Garlic Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice by Nee
Garlic Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice by Nee is a easy Indonesian Fusion recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Neez_Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $4.32 total, $1.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Warm Water (around 40°C (110°F))
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (proofed in warm water with a pinch of sugar)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (helps activate yeast)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce (plain or seasoned)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (optional)
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 8 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (torn, for garnish)
Instructions
Proof the Yeast
In a small cup, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5‑7 minutes until frothy.
Time: PT7M
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sifted flour, salt, and dried oregano.
Time: PT3M
Combine Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the dry mixture, pour in the proofed yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Time: PT4M
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6‑8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Time: PT8M
First Rise
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Time: PT45M
Preheat Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). If using a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack to heat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 230°C
Shape the Pizza Base
Punch down the risen dough, divide into two equal pieces (for two 12‑inch pizzas) or keep whole for one large pizza. Roll or stretch each piece on a parchment‑lined baking sheet to about ¼‑inch thickness.
Time: PT5M
Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border. Sprinkle minced garlic, then distribute shredded mozzarella. Add any optional toppings you like.
Time: PT4M
Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12‑15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 230°C
Finish and Serve
Remove pizza from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Warm Water: Milk (for richer dough), Beer (for flavor)
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Instant Yeast (use 1.5 tsp), Sourdough starter (replace liquid portion)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (use 0.5 tsp), Maple Syrup (use 0.5 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher Salt (use 1.5 tsp), Soy Sauce (reduce other salt)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed Tomatoes blended, Pizza sauce
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp), Shallots (1 small, minced)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning, Basil
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar (will change flavor), Vegan mozzarella
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried Basil (sprinkle after baking), Cilantro (for a different twist)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Proofing the yeast correctly (temperature and time).
- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully before shaping.
- Baking at a high temperature for a crisp crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, brush the crust edge with a little melted butter mixed with garlic before baking.
- Sprinkle a tiny amount of cornmeal on the parchment to prevent sticking and add a subtle crunch.
Troubleshooting
Dough did not rise.
Check that the yeast is fresh and the water temperature was not above 45°C (113°F). If needed, add a pinch more sugar and let sit longer in a warm place.
Crust is soggy.
Use less sauce, ensure the sauce is not too watery, and bake on a pre‑heated pizza stone or a perforated baking sheet.
Cheese burns before crust is cooked.
Lower oven temperature to 210°C (410°F) and extend baking time slightly, or move the pizza to a higher rack.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat directly in oven.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated for a slower, more flavorful rise.
- Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pizza in Indonesian cuisine?
While pizza originates from Italy, it has become a popular comfort food in Indonesia, especially among younger generations who enjoy customizing toppings with local flavors. Indonesian pizza often incorporates sweet soy sauce, chilies, or local cheeses, reflecting the country's love for bold, adaptable dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza in Indonesian cuisine?
In Jakarta and other urban areas, you’ll find “pizza roti” that uses a thinner, crispier crust and toppings like sliced chicken satay, sweet soy glaze, and fried shallots. In Bali, some versions include tropical fruits like pineapple and a hint of coconut milk in the sauce.
What is the authentic traditional way pizza is served in Indonesia?
Pizza in Indonesia is often served hot, sliced into squares for sharing, and accompanied by a side of sambal or sweet chili sauce for extra heat. It’s common to enjoy it with a cold soft drink or iced tea.
What occasions or celebrations is pizza traditionally associated with in Indonesia?
Pizza is a popular choice for birthday parties, casual gatherings, and after‑school snacks. Its quick preparation and shareable nature make it a go‑to dish for informal celebrations and student events.
How does pizza fit into the broader Indonesian street‑food tradition?
Pizza mirrors the Indonesian street‑food spirit of fast, affordable, and customizable meals. Like satay or bakso, pizza stalls often let customers pick toppings, creating a personalized experience that aligns with Indonesia’s vibrant street‑food culture.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for pizza versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Italian pizza uses wheat flour, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. In Indonesia, you can substitute mozzarella with locally produced cheese or a vegan alternative, and add toppings like tempeh, shredded chicken, or sweet soy glaze while keeping the core dough and sauce base.
What other Indonesian dishes pair well with Ken Dedes Pizza?
Serve the pizza alongside a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with lime and fish sauce, or pair it with a small bowl of soto ayam (chicken soup) for a balanced meal that mixes hot and cool flavors.
What makes Ken Dedes Pizza special or unique in Indonesian cuisine?
Ken Dedes Pizza blends a classic Italian crust with the enthusiastic, heartfelt cooking style of Neez_Kitchen, encouraging home cooks to add Indonesian flair such as sambal or fried shallots, making it a bridge between two culinary worlds.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ken Dedes Pizza at home?
Common errors include using water that’s too hot, which kills the yeast; under‑kneading the dough, leading to a dense crust; and overloading the pizza with sauce, which creates a soggy base. Follow the critical steps for yeast proofing, proper kneading, and moderate topping amounts.
Why does this Ken Dedes Pizza recipe use a high oven temperature instead of a lower, longer bake?
A high temperature (230°C/450°F) quickly creates steam inside the dough, giving a light, airy crumb and a crisp crust, which is essential for a pizza that mimics traditional wood‑fired ovens. Lower temperatures would result in a tougher, less bubbly crust.
Can I make Ken Dedes Pizza ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, then shape and bake when ready. Leftover baked pizza stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or can be frozen for up to two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Ken Dedes Pizza?
The crust should be golden‑brown with a slight char on the edges, airy inside, and the cheese should be fully melted, bubbling, and lightly browned. The sauce should be smooth, not watery, and the basil leaves should retain a fresh green color after baking.
How do I know when Ken Dedes Pizza is done cooking?
The pizza is done when the crust has turned a deep golden color, the cheese is fully melted with brown spots, and a thin crust sounds hollow when tapped. If using a pizza stone, the bottom should be crisp and not soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Neez_Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Neez_Kitchen focuses on approachable Indonesian home cooking, sharing heartfelt recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, often encouraging viewers to add personal flair and love to each dish.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Neez_Kitchen?
Neez_Kitchen emphasizes cooking with heart, simplicity, and accessibility. The host often engages viewers with enthusiastic greetings, encourages sharing, and demonstrates step‑by‑step techniques that require minimal specialized equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Neez_Kitchen's approach to Indonesian cooking differ from other Indonesian cooking channels?
Neez_Kitchen stands out by combining high energy, musical interludes, and personal dedications with clear, concise instructions, making the cooking experience feel like a celebration rather than a formal tutorial.
What other Indonesian recipes is the YouTube channel Neez_Kitchen known for?
Neez_Kitchen is popular for its rendang, nasi goreng with creative twists, and sweet treats like kue lapis and pisang goreng, all presented with lively music and heartfelt messages.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
