Save Thai Peanut Chicken Pizza brings together juicy chicken, bold peanut sauce, and crisp colorful vegetables atop a perfectly baked pizza crust. Whenever I make this at home the kitchen fills with the kind of aroma that pulls everyone to the table before the pizza even hits the oven.
The first time I served this at a casual gathering the pizza disappeared in minutes and we ended up sharing stories and laughs well past dinner.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: This forms the rich base for the sauce Choose a peanut butter with just peanuts and salt for the best flavor
- Soy sauce: Delivers saltiness and umami Look for low sodium to control salt content
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright tangy note Unseasoned is best for balance
- Honey: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce Local honey can offer extra depth
- Sesame oil: Gives nutty aroma Toasted sesame oil packs the most punch
- Garlic: Freshly minced for sharpness and complexity
- Ginger: A little fresh ginger brightens and warms the sauce Select a heavy piece with smooth skin
- Warm water: Adjusts the sauce consistency for spreading
- Prepared pizza crust: A sturdy 12inch crust supports all the toppings Go for a thin or classic style
- Chicken breast: Tender cooked chicken is the protein backbone Shred or slice for easier eating
- Mozzarella cheese: Creamy and gooey Classic pizza melt Buy a block and shred yourself if possible for superior melt
- Carrots: Bring sweet crunch Use freshly grated for best texture
- Red bell pepper: Juicy and adds eye catching color Pick firm and shiny peppers
- Red onion: Sharp flavor with a pop of color Slice thin for mildest flavor
- Roasted peanuts: Crunchy texture Roasted unsalted are ideal Chop roughly for the best bite
- Green onions: Add a bright oniony finish Slice on the bias for presentation
- Fresh cilantro: Brings freshness Use only the leaves for vibrant flavor
- Lime: Adds acidity Squeeze on right before eating for a punch of brightness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 220 degrees Celsius or 425 degrees Fahrenheit This high heat is essential for crispy crust and melty cheese Allow the oven a full preheat for even baking
- Make the Peanut Sauce:
- Combine the peanut butter soy sauce rice vinegar honey sesame oil garlic and ginger in a small bowl Whisk until smooth Start adding warm water a tablespoon at a time Stir thoroughly after each addition Stop when the sauce is creamy and spreadable but not too runny This sauce is the star so take your time making sure it is lumpfree
- Prepare the Pizza Crust:
- Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone If you have parchment paper use it for easy cleanup Make sure the crust sits flat to support the toppings
- Sauce the Crust:
- Spread a generous layer of your peanut sauce over the pizza crust Use a spatula or the back of a spoon Reserve about two tablespoons of sauce for finishing later Cover the surface evenly but leave a small border so the sauce does not run over during baking
- Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella over the peanut sauce Layer the sliced or shredded chicken on top Distribute the carrots red bell pepper and red onion evenly across the pizza Add the rest of the mozzarella which will hold everything together as it melts
- Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer your prepared pizza to the hot oven Place it on the middle rack for even heat Bake for 12 to 15 minutes Watch for bubbling cheese and golden crust edges If you are using a pizza stone remove the pizza as soon as the crust crisps up
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove the hot pizza from the oven Carefully drizzle the reserved peanut sauce over the top in a zigzag or back and forth motion Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts then add the green onions and cilantro for freshness
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the pizza into portions Use a sharp pizza cutter or large chef’s knife Serve immediately with plenty of lime wedges on the side Squeezing lime on top enhances all the flavors
Save Roasted peanuts are my favorite part their flavor intensifies in the oven and every crunchy bite reminds me of street food markets I visited with family It is amazing how one topping can make a dish feel like a memory
Storage Tips
Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat on a baking sheet in a hot oven to restore crispness If freezing wrap individual slices tightly and reheat from frozen for a quick meal
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cubed tofu or rotisserie chicken as alternative proteins For dairy free pizza swap mozzarella with a plantbased cheese shreds Crunchy peanut butter is an easy replacement if you love more texture For gluten free simply use your favorite gluten free pizza crust and double check all sauce components
Serving Suggestions
Slice into squares for party appetizers or serve as a main dish with cucumber salad on the side Pair with Thai iced tea or a crisp cold beer Toss in a few thinly sliced jalapenos if your crowd likes more spice
Cultural and Historical Context
This pizza started as a playful spin inspired by Thai satay sauce blending favorite flavors with classic pizza That spirit of fusion cooking celebrates how kitchens around the world remix comfort food By swapping marinara for creamy peanut sauce it is a conversation starter every time
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch the veggies for whatever is best at your market in the moment During summer try sliced cucumber or fresh corn In colder months use slivers of roasted squash or steamed broccoli
Success Stories
Friends have asked for the recipe after one bite and it always gets full marks at family pizza nights Kids love assembling their own pizzas with a rainbow of toppings Making the sauce together is a fun family activity for any weekend
Freezer Meal Conversion
This pizza works well as a freezer meal Assemble completely but skip the fresh garnishes then freeze on a baking sheet Once solid wrap in foil or plastic When ready to eat bake from frozen at high heat and garnish fresh after baking
Save This Thai Peanut Chicken Pizza is a flavor explosion that is sure to impress. Enjoy the unique combination of sweet, savory, and spicy with every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of chicken works best?
Thinly sliced or shredded cooked chicken breast works well, as it stays moist and absorbs the peanut sauce flavor beautifully.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with cubed tofu for a meat-free option that still provides plenty of protein and soaks up the sauce.
- → How spicy is this pizza?
The base is mild, but you can increase heat by adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the finished pie.
- → What vegetables complement the flavors?
Shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and red onion bring crunch and sweetness, but you can also add bean sprouts or cucumber for freshness.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
- → What type of cheese is recommended?
Mozzarella provides melty texture but you can try a blend with provolone or even fontina for extra flavor.