa Malaysia

~12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalepeno (more or less, to taste), seeded and minced
salt to taste
store-bought or homemade pizza dough
olive oil for brushing
1/2 onion, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)

Marinade
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp plain yogurt

Tomato Sauce
4 oz tomato sauce
2 tbsp plain yogurt
2 tbsp heavy cream

Spice Mix
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garam masala

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl; marinate the chicken for at least an hour in the fridge. Grill the chicken until done (or, you can cube the uncooked chicken and sauté). Cut into 1/2" cubes.

Prepare the tomato sauce and spice mix in separate bowls. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and jalepeno, sautéing for about a minute. Add the spice mix and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Salt to taste and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chicken.

Preheat the oven to 450° with a pizza stone inside.

Place the crust on a pizza pan and brush with olive oil. We usually pre-cook our dough for about 4 minutes before adding the toppings, but that's up to you. We find that it begets a better crust in the end. After pre-cooking (if that's your style), spread the sauce/chicken mixture on the dough, and sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake for about 7-8 minutes or until desired crispiness. Garnish with cilantro (looks like I also garnished with some scallions for good measure).