Thai Chicken Pizza on your Table in 25 Minutes!
This Thai Chicken Pizza is inspired by the wildly popular California Pizza Kitchen version and couldn’t be any more delicious! Flatbread is smothered in an easy Asian peanut sauce then loaded with tender chicken, mozzarella cheese, crunchy carrots, sprouts and peanuts and the option of Coconut Crema drizzle – an amazing flavor bursting quick dinner or appetizer at a fraction of the cost!
Thai Chicken Pizza
Oh how I love California Pizza Kitchen! My crush started when I was just a teenager and CPK was just a yellow and black checkered restaurant. It was our teenage hangout for all occasions that warranted a little longer or a little nicer nicer than the favorite In-N-Out. At CPK, our large, loud, bubbly group always ended up seated in the back corner. And somehow, I always ended up with the Thai Chicken Pizza.
I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
While CPK is known for their BBQ Chicken Pizza, which I do love, its their delectable Thai Chicken Pizza that has my heart. I find its refreshing Thai flavors and complimentary textures absolutely intoxicating. And now I am thrilled to share my version of CPK, so YOU too can love this pizza whenever your heart desires.
What is Thai Chicken Pizza?
So what exactly is Thai chicken Pizza? If you’ve never had the pleasure of devouring Thai chicken Pizza before, it is a savory, nutty, as spicy-as-you-want-it Thai flavored pizza.
Tender diced chicken is tossed in a Thai peanut sauce infused with soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, Asian Chili Sauce, garlic, basil, ginger – and of course, peanut butter!
The creamy, nutty Thai chicken is topped with mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced red onions, matchstick carrots, bean sprouts and cilantro. It’s a texture lovers dream – in 25 minutes!
Reasons to Love this Thai Chicken Pizza Recipe
- RESTAURANT delicious: layer upon layer of flavor and texture will have you skipping CPK for your homemade Thai Chicken Pizza instead!
- Less expensive: serve the whole family for the price of a one serving pizza!
- Pantry friendly: you probably keep most of the ingredients stocked in your pantry or fridge so you can make this Thai Chicken Pizza at a moments notice AKA the perfect last minute/no plan dinner.
- Easy: just whisk your sauce together, chop your chicken and pile with shortcut pre-packaged toppings.
- Customizable: top your pizza with whatever veggies you love or simply whatever you have on hand.
- Quick: on your table in less than 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Easy to Double: you can double or triple this Thai Chicken Pizza recipe depending on how many mouths you have to feed.
Thai Chicken Pizza Recipe Ingredients
- chicken: you can use diced chicken breasts or chicken thighs, but I use chicken breasts because they are leaner and wonderfully tender in this preparation.
- peanut butter: you can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter but I prefer crunchy for the dimension of texture it adds.
- soy sauce: use low sodium soy sauce so your sauce isn’t too salty because we are also adding peanut butter.
- brown sugar: adds sweetness to balance the soy, lime juice and fish sauce.
- lime juice: you may use fresh or bottled lime juice.
- fish sauce: I promise fish sauce will not be detectable or make your Thai Chicken Pizza taste fishy! Instead, it is a quintessential Thai food ingredient that adds the balance of savory and salty flavor. You may substitute fish sauce with soy sauce, but it won’t be quite as rounded.
- ginger: adds a warm spicy, almost pepper taste. You only need ½ teaspoon ground, otherwise you can use 1 teaspoon freshly grated.
- garlic: use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves.
- dried basil: adds a layer of savory, peppery and slightly minty flavor.
- Asian chili paste or sriracha: if your sauce is missing something, it is heat! Add chili sauce to taste. If you aren’t sure how much to add, you can start with less then stir in more at the end if needed.
WHAT TOPPINGS FOR THAI CHICKEN PIZZA?
Thai Chicken Pizza is topped with:
- thinly sliced red onion: you may substitute with green onions if red onions are not your thing.
- mozzarella cheese: use freshly grated cheese for best results.
- white bean sprouts: add a delightful, fresh crunch! Packaged bean sprouts go bad very quickly so make sure to use them within a couple days.
- matchstick carrots: you can slice your own thin carrots or purchase pre-packaged matchstick carrots.
- cilantro: adds the fresh, zesty, citrusy kick. Add it after the chicken comes out of the oven. Use more or less to taste.
- chopped peanuts: add yet another dimension of undeniably delicious texture.
- Add your own! You may also try your own toppings such as shredded cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts, water chestnuts, pineapple etc.
How to Make Thai Chicken Pizza
- Combine Sauce ingredients. Start by whisking your peanut sauce ingredients together which is simple mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, garlic, basil and of course – peanut butter! We will add the peanut butter at the very end. This sauce is a variation of the peanut sauce I use in all my Thai peanut dishes and every time I am amazed at how much flavor can come from so simple a sauce – and you will too!
- Cook chicken: Cook chopped chicken just until no longer pink – it does not need to be cooked though because it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add Peanut Sauce (except for peanut butter) to chicken and simmer with chicken for two minutes to infuse the chicken with flavor. Stir in peanut butter until smooth and completely combined.
- Top pizza: Spread this peanut chicken sauce onto your pizzas, pile with mozzarella cheese, red onions, carrots, bean sprouts.
- Bake: Bake pizza for about 10 minutes until golden bubbly.
- Garnish. Garnish Thai Chicken Flatbread Pizza with with cilantro, crushed peanuts and if you are feeling extra flirty and fun, drizzle it with 4 ingredient Coconut Yogurt Crema! Trust me, you want to feel extra flirty and fun.
How Many Does Thai Chicken Pizza Serve?
This Thai Chicken Pizza recipe makes 2 flatbread pizzas which I would say serves about 2-4. Two if you are like Patrick and me and both NEED your very own pizza or 4 if you are serving with a substantial side or with kiddos. So yeah, you should probably double or triple the recipe.
What to Serve with Thai Chicken Pizza?
Thai Chicken Pizza is fabulous with just a big green salad or roasted veggies (asparagus, broccoli or cauliflower) and fruit salad, or if you are looking for more delectable Asian appetizers, you’ll love this pizza with Wontons, Asian Salad, Potstickers, Wonton Soup or Chinese Chicken Egg Rolls.
HOW DO YOU REHEAT THAI CHICKEN PIZZA?
You can reheat Thai Chicken Pizza in the microwave at 30 second intervals but the crust will lose its crunch. I prefer to reheat this flatbread pizza in the oven at 250 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.
CAN I FREEZE THAI CHICKEN PIZZA?
You can freeze Thai Chicken Pizza without the fresh toppings as they will become a funny texture.
To freeze:
- Bake chicken pizza according to directions.
- Do not add fresh toppings.
- Let pizza cool completely to room temperature.
- Add each flatbread pizza to a large freezer bag or wrap tightly several times in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
CPK Copycat Thai Chicken Flatbread Pizza, an easy week-night dinner or impressive appetizer so you can satisfy your Thai cravings AND pizza cravings in one bite! or one pizza, two pizzas…
Looking for more Thai Recipes?
- Red Curry Chicken
- Chicken Pad Thai
- Panang Curry
- Yellow Curry
- Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
- Tom Kha Gai
- Coconut Curry Chicken
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
- Thai Orange Peanut Chicken
- Thai Soup with Chicken and Wild Rice
- Thai Peanut Dressing
- Thai Peanut Orange Chicken
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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
Thai Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 naan flatbread pizzas
- 2 chicken breasts chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil/coconut oil
Peanut Sauce
- 1 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (may sub. soy sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha/Asian hot chili sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, dried basil
- ¼ tsp EACH ground ginger, salt, pepper
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (I like crunchy)
Toppings
- 1/8 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup white bean sprouts
- 1/3 cup Matchstick carrots
Coconut Crema (optional)
- 1/2 of a 5.3 oz. container coconut yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Garnish (optional)
- chopped cilantro
- chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Coconut Crema: Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth. Store in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil or nonslip mats (for easy cleanup). Set aside.
- Whisk all the Peanut Sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl EXCEPT for the peanut butter. Set aside.
- Heat oil over high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add chicken and saute just until no longer pink (does not need to be cooked through). Add prepared Peanut Sauce (except for peanut butter) and simmer with chicken for two minutes. Stir in peanut butter until smooth and completely combined.
- Evenly divide Chicken Peanut Sauce between flatbread and spread almost to edges. Evenly divide and layer cheese, red onions, carrots, and sprouts on each of the flatbreads.
- Bake for 10 minutes then broil until cheese is golden if desired. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro and Coconut Crema.
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Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Jen! This is a flavor explosion! If I was with you they would definitely seat us in the back or out on the patio! I am a little boisterous when out with friends, especially if it involves a beer or two! I saw Kevin’s post on the weekend – he emailed me that photo of him, Marissa and Nagi on Sunday!! Everyone looked so happy to be there – must have been SO fun! 🙂
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
Hey there Ken, this looks scrumptious! We used to go to CPK for the Tandoori Chicken pizza with the mango chutney. Why they took that off the menu is beyond me… anyways.
Fantastic seeing you this past weekend and look forward to seeing you two soon sometime.
Jen says
How did I miss the Tandoori Chicken AND with Mango Chutney – that sound incredible?! You might have to recreate the recipe if you haven’t already – I would make it all the time! And yes, fantastic meeting you this weekend! I hope Nagi really does plan an Australian retreat! but thankfully we live close enough we don’t have to wait for that! Have a great weekend!
Keiko says
Hi Jen! When I go CPK, Thai Chicken Pizza is the one I usually order, but I don’t remember when was the last time I went there… I made this tonight, and it was delicious even though I forgot to add cheese!! Half way through eating, I noticed, and I sprinkled the cheese to those who were still eating pizza. What kind of person who forgets cheese for pizza! Oh, well. Next time, I won’t forget, and it will taste even better! I made the homemade pizza crust, but next time I would like to try naan, especially when I don’t have time, it will be nice.
Jen says
Hi Keiko, I am so glad you liked these – even without cheese 🙂 but I agree, it will be even better with cheese next time! And you are amazing to also make the homemade crust – but yes, I love naan for when I am short on time – or just lazy and it still tastes great :). and I love that you also order the Thai Pizza at CPK – we definitely have the same foodie tastes!
Lindsay says
I have always loved Thai pizza so I was super excited to make this – it did not disappoint! Seriously, so good and easy I will be making it all the time! thanks Jen!
Jen says
You are so welcome! I am thrilled it “did not disappoint!” Thanks Lindsay!
Melissa says
I often make mini-pizzas with pita bread. I think this would work perfectly with that! I’m always on the lookout for new combinations for my pizzas!
Jen says
I love the idea of making pizzas with pita bread! Pizzas with any sort of flatbread are just so easy and yummy, such a great quick dinner. I hope you and your family love these. Thanks Melissa!
Brooke says
OMG. I LOVE Thailand and I LOVE Thai food. This has got to be the best compilation of recipes I’ve seen in quite awhile. Keep up the good work!
xo,
Brooke
Jen says
Thank you so much Brooke! If you love Thai food, I think you will love this pizza! Enjoy!!!
Jocelyn says
My family loved these flatbreads! I used homemade Naan bread and shredded carrots (instead of matchsticks). I didn’t have the ingredients for the coconut crema, so I cooked the chicken in coconut oil to get a wee bit of that wonderful coconut flavor. Thanks for a terrific recipe I will be making again.
Jen says
Hi Jocelyn, so happy your family loved these flatbread pizzas and your homemade naan sounds DIVINE – what a way to take it over the edge! Thank you!
plasterer bristol says
These look really good, will be giving this a go. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Simon
Jen says
Hope you love it! Thanks Simon!
Cassie @ Crumb Kitchen says
Jen, I made this and almost died. My boyfriend and I feasted on these pizzas for lunch at work every day following! What an absolutely delicious recipe. I didn’t have any bean sprouts or red onion on hand so I skipped those, but it was still great. Thanks for the recipe!
Jen says
YAY! not for the almost dying part but for the loving them so much part :)! Thank you so much Cassie for making my day!!
Cassie @ Crumb Kitchen says
Haha, dying in a good way! (If that’s possible? :P) You’re welcome!
Therese says
Made these last night and Dinner was a huge hit!! Which I’m never surprised anymore when I’m making one of your recipes!! 🙂 When I make a new recipe and the family likes it, there response is, ” must be from Carlsbad Cravings” 🙂 Thank you for another delicious recipe that will be made often. 🙂
Jen says
YAY for dinner being a huge hit – that’s always a happy day 🙂 LOVE, love, love your comment ”must be from Carlsbad Cravings” – seriously made my day! Thank you so much! xo
Jen says
YAY for dinner being a huge hit – that’s always a happy day 🙂 LOVE, love, love your comment ”must be from Carlsbad Cravings” – seriously made my day! Thank you so much! xo
Lori says
Jen, I love peanut sauce, but my daughter is allergic to nuts. If I substitute soy butter for peanut butter, will it still be tasty? Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Lori, I have never tried soy butter so I honestly don’t know – sorry!
Julie says
This was truly fantastic! I loved the variance of flavors and textures. I made it for a dinner party and every single person raved. Thanks for another amazing recipe!
Jen says
YAY! I love it when people rave and what a fun menu item for a dinner party, so happy everyone loved it! Thank you Julie!
Liz says
This was either the fifth or sixth recipe of yours I’ve made and just like all the others it doesn’t disappoint and like the others it gets rave reviews from my family. From the moment I found the Carlsbad Cravings website, i haven’t thought about going anywhere else to find something new for dinner. We love Asian dishes so these recipes have been the ones we gravitated to immediately. Thank you, Jen for these delicious meals! I brag about CC all the time.
Jen says
Hi Liz, your comment made my day! I am thrilled you and your family are enjoying my recipes so much and I’m flattered CC is your go-to! I love Asian food as well, so much that I have to restrain from making every recipe post Asian recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for bragging about CC 🙂 xo
Christine Hendrix says
This was deeeeeeelicuious! , It was a nice day outside so I tweeked the recipe a tiny bit , I threw the chicken on the grill while I prepped the toppings , mixed the peanut butter sauce ingredients in a saucepan on top of the stove then put the flatbread together. Then I placed the flatbread on the grill to melt the cheese and warm the Naan bread. The bread was so crunchy , I also added some pineapple to the flatbread. I will definitely be making this again and again ! Thank you again Jen for another flavorful recipe. I only have one problem , I am finding it difficult to go to a restaurant to eat because I find the food so bland after cooking your recipes.
Jen says
LOL! That is the ultimate compliment – better than restaurant cooking at home! I’m thrilled this chicken flatbread pizza was another winner and it sounds fantastic on the grill!
Lisa says
Hey Jen! I’m really excited to make this tomorrow night! I have already made the coconut Crema, and it’s quite thick, it is not the correct consistency for drizzling. Do you have any suggestions for thinning it out? Thanks in advance!
Jen says
Hi Lisa, you can just thin with a little bit of water. I hope you love the pizza!
Stephanie says
Jen, Have you mentioned what brand of peanut butter you prefer in your savory recipes? I tried to find the answer on other posts, so I am sorry if I missed it somewhere! Thank you in advance! I can’t wait to make this for guests this week 🙂
Jen says
Hi Stephanie, for recipes I use Skippy – it doesn’t separate like natural peanut butter – enjoy!
Laura says
This is absolutely delicious!!! I used green onions instead of red, and also drizzle sweet Thai chili sauce on at the end, along with the coconut creama. Omg to die for!!!!! I think the naan makes a way better base than regular pizza dough too. 100% adding this as a frequent dinner in our house!
Jen says
Thanks so much Laura, I’m so pleased it’s going on repeat! I love your suggestion of drizzling on sweet Thai chili sauce at the end – yum!