Hey, friends! 🍕 Who’s ready to shake up pizza night? I’ve got something fun and a little different for you—Chicken Crust Pizza! Yep, you heard that right. We’re swapping out the traditional dough for a protein-packed chicken crust that’s low on carbs but big on flavor. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to enjoy pizza without the post-meal guilt. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Low-carb and high-protein: Who knew pizza could be this guilt-free? The chicken crust keeps the carbs low and the protein high, so you can enjoy every bite without the carb crash.
→ Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious homemade pizza on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever the pizza craving hits.
→ Customizable toppings: Get creative with your favorite toppings! This recipe is a great base for all your pizza dreams. Whether you’re into classic Margherita or want to load it up with veggies, the choice is yours.
→ Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this one. Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some extra protein.
→ Gluten-free: No flour, no problem! This pizza is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in without worry.
This Chicken Crust Pizza is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen—quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying! 🍕
Try my Mac and Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Skillet recipe.
What you’ll need to make Chicken Crust Pizza
Alright, let’s break down what’s going into this Chicken Crust Pizza. First up, we’ve got ground chicken. Yep, you heard that right—chicken as the crust! It’s a game-changer, making this pizza high in protein and low in carbs. Plus, it’s super filling, so you won’t miss the traditional dough at all.
Next, we’re adding some mozzarella cheese to the mix. It goes into the crust and on top because, let’s be honest, can you ever have too much cheese? 🍕 The cheese in the crust gives it that perfect texture, while the slices on top get all melty and delicious.
To keep things flavorful, we’re tossing in some Italian seasoning and a pinch of sea salt. Simple but effective, right? It’s just enough to give the chicken crust a little extra something without overpowering it.
Now, for the toppings: passata is our sauce of choice—smooth, rich, and just plain tasty. Top that with more mozzarella (because, why not?), and finish with some fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a nice pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness. 🌿
And that’s it! Simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to make one seriously good pizza. 🍕
| Ingredients (Serves:4) |
|---|
| – 1 lb (450g) ground chicken |
| – 2 oz (57g) mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| – 1 tsp Italian seasoning |
| – 1/4 tsp sea salt |
| Pizza toppings: |
| – 2 fl oz (120ml) passata |
| – 1 mozzarella ball, sliced |
| – handful basil leaves |
Try my Easy Weeknight Keto Pepperoni Pizza recipe.
What you’ll need to do
Time required: 35 min
1| First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get your baking sheet ready with some parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is where the magic happens!
2| Now for the fun part: grab a bowl and toss in the ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Roll up your sleeves and mix it all together with your hands. Don’t be shy—get in there!
3| Shape your crust: plop that chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into a nice pizza shape. Aim for about 1/4″ (1/2 cm) thick. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 20 minutes. If you notice any liquid seeping out, just blot it up with some paper towels. No biggie.
4| Top it off: once the crust is done, pull it out and spread the passata all over the top. Layer on those mozzarella slices and slide it back into the oven for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese gets all melty and delicious.
5| Final touch: take it out of the oven, let it cool for a minute, and then top with a handful of fresh basil leaves. Slice it up and dig in!
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Crust Pizza! 🍕
Also try my Sweet Potato BBQ Chicken Gluten Free Pizza recipe.
Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe
Here are some fun substitution and improvisation ideas for your Chicken Crust Pizza:
Substitutions:
1| Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken: If you’re out of ground chicken or just prefer turkey, swap it in! It’s just as lean and tasty, with a slightly different flavor profile.
2| Vegan Cheese: If you’re dairy-free or vegan, try using a good quality vegan mozzarella or any plant-based cheese that melts well. It’ll keep the pizza just as gooey and delicious.
3| Tomato Sauce Instead of Passata: Don’t have passata on hand? No worries! Use your favorite tomato sauce or even crushed tomatoes for a slightly chunkier texture.
4| Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Basil: If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil or oregano can work in a pinch. Just sprinkle a little on top for that herby kick.
Try my Cauliflower Margherita Pizza recipe.
Improvisations:
1| Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture if you like a bit of heat. It’ll give the crust a nice spicy twist.
2| Add Veggies to the Crust: Mix in some finely chopped spinach, kale, or grated zucchini with the ground chicken. It’s a sneaky way to get in some extra greens and adds a bit more texture to the crust.
3| Switch Up the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or some roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color. The sky’s the limit here.
4| Garlic and Herb Crust: For extra flavor, mix minced garlic and additional herbs like rosemary or thyme into the chicken mixture. It’ll give the crust a delicious, savory boost.
5| BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza: Swap the passata for your favorite BBQ sauce, and add toppings like grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a fun twist on the classic pizza flavor.
These substitutions and improvisations can help you tailor the Chicken Crust Pizza to your taste or whatever you’ve got in the kitchen. Enjoy experimenting! 🍕
Try my Low Carb Pizza Puff recipe.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Crust Pizza
Here are some useful tips to make your Chicken Crust Pizza turn out perfect:
1| Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to avoid excess fat that could make the crust greasy. It helps keep the crust crisp and delicious.
2| Mix Well: When combining the chicken with cheese and seasonings, mix thoroughly with your hands. This ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed and the cheese is well incorporated into the crust.
3| Press the Crust Firmly: Spread the chicken mixture evenly on the baking sheet and press it down firmly. This helps the crust cook evenly and get that nice, crispy edge.
4| Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the chicken crust alone first before adding toppings. This step ensures the crust firms up and holds its shape, so you won’t end up with a soggy pizza.
5| Drain Excess Liquid: If you notice any liquid seeping out while baking the crust, gently blot it with a paper towel. This helps keep the crust crispy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
6| Let It Cool Slightly: After baking, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut without the toppings sliding off.
7| Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking. A hot oven helps the crust get crispy and the cheese melt perfectly.
8| Use a Pizza Cutter: For easy slicing, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. It cuts through the crust and toppings cleanly, giving you perfect slices every time.
9| Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Whether you’re adding extra veggies, different cheeses, or a sprinkle of your favorite spices, the possibilities are endless.
10| Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the crust.
These tips should help you get the best results from your Chicken Crust Pizza and make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking! 🍕
Try my One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake recipe.
Some serving suggestions
Here are some fun serving ideas to elevate your Chicken Crust Pizza experience:
1| Classic Salad: Serve your Chicken Crust Pizza with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple mix of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette makes a perfect, refreshing side.
2| Garlic Breadsticks: Pair your pizza with some homemade or store-bought garlic breadsticks. The combo of pizza and garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
3| Dip Duo: Create a small dipping station with marinara sauce and ranch dressing. It’s a fun way to enjoy the pizza crust and adds an extra flavor twist.
4| Vegetable Platter: Arrange a colorful platter of raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and celery around the pizza. Serve with a tasty dip like hummus or tzatziki for a healthy crunch.
5| Fruit Salad: Balance out the savory pizza with a light fruit salad. A mix of berries, apples, and grapes can add a sweet, refreshing contrast.
6| Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb side, serve the pizza with zucchini noodles tossed in a light garlic sauce or pesto. It’s a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal.
7| Pickled Veggies: Add a tangy touch to your meal with a side of pickled veggies. They offer a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza.
8| Wine Pairing: If you’re in the mood for a drink, pair your pizza with a crisp white wine or a light red. It complements the flavors and makes the meal feel a bit more special.
9| Pasta Salad: A small serving of pasta salad can make for a great side dish. Choose a simple version with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a light Italian dressing.
10| Soup Starter: Serve a warm bowl of tomato basil soup as a starter. It pairs wonderfully with the pizza and makes for a comforting, hearty meal.
These ideas should help you create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal to go with your Chicken Crust Pizza. Enjoy your pizza night! 🍕
Try my Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe.
Some storage suggestions
Here are some practical storage options to keep your Chicken Crust Pizza fresh and delicious:
1| Airtight Containers: Store leftover pizza slices in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Make sure the containers are completely sealed to prevent the pizza from drying out.
2| Plastic Wrap and Foil: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a container. This helps to keep the slices from sticking together and maintains their freshness.
3| Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in the fridge if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
4| Freezer Storage: If you want to keep your pizza for a longer period, freeze it. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
5| Reheating Tips: For the best texture, reheat pizza slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the pizza on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller amounts.
6| Avoid the Microwave: Try to avoid reheating pizza in the microwave if possible. It tends to make the crust chewy and soggy. An oven or toaster oven is a better option for keeping the crust crispy.
7| Separate Toppings: If you have a lot of toppings, consider storing them separately from the crust. This way, you can reassemble the pizza with fresh toppings after reheating.
8| Cool Completely: Before storing pizza, let it cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the pizza soggy.
These storage options should help you keep your Chicken Crust Pizza tasting great whether you’re enjoying leftovers later or freezing some for a future meal.
Try my Mediterranean Falafel Pita Burgers recipe.
And there you have it—Chicken Crust Pizza that’s easy, delicious, and just a bit out of the ordinary. 🐔🍕 I hope you’re as excited about this recipe as I am. It’s perfect for when you want to satisfy that pizza craving while keeping things on the lighter side. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes—your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you! Happy cooking, friends!
Recipe Card
Glycemic Index: 13 (low) Glycemic Load: 1 (low)
Chicken Crust Pizza
This Chicken Crust Pizza is your new go-to when you want pizza without the guilt! 🐔🍕 It’s gluten-free, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to make this on repeat!
Ingredients
Pizza toppings:
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper, or a silicone baking mat.
-
Step 2:
Add the ground chicken, cheese, Italian season and salt to a bowl and mix throughly with your hands.
-
Step 3:
Place the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and spread into a pizza shape about 1/4" (1/2cm) thick. Place into the preheated oven to bake for 20 minutes. If any liquid leaks out of the crust, absorb with kitchen towels.
-
Step 4:
Remove from the oven and spread the Passata on top, then add the mozzarella cheese and bake for a further 10 minutes until the cheese has melted.
-
Step 5:
Remove from the oven and cool slightly, before topping with fresh basil leaves, slicing and serving.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 273kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
