Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you’re ready to step outside traditional pizza night, meet the Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza—a showstopper that delivers layer after layer of crave-worthy flavor. Imagine cheesy, bubbly goodness loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, zingy pickled carrots, and the bold crunch of chopped peanuts, all united by a creamy, tangy peanut drizzle and a glorious cloud of fresh Thai basil. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your adventurous self, this pizza is a triumph of sweet heat, savory depth, and fresh color in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza comes together with a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one a powerhouse of taste, texture, or aroma. You’ll love how the elements mingle into pizza perfection right from your own kitchen.

• 12″ HRI Classic Cheese Pizza: Your canvas for flavor, prepped and ready for bold toppings while giving you a golden, cheesy base every time.
• 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Provides juicy protein and soaks up every bit of the Thai peanut goodness you pile on.
• ½ cup pickled carrots, sliced: Offers a splash of tang and crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the peanuts and cheese.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to oozy perfection, holding your toppings together with just the right creamy bite.
• ¼ cup peanuts, chopped: The all-important crunch, lending toasty flavor and a satisfying contrast to each mouthful.
• Peanut sauce for drizzle: What makes the Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza totally sing—nutty, savory, and just a little bit dangerous.
• Fresh Thai basil for garnish: A handful of torn leaves on top brings bright, peppery fragrance and a hit of glorious green color.

How to Make Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Heat Things Up

Preheat your oven to 450˚F to set the stage for that beautifully crisp crust. If you’re feeling bold (and you should!), fire up your grill instead for a smokier flavor that takes this pizza to the next level. Grilling is especially rewarding for this recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Pizza Base

Remove the HRI Classic Cheese Pizza from its packaging. This shortcut saves so much time while guaranteeing a delicious, golden-baked crust and a cheesy foundation. Place it on a clean surface so you can start layering.

Step 3: Layer On the Flavor

Scatter the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the pizza, followed by the pickled carrots for their signature tang and crunch. Sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella so every bite gets that irresistible gooey melt. These toppings harmonize into the perfect balance for your Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza.

Step 4: Bake (or Grill) to Perfection

Position the loaded pizza directly onto your oven rack for classic oven baking, or set it over indirect heat on your grill. Bake (or grill) for 15 to 20 minutes—just until the cheese bubbles, the edges get golden, and the aroma becomes utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Top It Off

Pull the hot pizza out and immediately sprinkle on the chopped peanuts for that signature crunch. Drizzle generously with your favorite peanut sauce, then tear and scatter fresh Thai basil leaves on top. The finishing touches ensure your Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza is packed with personality and bold flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Allow the pizza to cool for a minute so the cheese sets, then slice it into squares. This makes for easy sharing—and trust me, you’ll want to share (even if you secretly wish you didn’t have to).

How to Serve Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza

Garnishes

Nothing elevates your pie quite like the garnish. Shower freshly chopped Thai basil over top, and don’t be shy with extra crushed peanuts or a finishing swirl of peanut sauce. For a little extra heat, a few rings of fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes add a fiery touch.

Side Dishes

Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza struts its stuff beautifully alongside light sides. Fresh cucumber salad, pickled veggies, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw keep things fresh and let the pizza’s flavors shine. A simple bowl of edamame on the side is also delightfully snackable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try cutting the pizza into smaller squares for a brilliant, bite-sized party appetizer. For a family dinner, serve the squares on a wooden board with little bowls of extra peanut sauce, chopped herbs, and lime wedges on the side for DIY topping fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep happily for up to 3 days, staying flavorful and ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the pizza into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Your frozen pizza squares will keep for up to 2 months and are perfect for hurried weeknight cravings.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover pizza in the oven or toaster oven at 375˚F for 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the toppings lively. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of the classic cheese pizza?

Absolutely! A homemade base works beautifully—just prebake it slightly before adding toppings to make sure it holds up under all the delicious weight of your Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza.

What’s the best kind of peanut sauce for this pizza?

Use your favorite store-bought variety, or whip up a quick sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili flakes. The important thing is a punchy, creamy sauce that complements the chicken and veggies.

Can I swap out the protein?

Yes! Shredded pork, tofu, or even shrimp turn this Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza into something new and equally exciting—just keep the other toppings for that signature Thai-inspired flavor.

What’s a good substitute for Thai basil?

If Thai basil’s not at hand, use regular fresh basil, a bit of cilantro, or even a handful of mint for a refreshing twist. Each brings its own bright note to the pizza.

Do I really need pickled carrots?

The pickled carrots give a tangy crunch that cuts the richness of the sauce and cheese. If you need a swap, try pickled red onions or a quick homemade carrot pickle for a similar zing.

Final Thoughts

Bursting with irresistible flavor, Thai Chili & Peanut Chicken Pizza is the kind of meal that sparks joy and brings people together. If you’re looking to shake up your next pizza night with something playful and bold, this recipe is it. Get ready for rave reviews—you just might wonder why you ever stuck to the classics!

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