How to Make Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Pizza (Domino’s Chiki-Teri Copycat Recipe)

Pizza may have its roots in Italy, but Japan has shaped it into something uniquely its own. From upscale brick-oven restaurants to supermarket slices and home delivery, pizza in Japan reflects a food culture driven by creativity, balance, and local taste preferences rather than strict tradition.

Among the many variations, one standout favorite is Japanese teriyaki chicken pizza. Inspired by Domino’s Japan’s popular “Chiki-Teri,” this sweet and savory pizza combines Western-style dough and cheese with familiar Japanese seasonings, creating a flavor that feels both comforting and distinct.

Pizza culture in Japan is relatively young. Though largely unfamiliar decades ago, it gained momentum after Domino’s launched its Japanese branch in 1985. As one of the country’s first delivery pizza chains, Domino’s did more than introduce American-style pizza. It adapted toppings to suit local tastes. The “Chiki-Teri” pizza is a perfect example, topped with juicy teriyaki chicken, sweet corn, spinach, melted cheese, and a generous drizzle of Japanese mayo.

If you're curious about how Japanese pizza vs American pizza, you can read more in this feature article.

This recipe celebrates that classic flavor combination and offers an easy way to recreate it at home. The pizza base is designed to support the toppings rather than overpower them. A mild tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and consommé powder adds gentle umami without sharp acidity.

The teriyaki chicken is the highlight of the pizza. Simmered slowly in soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, the chicken stays tender while absorbing a glossy sweet-salty glaze. Taking time with this step helps lock in moisture and delivers the signature “Chiki-Teri” taste.

Add corn, spinach, and a mesh of Kewpie mayo, and the pizza comes together beautifully. Each topping has a purpose. Corn adds sweetness, spinach adds freshness, cheese adds richness, and Japanese mayonnaise brings creamy balance.

In Japan, pizza is not an everyday meal. It is often enjoyed as a treat for parties or special occasions. Since delivery pizza can be expensive, many families choose to make it at home. Homemade pizza is both practical and fun, allowing everyone to customize toppings while keeping costs down.

Making Japanese teriyaki chicken pizza at home is easier than it may seem. The process breaks down into simple steps: preparing the dough, cooking the sauce, making the chicken, and assembling everything together. A soft, lightly sweet dough pairs especially well with savory toppings.

Balance is one reason this pizza is so popular in Japan. Japanese cooking values harmony, where no single flavor dominates. The sweetness of the teriyaki glaze is balanced by the mild tomato sauce, while cheese and mayonnaise soften the salty notes of the sauce.

Texture is equally important. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and stretchy melted cheese create contrast in every bite. Using spinach instead of heavier toppings keeps the pizza light, a common trait in Japanese-style Western dishes.

The recipe is also flexible. Many home cooks adjust toppings based on what they have, adding mushrooms, onions, or extra mayonnaise. The base recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt.

Whether served for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a weekend treat, Japanese teriyaki chicken pizza shows how global foods can be reshaped through local tastes. It is comforting, creative, and a dish worth making again and again.

Baked at a high temperature, the pizza finishes with a crisp crust and melty toppings, delivering that unmistakable Japanese pizza flavor straight from your oven.