Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza Recipe
When it comes to pizza, there are endless flavor combinations, but if you’re seeking something truly unique and full of flavor, the Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza is a game-changer. It combines the bold umami of teriyaki chicken with the classic pizza crust and melts everything together with gooey mozzarella and tangy teriyaki sauce. It’s a dish that will surprise your taste buds with every bite.
Making the Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
The first and most important step in creating this pizza is marinating and grilling the chicken. The grilled chicken is the star of this dish, and the marinade will add great depth of flavor.
- Prepare the marinade:
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional), 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. - Marinate the chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For the best flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. - Grill the chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). Drizzle the chicken breasts with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove or bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. - Rest the chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the chicken from becoming dry. - Slice the chicken:
Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside; it will be added as a topping on the pizza later.
Step 2: Making the Pizza Dough
If you’re making your own pizza dough, this step will take about an hour in total, including the time needed for the dough to rise.
- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go. - Combine the dough ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and honey (if using). Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to form. - Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead. - Let the dough rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Preheat the grill:
While the dough is rising, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You’ll want a surface that’s hot enough to cook the pizza quickly, around 450°F (230°C).
Step 3: Making the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)
Although store-bought teriyaki sauce works perfectly fine, making your own sauce adds extra flavor and freshness to your pizza. Here’s how to make a quick and easy homemade version:
- Combine ingredients:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. - Simmer the sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the saucepan. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Cool the sauce:
Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. You’ll use this sauce to brush over the dough and drizzle over the pizza later.
Step 4: Assembling the Pizza
Now that the chicken, dough, and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your grilled chicken teriyaki pizza.
- Roll out the dough:
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle (or adjust the size for your preferred pizza thickness). You can use a rolling pin, or stretch it with your hands if you want to create a more rustic, hand-tossed style pizza. - Preheat the grill:
If you’re grilling the pizza directly on the grill, brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, if you’re using a pizza stone, place it on the grill and preheat it as well. - Cook the dough:
Transfer the dough onto the grill or pizza stone and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip the dough over carefully. - Add the toppings:
Brush the grilled side of the dough with teriyaki sauce. Then, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the grilled chicken, sliced red onion, and any additional toppings (like pineapple, bell peppers, or jalapeños). - Grill the pizza:
Close the grill lid and cook the pizza for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. - Finish the pizza:
Remove the pizza from the grill and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top for garnish, and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Flavor Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Teriyaki Pizza:
Skip the chicken and load your pizza with colorful veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach. You can still use the teriyaki sauce and cheese to create a satisfying vegetarian pizza. - BBQ Chicken Teriyaki Pizza:
Mix teriyaki sauce with barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the grilled chicken perfectly. - Pineapple Teriyaki Pizza:
Add pineapple chunks to the pizza for a classic Hawaiian twist. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory grilled chicken and teriyaki sauce.
Conclusion
The Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza is a delicious fusion dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the tangy-sweetness of teriyaki sauce, all atop a crisp pizza crust. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the toppings and even the dough to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a weekend get-together, or a special occasion, this pizza is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza
While this recipe is relatively straightforward, there are a few key tips and tricks to ensure your grilled chicken teriyaki pizza turns out perfectly every time. These tips cover everything from the dough to grilling to storing leftovers. Let’s dive into them!
1. Perfecting the Pizza Dough
The dough is the foundation of any pizza, so getting it just right is crucial. Here are a few tips for achieving the best dough:
- Use high-quality flour: The type of flour you use can affect the texture of the dough. All-purpose flour works well, but if you want a slightly chewier and more elastic dough, consider using bread flour instead. It has more gluten, which helps the dough rise and become stretchy.
- Don’t overwork the dough: After kneading, let the dough rise undisturbed. Overworking the dough can make it dense instead of light and airy. Once the dough has risen, gently press it into shape.
- Room temperature dough: If you’re not using the dough right after it’s risen, make sure you bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. Cold dough is much harder to work with, and it won’t stretch as easily.
- Resting the dough: Give the dough at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to rise and double in size. This ensures that the yeast has time to do its magic and gives the dough a light, airy texture when baked.
2. Grilling vs. Baking the Pizza
While grilling the pizza adds a unique smoky flavor and crispness, you can also bake the pizza in the oven if you prefer. Here’s how to choose the best option for you:
- Grilling:
If you’re using the grill to cook the pizza, make sure the grill is preheated to 450°F (230°C). You want a high temperature for quick cooking, which helps the crust become crispy without overcooking the toppings. Grilling also imparts a delicious smoky flavor that you can’t get from an oven.- Direct heat method: If you’re grilling directly on the grates, you can cook the pizza on both sides: first, grill the dough on one side, then flip and add the toppings, closing the grill to melt the cheese.
- Pizza stone or pan method: If you’re using a pizza stone, you’ll need to preheat the stone for at least 15 minutes on the grill to ensure it’s hot enough. If you’re using a pizza pan, make sure it’s coated with a bit of oil to avoid sticking.
- Baking in the oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. For extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet.Pro tip: If you’re baking in the oven and want the pizza to have a grilled flavor, consider brushing the dough with a little olive oil and grilling the chicken in advance to infuse smoky flavor into the toppings.
3. Toppings: How to Balance Flavors
The beauty of a grilled chicken teriyaki pizza lies in the balance of flavors—sweet, savory, salty, and umami. Here’s how to balance your toppings for maximum flavor:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cilantro add a crunchy texture and freshness that balances the richness of the teriyaki sauce. Be mindful of the quantities, as too many toppings can overwhelm the pizza.
- Don’t overdo the teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce is sweet and flavorful, but it can also be overpowering. Use a light hand when drizzling the sauce over the pizza and chicken. Too much sauce can make the pizza soggy. Consider saving a bit of sauce to drizzle on top after baking, especially for that glossy finish.
- Cheese choices: While mozzarella is a classic choice, try mixing it up with cheddar or smoked gouda for a richer, deeper flavor profile. Parmesan adds a nice salty finish when sprinkled on top after baking.
- Balance sweet and savory: If you’re adding ingredients like pineapple, remember that pineapple adds a sweet element, so balance it with the savory grilled chicken and onions. The sweetness of the pineapple will work well with the slightly salty teriyaki sauce.
4. Grilling the Chicken Perfectly
Getting the chicken just right is crucial to the overall flavor of the pizza. Here are some tips for perfect grilled chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts: To ensure even cooking, you may want to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps prevent overcooking the thinner parts while ensuring the thicker parts cook all the way through.
- Grill on medium-high heat: Don’t cook the chicken on high heat, as it can burn on the outside before fully cooking through. Medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) is ideal for creating grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Let it rest: After grilling the chicken, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Slicing the chicken too early can cause the juices to run out, leaving it dry.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure whether your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
A Flavorful Fusion Pizza You’ll Love
The Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with crispy crust, tender grilled chicken, melted cheese, and a tangy teriyaki sauce that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re grilling it for a weekend barbecue or baking it for a weeknight meal, this fusion pizza is sure to please any pizza lover.
It’s a great way to experiment with flavors, and the versatility in toppings allows you to make it your own, whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or veggie-packed. This pizza offers something for everyone, from those looking for a healthier meal to those simply craving a deliciously unique pizza.
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Pizza Recipe

Ingredients
- For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- For the Pizza:
- 2 pre-made pizza crusts (or homemade dough if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or part-skim for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced (optional for a sweet touch)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1-2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for a little crunch)
- For the Teriyaki Sauce Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge. If short on time, you can skip this step and just brush the chicken with teriyaki sauce as it cooks. - Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). During the last minute or two of grilling, brush the chicken with some of the teriyaki sauce to glaze it.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken thinly against the grain. - Prepare the Pizza:
While the chicken is grilling, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
If using store-bought pizza crusts, brush them lightly with olive oil or a little teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. If making homemade dough, roll it out to your desired size.
Spread a thin layer of teriyaki sauce on the pizza crusts, leaving a border for the crust. - Assemble the Pizza:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
Evenly distribute the grilled chicken slices over the cheese.
Add the thinly sliced red onion, bell pepper, and diced pineapple (if using) on top of the chicken.
Optionally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for crunch. - Grill or Bake the Pizza:
Grilling Method: If you want to grill the pizza, preheat your grill to medium heat, place the pizzas directly on the grill grate, and close the lid. Grill for 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Be careful to monitor the pizza so it doesn’t burn.
Oven Method: If using an oven, bake the pizzas on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Finishing Touches:
Once the pizzas are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven.
Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce for added flavor and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Slice and serve immediately!