For pizza lovers seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor, this innovative chicken crust pizza represents the perfect fusion of comfort food and modern dietary preferences. Born from the low-carb movement, this recipe transforms ground chicken into a surprisingly sturdy and delicious pizza base that’s naturally gluten-free and high in protein. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet, avoiding gluten, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe proves that pizza can be both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken, raw
- ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (3g) Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper
For the Toppings
- ½ cup (120ml) sugar-free pizza sauce
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings of choice:
- Pepperoni slices
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Red onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a sturdy spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Using slightly dampened hands or a spatula, spread the mixture into a circular shape approximately 12 inches (30cm) in diameter and ¼-inch (6mm) thick. Create a slightly raised border around the edges to contain the toppings.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Adding Toppings and Final Bake
- Remove the crust from the oven. Using paper towels, carefully blot away any excess liquid that may have accumulated during baking.
- Spread the sugar-free pizza sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your chosen toppings.
- Return the pizza to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble.
- Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure the best texture and easier serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/4 of pizza, crust only):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 2g
Time Requirements:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Crust Pizza
- Temperature Control
- Ensure your ground chicken is well-chilled before mixing to maintain the best texture
- Don’t rush the initial baking process; proper cooking prevents a soggy crust
- Texture Optimization
- Use ground chicken with approximately 90-93% lean content for the best results
- Pat the chicken mixture firmly when forming the crust to ensure it holds together
- Moisture Management
- Don’t skip the draining step after the first bake
- Consider pre-cooking wet toppings like mushrooms or peppers to prevent excess moisture
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options
- Ground turkey can replace chicken for a different flavor profile
- Italian-seasoned ground chicken adds extra flavor depth
- Cheese Alternatives
- Romano cheese can substitute for parmesan
- For dairy-free versions, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan
- Seasoning Variations
- Mexican-style: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning
- BBQ-style: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with red onions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can pre-bake the crust and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap it well in plastic wrap after cooling completely.
Q: Why is my crust releasing so much liquid?
A: This is normal due to the chicken’s natural moisture content. Simply drain the liquid and continue baking; the final product will be firm.
Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
A: While best fresh, you can freeze the fully baked pizza for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices in foil and reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven.
Q: Is this recipe dairy-free?
A: The basic recipe contains dairy (parmesan and mozzarella). See the substitutions section for dairy-free alternatives.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Short-term Storage
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until hot
Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare the crust mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator
- Pre-bake the crust, cool completely, and store wrapped in the refrigerator for 2 days
- Prep toppings in advance and store separately until ready to assemble
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- For best results, reheat in an oven rather than microwave to maintain texture
