BEST KETO FRIENDLY HIGH PROTEIN CHICKEN CRUST PIZZA

Craving pizza but committed to your keto lifestyle? That familiar, cheesy, saucy taste doesn’t have to be a distant memory, especially with this Keto Friendly High Protein Chicken Crust Pizza that delivers all the flavor and satisfaction without the carbs! We’re ditching the traditional dough and embracing a protein-packed chicken crust that’s unbelievably delicious, and I promise you, this is going to become your new favorite way to enjoy pizza night, guilt-free.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Crust:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (or shredded cooked chicken)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Toppings (adjust to your liking):

• 1/2 cup sugar-free pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

Let’s Get Cracking: Making the Chicken Crust

This is the heart of our Keto Friendly High Protein Chicken Crust Pizza, so let’s get it right! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

Prepping the Ground Chicken

1. If using ground chicken, ensure it’s lean. You can pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the crust get nice and crispy.
2. If using shredded cooked chicken, make sure it’s finely shredded for even distribution in the crust.

Mixing the Crust Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground or shredded chicken, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
3. Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough crust.

Forming the Chicken Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial to prevent the crust from sticking.
3. Place the chicken mixture onto the parchment paper.
4. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Troubleshooting: If the mixture is too sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.
6. Important: Ensure the crust is evenly thick for even cooking.

Baking the Crust

1. Bake the chicken crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Check for Doneness: The crust should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
3. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding toppings.

Topping Time: Assembling Your Pizza

Now for the fun part! Get creative with your toppings. Remember to keep it keto-friendly!

Adding the Sauce

1. Spread the sugar-free pizza sauce evenly over the baked chicken crust, leaving a small border for the “crust.”
2. Sauce Tip: Too much sauce can make the crust soggy, so use it sparingly.

Cheese, Please!

1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
2. Cheese Variation: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Loading Up the Toppings

1. Arrange your desired toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.) over the cheese.
2. Topping Strategy: Distribute the toppings evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.

The Grand Finale: Baking Your Keto Chicken Crust Pizza

Almost there! This final bake melts the cheese and brings everything together.

Baking to Perfection

1. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the toppings are heated through.
2. Watch Carefully: Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent the crust from burning.
3. Cheese Browning: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pizza with foil.

Cooling and Serving

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil, if desired.
3. Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Keto Friendly High Protein Chicken Crust Pizza!

Tips and Tricks for Pizza Perfection

Let’s elevate your pizza game with these helpful hints.

• Don’t overcrowd the crust: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and difficult to handle.
• Pre-cook your veggies: If you’re using vegetables with high water content, such as mushrooms or onions, pre-cook them slightly to remove excess moisture.
• Use a pizza stone or steel: If you have a pizza stone or steel, preheat it in the oven before baking the pizza for a crispier crust.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your perfect keto pizza. For example, consider a Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls inspired pizza.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Keep things interesting with these fun variations!

• Spicy Chicken Crust Pizza: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken crust mixture for a spicy kick.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with cooked chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
• Mediterranean Pizza: Top with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, inspired by Keto Chicken Skillet Olives Feta.
• Supreme Pizza: Load it up with pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives.
• Consider making this and enjoying it alongside a warm Chicken Bake.

Making Ahead and Storing

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them.

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a crispier crust.
• Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked pizza, the texture of the crust may change slightly. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Why This Recipe Works

Besides being incredibly delicious, this recipe is a winner because:

• It’s keto-friendly: With a chicken crust instead of traditional dough, it’s low in carbs and high in protein.
• It’s customizable: You can easily adapt the toppings to your liking.
• It’s satisfying: It delivers the same pizza flavor and satisfaction without the guilt.
• It’s relatively easy to make: The chicken crust is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the ultimate Keto Friendly High Protein Chicken Crust Pizza recipe that will revolutionize your pizza nights! This is not your average pizza; it’s a delicious, healthy, and satisfying way to enjoy one of your favorite foods while staying true to your keto goals. From the crispy, flavorful chicken crust to the endless topping possibilities, this recipe is a game-changer. Don’t forget to check out my other amazing low carb recipes like Chicken Bake, or even a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. You might even be inspired to try your hand at a Homemade Pizza when you’re ready to reintroduce some carbs into your diet! Happy cooking!