Mediterranean Chicken Naan Pizza With Garlic Lemon Yogurt Swirl

Craving a weeknight meal that’s both exciting and easy? Look no further! This Mediterranean Chicken Naan Pizza with Garlic Lemon Yogurt Swirl is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. We’re taking the convenience of naan bread and elevating it with seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, a creamy yogurt swirl, and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a fun weekend treat. Get ready to experience a taste of the Mediterranean right in your kitchen!

What You’ll Need

• Naan Bread (2 pieces, ≈ 250 g / 9 oz each): The foundation of our pizza! Naan provides a soft, slightly chewy base that’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors. You can use store-bought naan for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own.
• Cooked Chicken Breast, Shredded (200 g / 7 oz): We’re using pre-cooked chicken to save time, but rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here. Shredding the chicken ensures it distributes evenly across the pizza.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp, 30 ml total): A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil adds richness and flavor. We’ll use it to season the chicken and create a luscious swirl in the yogurt.
• Ground Cumin (1 tsp / 5 g): This warm, earthy spice is a key component of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, adding depth to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp / 5 g): Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky flavor that complements the cumin and adds complexity to the chicken seasoning.
• Salt (½ tsp + ¼ tsp, 2.5 g total): Essential for enhancing all the flavors. We’ll use some to season the chicken and a pinch for the yogurt.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp / 1 g): A classic seasoning that adds a touch of spice.
• Red Onion, Thinly Sliced (½ medium, ≈ 50 g / 1.8 oz): Red onion provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Slicing it thinly ensures it cooks evenly on the pizza.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Halved (120 g / 4 oz): These juicy little tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and freshness. Halving them allows their flavor to meld with the other toppings.
• Fresh Spinach Leaves (30 g / 1 oz): Spinach adds a healthy dose of greens and a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (100 g / 3.5 oz): A classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and provides a gooey, satisfying texture.
• Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, 150 g / 5 oz): The star of our swirl! Full-fat Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the garlic and lemon flavors.
• Lemon Zest (1 tsp / 2 g): Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the yogurt.
• Garlic, Minced (1 clove / 5 g): Aromatic and flavorful, minced garlic enhances the yogurt swirl.
• Fresh Dill, Chopped (1 Tbsp / 5 g): Dill provides a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the lemon and garlic.
• Fresh Mint Leaves, Torn (1 Tbsp / 5 g): Adds a refreshing, cool flavor as a garnish.
• Toasted Cumin Seeds (½ tsp / 1 g): A final touch of flavor and texture, toasted cumin seeds add a warm, nutty aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Naan Bread: If you can’t find naan, pita bread or even a pre-made pizza crust will work in a pinch.
• Chicken Breast: Feel free to use leftover grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Greek Yogurt: Sour cream or crème fraîche can be used as substitutes, but they won’t have the same tangy flavor.
• Spinach: Kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach.

Let’s Build Your Mediterranean Chicken Naan Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F). Placing a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside while preheating is crucial. This ensures a crispy crust by providing direct heat to the naan bread. The hot surface mimics a traditional pizza oven, giving you that desirable texture.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand of chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is vital for infusing the chicken with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
3. Craft the Garlic Lemon Yogurt Swirl: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped dill, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The lemon zest brightens the yogurt, while the garlic and dill add aromatic depth.
4. Base Layer on the Naan: Lay each naan bread onto a separate piece of parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes transferring the pizza to and from the oven easier. Spread half of the prepared yogurt mixture thinly and evenly over each naan, leaving a 1-cm border around the edge. This border will help contain the toppings and create a neat presentation.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Now comes the fun part! Top each yogurt-covered naan with the seasoned chicken, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves. Distribute the toppings evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
6. Create the Yogurt Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining yogurt mixture randomly over the cheese and toppings. Using the back of a spoon, gently draw ribbons through the cheese and toppings, creating a beautiful marbled effect. This not only looks appealing but also ensures the yogurt flavor is distributed throughout the pizza.
7. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheets with the assembled pizzas to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, the edges of the naan bread are golden brown and slightly crispy, and the yogurt ribbons are lightly set.
8. Finishing Touches & Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. Drizzle any leftover yogurt swirl over the top, scatter torn mint leaves for a fresh aroma and vibrant color, and sprinkle with toasted cumin seeds. Slice the pizza and serve immediately.

Why Naan Bread Works So Well for Pizza

While traditional pizza dough is fantastic, naan bread offers a unique and delightful alternative. Its slightly chewy texture and subtle yeasty flavor complement the Mediterranean toppings beautifully. Naan is also quicker to work with than making pizza dough from scratch, making this recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. The slight char you get from baking naan at a high temperature adds another layer of flavor and texture that elevates the entire pizza experience.

Tips for the Best Yogurt Swirl

The yogurt swirl is the signature element of this pizza, so getting it right is key. Using full-fat Greek yogurt is essential for achieving a thick, creamy consistency that won’t melt away completely during baking. Don’t overmix the yogurt mixture, as this can make it too thin. And when creating the swirl, be gentle – you want ribbons of yogurt, not a completely blended mess. A little goes a long way, so use a light hand when drizzling and swirling.

Spice Level Adjustment

Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin and smoked paprika to suit your spice preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of smoked paprika. You can also experiment with other Mediterranean spices like oregano or sumac.

Make-Ahead Components

To save time, you can prepare some components of this pizza ahead of time. The chicken can be cooked and shredded a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The yogurt swirl can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to add the fresh dill and mint right before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat before seasoning.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

A heavy baking sheet will work just fine, although a pizza stone will provide a crispier crust. You can also bake the pizza directly on the oven rack, but be careful when removing it.

This Mediterranean Chicken Naan Pizza is a delightful and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

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