This Tzatziki Chicken Pizza fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with the beloved pizza format for a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Using naan bread as a quick and flavorful base, this pizza combines the cool creaminess of tzatziki sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches
• Lighter and fresher than traditional pizza without sacrificing flavor
• Customizable with your favorite Mediterranean toppings
• No pizza dough making required—naan bread creates an instant perfect crust
• Great way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken

Ingredients

• Naan Bread: Use store-bought naan for convenience or make your own for an extra special touch. Any flatbread will work, but naan provides the perfect chewy-crisp texture.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, but you can also use grilled, poached, or roasted chicken. Ensure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought works well, but homemade tzatziki offers fresher flavor. Look for a thick variety that won’t make your pizza soggy.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry or grape tomatoes add bursts of flavor. Use multicolored varieties for visual appeal.
• Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and firmer flesh. Remove seeds if using regular cucumbers to prevent excess moisture.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, vibrant flavor and beautiful color. Soak in ice water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder onion taste.
• Feta Cheese: Traditional Greek feta offers the most authentic flavor, but any crumbly feta works well. For a milder option, try goat cheese.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for brushing the naan and for the best Mediterranean flavor.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that pairs perfectly with these flavors. You can substitute za’atar for a more Middle Eastern profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh flavor. Cilantro or mint also work beautifully as garnishes.

Variations

Greek-Style Version

Transform this pizza into a fully Greek experience by adding kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of dried mint. Substitute the chicken with gyro meat or Greek-seasoned lamb for an even more authentic flavor profile.

Vegetarian Tzatziki Pizza

Skip the chicken entirely and double up on vegetables. Add artichoke hearts, roasted eggplant, and bell peppers to create a hearty vegetarian version that’s packed with texture and flavor. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and some toasted pine nuts.

Spicy Mediterranean Pizza

Add heat to your Tzatziki Chicken Pizza with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Include some harissa paste mixed into the tzatziki sauce for a North African twist, and top with spicy grilled chicken marinated in hot sauce and lemon.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for a crispy crust. Place your naan breads on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil, which helps create a barrier between the sauce and bread, keeping the naan crisp rather than soggy.

Step 2: Build Your Pizza Layers

Start by spreading a generous layer of tzatziki sauce across each naan bread, leaving a small border around the edges for a crust. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by an arrangement of halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thin slices of red onion. The key is to distribute toppings evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over all the toppings, allowing some to nestle between the vegetables and chicken for pockets of creamy flavor. Season the entire pizza with dried oregano, and a light dusting of salt and pepper to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye after the 8-minute mark. You’re looking for the naan to become crispy around the edges and for the feta to soften slightly without allowing the vegetables to release too much moisture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle with additional tzatziki sauce for extra creaminess and top with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into quarters or sixths depending on whether you’re serving as a main dish or appetizer, and serve immediately while warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat the cucumber dry with paper towels before adding to the pizza to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy
• If using leftover cold chicken, bring it to room temperature before topping the pizza for more even heating
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished pizza just before serving
• Warm your tzatziki sauce to room temperature before spreading to make it easier to apply evenly
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the naan for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings
• Thinly slice all vegetables to ensure they cook quickly and evenly during the short baking time

How to Serve

Serve this Tzatziki Chicken Pizza fresh from the oven as a complete meal or cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer for gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad or a side of tabbouleh for a complete Mediterranean feast. For beverages, consider serving with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, or keep it authentic with a cold glass of Mythos beer. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements the fresh flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead

This pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep several components ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy:

Prepare the toppings up to 24 hours in advance: Dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, slice onions, and store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Shred chicken up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated.

You can assemble the entire pizza up to 4 hours before baking, but wait to add the cucumber until just before it goes into the oven to prevent excess moisture.

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, though note that the texture won’t be as crisp as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the naan bread with your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pre-made gluten-free pizza crust. Just be sure to check that your tzatziki sauce is also gluten-free, as some commercial brands may contain additives with gluten.

How can I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

The key is managing moisture. Brush the naan with olive oil before adding tzatziki, pat vegetables dry (especially cucumber), and don’t overload with sauce. If your tzatziki is particularly watery, strain it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth for 30 minutes before spreading.

Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Heat your grill to medium-high, brush the naan with olive oil, and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Then add toppings and close the grill lid for 3-5 minutes until cheese softens and toppings are heated through.

What can I use instead of chicken for a meat-free version?

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute chickpeas (roasted for extra texture), grilled halloumi cheese, or marinated tofu. Marinated artichoke hearts or grilled eggplant also make excellent protein-rich alternatives.

Conclusion

This Tzatziki Chicken Pizza brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in a quick, approachable format that’s perfect for any day of the week. By transforming simple ingredients into this vibrant, fresh pizza, you’ll create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. The contrast of cool tzatziki against warm naan, coupled with fresh vegetables and savory chicken, makes for a delightful eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try when you’re craving something different yet comforting – your taste buds will thank you!

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