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Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe


  • Author: Caroline

Ingredients

For the Chicken Crust (Makes one 10-12 inch crust):

  • Chicken: 20 ounces total. This can be:

    • 2 (10-ounce) cans of chicken breast in water, drained EXTREMELY well.

    • OR 1.25 lbs (20 oz) of raw ground chicken.

  • Eggs: 2 large

  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons for topping the crust

  • Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons

  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon

  • Salt: ½ teaspoon

  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground

For Classic Pizza Toppings:

  • Low-Sugar Marinara or Pizza Sauce: ½ cup

  • Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups

  • Pepperoni Slices: a generous handful (about 3-4 ounces)

  • Fresh Basil or Dried Oregano: for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not use foil, as the crust will stick.

  2. Prepare the “Dough”:

    • If using Canned Chicken: This is the most important step. Drain the canned chicken completely. Place the drained chicken in the center of a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or several layers of heavy-duty paper towels. Squeeze and wring out every last drop of moisture. You should be left with a very dry, crumbly mass of chicken. This is non-negotiable for a crisp crust.

    • If using Ground Chicken: Simply place the raw ground chicken in a large bowl.

  3. Combine the Crust Ingredients: To the bowl with your prepared chicken (either squeezed canned chicken or raw ground chicken), add the 2 large eggs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it is thoroughly combined and forms a uniform “dough.”

  4. Form the Crust: Plop the chicken mixture into the center of your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands or a spatula, press the mixture out into a thin, even circle or rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. The thinner and more even it is, the crispier it will be.

  5. The Crucial Pre-Bake: Sprinkle the top of the formed crust with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. This will help it brown and develop a nice crust. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The crust is ready when it is firm to the touch, dry on the surface, and the edges are deeply golden brown.

    • Note on Moisture: If you used ground chicken, you may see some liquid pool on the surface. You can carefully dab this off with a paper towel halfway through the bake.

  6. Remove and Prepare for Toppings: Carefully remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. If it has released a lot of moisture onto the parchment paper, you can use a spatula to carefully slide the crust onto a fresh sheet of parchment or a wire rack to ensure the bottom stays dry.

  7. Top Your Pizza: Spread a thin layer of your low-sugar pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese, and then arrange your pepperoni slices (or other desired toppings).

  8. The Final Bake: Return the topped pizza to the 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown in spots.

  9. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is an important step that allows the cheese to set. Garnish with fresh basil, slice with a pizza cutter or sharp knife, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 280-350 kcal
  • Fat: 18-22g
  • Carbohydrates: 3-4g
  • Protein: 25-30g