Health Benefits of Chicken Crust Pizza
You could say chicken crust pizza is in-style and quite healthy. Here are things that make it awesome:
- High in Protein: Every serving portion is nearly full of lean protein to keep you full for a longer time.
- Few Carbs: Perfect for intake by keto and diabetes diets.
- Gluten is not included: It works for an individual with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Less Ingredients: You only need to bring together a small handful of things you are likely to already have in your pantry.
- Per Healthline, high protein, low carb diets, potentially stabilize blood glucose levels, have a positive metabolic effect, and promote fat loss hence chicken crust pizza is the best dietary choice.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is the simple list of ingredients involved in making chicken crust pizza on your own:
To form the crust:
- 1 ground chicken (breast or thigh) – 1 lb (450g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Top With:
- 1/2 cup sugar-free pizza sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, any toppings desired.
- Fresh basil or oregano can be added to garnish (optional).
Step-by-Step Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe
1 – Preheat and Prep
First, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2 – The Crust
- Combine the ground chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined well.
- Once you place the mixture on the tray lined with parchment paper, press it into a thin, even circle that is about 1/4 inch thick. The shape should resemble that of a pizza crust.
3 – Bake the Crust
Pour the chicken crust into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes-or until golden brown and firm to avoid ending up with a soggy base.
4 – Add Toppings
Take the crust out of the oven and use a spoon to evenly spread over it any pizza sauce you happen to have. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and whatever toppings you please.
5 – Final Bake
Put the pizza back in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until the toppings are bubbly and slightly browned.
6 – Serve and Enjoy
Allow pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Top with fresh herbs and serve with a side salad or low-carb dipping sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Crust
- Drain Excess Moisture: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before mixing if it has too much water.
- Add Herbs: For flavor enhancement, add Italian seasonings, chili flakes, or fresh parsley.
- Go Dairy-Free: If you are lactose intolerant, use nutritional yeast and substitute a dairy alternative for cheese.
- Portion Control: Use a kitchen scale to separate dough into mini-crusts for meal prep or portioned servings.
Customization Ideas
This chicken crust pizza recipe has a wide range of variations. Try a few of these:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Replace the traditional tomato sauce with sugar-free BBQ sauce, topped with red onions and cilantro.
- Buffalo Style: This option uses Buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Add mushrooms, a trio of bell peppers, spinach, and red onions for a vegetarian-friendly option (use plant-based cheese if you wish).
Check out low-carb dinner ideas for other healthy recipes or consider keto meal prep tips.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 3 to 5g depending on toppings and sauce
- Fiber: 1g
Please consider that the nutritional values could differ based on your toppings and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use canned chicken for the crust?
Yes, feel free to use canned chicken. Just remember to drain and dry it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
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How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven for best texture, but feel free to use the microwave or air fryer.
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Can I freeze the chicken crust?
Definitely, you can bake the crust ahead of time, freeze it, and add toppings when ready to eat.
Summary
If you want pizza but want to keep it healthy and low-carb, you’ve found your best friend with a chicken crust pizza recipe. Fast, truly customizable, packed with flavor, this is sure to impress whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for the family.
