Yes—you absolutely can make pizza at home, and not just any pizza, but a delicious Chicken Suya Pizza inspired by Domino’s bestseller. T...
Yes—you absolutely can make pizza at home, and not just any pizza, but a delicious Chicken Suya Pizza inspired by Domino’s bestseller. This recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and the best part is, you get to customize it exactly the way you like.
Let’s walk through the entire process, from mixing the dough to baking a golden, cheesy, spicy chicken suya pizza that tastes just as good—if not better—than takeout.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start with the basics: warm water in a bowl. Not hot, not cold—just comfortably warm. To this, add a little sugar and some instant yeast. The sugar acts as food for the yeast, helping it activate. Since this is instant yeast, there’s no need for proofing; just mix it right in.
Next, sift your all-purpose flour (plain flour) into a large bowl. Sifting does two things: removes clumps and gets rid of any impurities that might be in the flour.
Now add:
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A pinch of salt
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A drizzle of virgin olive oil
Pour in the water-yeast-sugar mixture and start combining. Use a spatula first—it’s easier and less messy. Mix everything for about 2 minutes, then cover the dough with a clean cloth or cling film. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
After resting, the gluten will have started developing, making the dough softer and easier to knead. Mix again, this time using your hands. The dough should be slightly sticky—that’s a good sign. Dust your hands lightly with flour and knead by folding, rolling, and pressing for about 10 minutes.
Once smooth, transfer the dough back into the bowl, coat lightly with olive oil (to prevent sticking), cover it, and let it rise on the kitchen counter for 2 hours.
Step 2: Preparing the Toppings
While the dough rests, it’s time to prepare the star of this recipe: the toppings.
For the chicken, season chicken breasts with:
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Suya (Yaji) spice
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A little chicken seasoning (or any spices you prefer)
Pan-fry the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes total—1.5 minutes per side. They cook very quickly. Once done, chop them into small bite-sized chunks perfect for pizza.
For the vegetables, chop:
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Green bell pepper
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Scotch bonnet (ata rodo)
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Onions
For the cheese, use fresh mozzarella. It’s best to buy a block and grate it yourself—this melts more evenly and doesn’t contain preservatives like pre-shredded cheese.
For the pizza sauce, you have two options:
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Make it yourself by blending bell peppers and tomatoes, then boiling it down until thick.
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Use ready-made tomato or pizza sauce from the store.
Step 3: Shaping the Dough
After 2 hours, your dough will be airy and doubled in size. Transfer it to your pizza pan. This recipe makes a large pizza, so spread it wide using your hands. If it keeps pulling back (elastic), be patient—keep stretching it gently. A rolling pin can also help flatten it out.
Step 4: Assembling the Pizza
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Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Be careful not to add too much—it can make the crust soggy.
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Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously.
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Add your toppings: bell peppers, scotch bonnet, onions, and chicken suya chunks.
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For an extra kick, sprinkle some additional suya pepper on top.
Step 5: Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven for 30 minutes so it’s really hot before the pizza goes in. If you have a pizza stone, place your tray on it for extra crispiness at the bottom.
Bake for about 10 minutes total. At the 5–6 minute mark, pull it out and brush the edges with olive oil for that golden-brown crust. Return it to the oven until perfectly baked.
Step 6: Serving
Once baked, your homemade Chicken Suya Pizza should look golden, slightly crispy on top, and loaded with flavors from the suya spice. Slice it into pieces and enjoy immediately!
This pizza has a wonderful balance of smoky, spicy suya, melty cheese, and fresh veggies—all on a perfectly crisp homemade crust.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pizza is all about freedom—you can customize toppings, spice levels, and cheese amounts however you like. While Italians might raise an eyebrow at Chicken Suya Pizza, this Nigerian twist is a true crowd-pleaser and a regular weekend favorite in many homes.
So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the delivery app and try making this right in your kitchen.
FAQ About Homemade Chicken Suya Pizza
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Do I need a pizza stone?
Not at all. A regular baking tray works fine, though a stone gives extra crispiness.
3. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time. But homemade dough tastes fresher and is easy once you try it.
4. How spicy is this pizza?
It depends on how much suya pepper and scotch bonnet you use. You can tone it down or kick it up to your liking.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. After the first rise, wrap the dough in plastic and freeze it. Thaw and let it rise again before use.
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