Recipe for Thai-Inspired Chicken Pizza

A Flavorful Thai-Inspired Chicken Pizza Adventure

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Unique Pizza

This isn’t your average pizza night. Combining the richness of Thai cuisine with the comforting joy of pizza, this Thai-inspired chicken pizza will surely be a hit. Here are the ingredients you need:

• For the chicken: 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 quarter-sized slice ginger, and 1 garlic clove, smashed.
• For the peanut sauce: ½ cup natural peanut butter, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons red curry paste, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and the juice of 1 lime.
• For the pizza: 2 pounds of pizza dough, 8 ounces grated mozzarella, ½ cup thinly sliced mango, ¼ cup finely chopped scallions, 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro.

Preparing the Thai Chicken

1. Mixing the Marinade: Start by placing the chicken thighs into a bowl along with water, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic. This mixture will marinate the chicken in flavors deeply rooted in Thai cuisine.

2. Marinating the Chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. During this time, the chicken absorbs the flavors, ensuring every bite is a burst of deliciousness.

Creating the Perfect Peanut Sauce

1. Combining the Ingredients: While the chicken is marinating, take a small saucepan and combine the natural peanut butter, water, red curry paste, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and rice vinegar.

2. Cooking for Consistency: Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended. This peanut sauce will serve as the unique pizza base, replacing traditional tomato sauce.

Assembling and Cooking the Pizza

1. Grilling the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken thighs and grill them on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Once grilled, let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly.

2. Preparing the Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Divide the pizza dough into two equal halves and stretch them out into your desired pizza size on a baking sheet.

3. Adding the Sauce and Cheese: Spread the prepared peanut sauce evenly on each stretched dough. Follow this by topping both with a generous layer of grated mozzarella cheese.

4. Final Touches: Sprinkle thinly sliced grilled chicken, mango, and scallions evenly over the pizzas.

5. Baking: Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust turns golden brown.

6. Garnishing: Once out of the oven, let the pizzas rest for about 4 minutes. Top them with finely chopped cilantro and peanuts before slicing and serving.

Using Creative Substitutions

Cilantro can be divisive; for those not fond of its taste, consider these substitutes:

1. Thai Basil: This herb adds a refreshing citrus and licorice note to the dish, although it might be harder to find.

2. Sweet Basil: Readily available at most grocery stores, it provides a familiar aromatic touch to the pizza.

3. Italian Parsley: It offers a fresh, crisp flavor similar to cilantro and makes a visually appealing garnish.

Exploring Flavor Variations

This recipe is a great base for you to experiment:

1. Alternate Proteins: Thinly sliced beef or shrimp can replace chicken, offering unique twists inspired by dishes like Thai beef salad.

2. Soy Sauce Alternative: Soy sauce can substitute fish sauce, providing a less fishy but equally umami-rich flavor.

3. Fruit Toppings: While mango adds a sweet touch, red bell pepper can be used for those who prefer a vegetable instead.

Wrapping Up

This Thai-inspired chicken pizza redefines the traditional boundaries of pizza-making with its unique blend of flavors. With a rich peanut sauce, flavorful marinated chicken, and creative toppings, it’s a culinary adventure on a slice. Perfect for those who love experimenting in the kitchen or simply enjoy a burst of new flavors.