Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken crust pizza offers everything you love about traditional pizza, but with a nutritious twist. The crust is made entirely from seasoned chicken, making it crispy, flavorful, and incredibly filling. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply craving a new twist on pizza, this recipe delivers a hearty, savory crust that takes the flavor experience to a whole new level. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Chicken Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into a round, even circle about ¼-inch thick, forming your pizza base.
3. Bake the Crust:
Bake the chicken crust for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
4. Add the Toppings:
Remove the crust from the oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top, then layer with mozzarella slices, tomato rounds, and fresh basil.
5. Final Bake:
Return the pizza to the oven for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra basil if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, while the cooking time is around 35 minutes, bringing the total time to 45 minutes.
Variations
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor, you can add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or olives to the toppings.
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some spicy sausage to the pizza to give it a kick.
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping mozzarella for other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or a blend of your favorites.
- Meat Lovers: Top with additional meats like grilled chicken, bacon, or pepperoni for a heartier version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken crust pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the crust may lose some of its crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken crust ahead of time. Once baked, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add toppings and bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the chicken crust pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken crust without the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen with your choice of toppings.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer it over ground chicken. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this pizza crust gluten-free?
Yes, this chicken crust pizza is naturally gluten-free, as it uses ground chicken instead of traditional flour-based dough.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
How can I make the chicken crust crispier?
To get a crispier crust, you can increase the baking time for the chicken crust to about 35-40 minutes, or you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
Can I use pre-made marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works fine for this recipe, but for the best flavor, you can use homemade sauce.
How can I spice up the crust?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or extra garlic powder to the chicken mixture before baking for a spicier crust.
Can I add more protein to the toppings?
Definitely! You can top the pizza with cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even a fried egg for an extra protein boost.
How do I know when the crust is fully cooked?
The crust will be golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Chicken crust pizza is a creative and delicious twist on the classic favorite, offering a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. It’s not only a healthier option for those on specific diets, but it also delivers on taste and texture, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. Try this recipe today and enjoy a pizza experience that’s both flavorful and nutritious!
Chicken Crust Pizza That Changes Everything
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken crust pizza is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza, made with a savory, protein-packed chicken crust. Perfect for keto, gluten-free, and high-protein diets, this innovative pizza combines a crispy, flavorful chicken base with fresh toppings, making it both nutritious and delicious. Try this healthy twist on pizza today!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 pound ground chicken
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Make the Chicken Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into a round shape, about ¼-inch thick.
-
Bake the Crust: Bake the chicken crust for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
-
Add the Toppings: Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the crust. Add mozzarella slices, tomato rounds, and fresh basil.
-
Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
-
Slice and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or olives to the toppings.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to give the pizza a bit of heat.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or a blend of your favorites.
