You are a pizza lover and want to try something new and interesting? Look no further than chicken crust pizza! This innovative take on a classic dish offers a healthier alternative that will satisfy your cravings and allow you to stick to your dietary goals.
Whether you follow a keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or carnivorous diet, chicken crust pizza is sure to become a favorite in your household. Like many of my recipes, I have been making it for many years, but only now am I going to share it! Let’s find out what exactly chicken crust pizza is made of, whether it can be eaten on a carnivorous diet, tips for making the best chicken crust, and even a few delightful flavor variations worth trying.
What is chicken crust pizza?
Chicken crust pizza” is gaining popularity as a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crusts. But what is chicken crust? Well, instead of dough made from flour or other grains, the base of this pizza is actually made from ground chicken! That’s right, chicken is the main ingredient for the crust.
To make chicken crust, you start with chopped chicken and mix it with seasonings and binders such as eggs and cheese. This mixture is then pressed into a thin layer and baked until done. The result? A delightfully crispy and fragrant base that perfectly complements your favorite pizza toppings and holds up well in your hand.
Why should you choose chicken crust over traditional dough? First of all, it is almost completely devoid of carbohydrates since it does not contain grains. It also has more protein thanks to the lean chicken meat content. Additionally, if you follow a gluten-free diet or are simply looking for a healthier option, chicken crust is an excellent choice.
Don’t let the name fool you: while it may sound like a dish exclusively for carnivores, everyone can enjoy chicken crust pizza! If you’re looking to increase your protein intake or just want to switch things up from time to time, this unique pizza option will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing taste.
What is chicken crust made of?
Chicken crust is a unique alternative to traditional pizza crusts, and it’s obvious, but it’s made entirely of chicken! I’ve seen other variations that use almond flour as a binder, but that may not suit you if you’re looking for a carnivorous animal pizza crust. The main ingredients of the chicken crust include chopped chicken, parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices. These ingredients are mixed together to form a dough-like mixture that can be formed into a thin crust.
I prefer to cook chicken crust in a food processor because it’s much easier! However, you can still make chicken crust even if you don’t have this convenient kitchen appliance. To make chicken crust without a food processor, start by mixing finely chopped chicken with grated parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add beaten eggs and spices. Mix everything well.
Next, spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use your hands or a spatula to shape the dough to the desired size and thickness of the pizza. This crust works and tastes best like a thin crust pizza, so keep pressing it as thin as possible while still retaining some content.
I like to beat an extra egg and brush it on the crust just before putting it in the oven. Bake in the oven until done and slightly browned.
After the crust is baked and slightly cooled, you can cover the chicken crust with sauce, cheese, vegetables, pepperoni, or any other toppings you prefer before baking it again until everything is heated and melted. Enjoy this delicious alternative to keto crust that satisfies both pizza cravings and protein needs!
Can I Eat Chicken Crust Pizza on a Carnivore Diet?
If you’re wondering whether you can eat chicken crust pizza on a carnivorous diet, the answer is yes! Since the carnivorous diet is oriented towards consuming animal products and excludes most plant-based products, chicken crust pizza can be an excellent option. Instead of traditional grain or vegetable-based crust, the crust is made from chicken mixed with various spices and seasonings. If you subscribe to a stricter version of the carnivorous diet (also known as hardcore carnivorous), you can skip the toppings and sauce for the pizza, as they are made from plant-based ingredients.
The beauty of chicken crust pizza is that it allows you to enjoy the taste and toppings of your favorite pizza while adhering to the principles of a carnivorous diet. By using chicken mince as the base instead of traditional crust, you eliminate carbohydrates and gluten from your food. This can help with weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation in some people. So go ahead and enjoy a delightful slice of chicken crust pizza without any guilt!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Pizza Crust
When it comes to making the best chicken crust for pizza, there are a few tips and tricks that will take your creation to the next level. First, make sure you fully cook, chop, and finely chop the chicken before using it as the base for the crust. Personally, I’m not a big fan of canned chicken, but if you like it and want to use it, go ahead. This makes the recipe even easier, and the finely chopped structure of the canned chicken ensures that the crust will maintain its integrity when baked.
Next, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the prepared chicken. Too much moisture can make the crust soggy and prevent it from becoming crispy. You can use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid.
Don’t forget about the spices. Adding spices to the chicken mixture enhances the flavor of the crust. If you decide not to use spices for a more strict carnivorous version, just know that the crust will be a bit bland. Salt will definitely become your friend if you forego other spices.
By following these tips, you will be on your way to creating a deliciously crispy and aromatic chicken crust for pizza that will make everyone come back for seconds!
Flavor variations
The variations of taste for chicken pizza crust are endless, which allows you to show a creative approach and customize pizza according to your taste receptors. One of the popular options is to season the chicken crust with Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and garlic powder, to give it a classic Margherita flavor. If you prefer something spicier, add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes for piquancy.
If you want a Mediterranean note, try using Greek seasoning with feta cheese and olives. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices in the crust and on top: the possibilities are endless! You can use ready-made pizza sauce or sugar-free marinade, but it is very easy to make it yourself. I most often use a can of tomato puree, which I season and cook a little on the stove to thicken it. My marinara is blended or Rao’s if I use something from a can.
Recommendations for filling and serving
When it comes to topping and serving your chicken crust pizza, get creative. You can prepare pizza with various delicious ingredients according to your taste preferences. As long as the toppings fit your macros, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Browsing the pizza menu can give you great ideas for non-traditional toppings.
For a classic twist, try topping your chicken crust pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. If you’re looking for something lighter, opt for fresh vegetables such as chopped tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. For extra flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes (my favorite) or add a little extra virgin olive oil.
To take your chicken crust pizza to the next level, experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese. You can also get creative by adding cooked bacon bits or pieces of steak for extra toppings. When your pizza is ready to serve, garnish it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add freshness and visual interest.
For serving suggestions, pair your chicken crust pizza with a side dish or steamed vegetables for a satisfying lunch. Alternatively, serve it as an appetizer at a party by cutting it into smaller pieces and adding various sauces to it.
With these ideas and serving guidelines in mind, you can create a mouth-watering chicken crust pizza that will please carnivores and the health-conscious alike!
Top ideas:
Now that your delicious chicken crust pizza is ready, it’s time to get creative with your toppings! Here are some topping ideas that will take your chicken crust to the next level:
1. Classic Margarita. Just add fresh basil leaves, chopped tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. This classic combination never fails to delight.
2. BBQ Chicken: Spread a spicy coating on it. Sugar-free BBQ sauce (use HNG10 for 10 percent off) on chicken crust and top with red onion and cheddar cheese for a zesty, smoky treat.
3. Mediterranean delicacies. Add a Mediterranean twist by topping the pizza with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and a little tzatziki sauce.
4. Buffalo chicken. For those who like a little heat, coat a few cubes of chicken in Buffalo sauce before adding it to the pizza along with some blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for a cooling contrast.
5. Pesto heaven. Swap out traditional tomato pesto for even more flavor. Top it off with grilled chicken strips, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and goat cheese for an irresistible combination.
6. Hawaiian fusion. Give your pizza an island vibe by layering slices of ham or Canadian bacon along with pineapple chunks on top of the chicken crust, then topping the whole thing with a little mozzarella cheese.
7. Enjoy the Garden: Add colorful keto veggies like bell peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, etc. and top with a mixture of Italian herbs and shredded mozzarella.
8. Carnivore Pizza: If you’re going to be a strict carnivore, don’t add seasonings to the crust and use ricotta cheese as the “sauce” and top with pepperoni and ground beef.
These are just a few examples to get you started creating mouth-watering combinations using different flavors and ingredients depending on your personal preferences!
Chicken Crust – Keto Recipe for Carnivores
- Preparation time: 10 minutes min
- Cook Time: 40 minutes min
- Total time: 50 minutes min
- Number of servings: 8 pieces
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces cooked chicken
- 1 ¼ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400 °F.
-
Line a baking sheet, pizza pan, or pizza stone with parchment paper. Parchment is necessary as the crust is sticky.
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese.
-
Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt and Italian seasoning.
-
Beat the eggs, add to the chicken and mix thoroughly.
-
Place chicken mixture on parchment paper and spread it out as thinly as possible. This recipe will make a 13 to 14 inch round crust or equivalent rectangular size.
-
Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and firm. Remove from oven.
-
Using parchment paper, remove the crust from the pan and let it rest on a cool surface for 15 minutes.
-
Place the crust back on the pizza pan.
-
Spread the pesto evenly over the crust. Spread the cheese slices evenly over the sauce, then top with the tomato halves.
-
Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
-
If you want to brown the cheese, place the pizza under the broiler for 30 seconds to a minute, but be careful and keep a close eye on it!
Nutrition
- Calories: 151
- kilocaloriesCarbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- fiber: 0.3 g
- Net carbs: 1 g
