Discover the Ultimate Keto Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe – Low-Carb, Delicious & Easy!

Craving pizza while following a ketogenic or carnivore diet? This keto chicken crust pizza recipe offers a fantastic, flavorful alternative to traditional pizza, allowing you to enjoy pizza night without the carb overload. This recipe uses a chicken crust, providing a sturdy, crispy base that's high in protein and low in carbs. Unlike fathead dough, which relies on almond flour, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, this chicken crust pizza is nut-free and can be made with minimal carbs, depending on your toppings.

Why Choose Chicken Crust Pizza?

Keto-Friendly: With only a few carbs primarily from the cheese and egg used in the crust, this pizza fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Carnivore-Friendly: By omitting the sauce or using butter as a base and sticking to meat and cheese toppings, this pizza can be adapted for a carnivore diet.
High in Protein: Each serving boasts a significant amount of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn't use any wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Customizable: The crust can be seasoned to your liking, and you can use a wide variety of low-carb toppings to create your perfect pizza.
Sturdy and Crispy: The chicken crust creates a base that's strong enough to hold toppings and can be picked up like a traditional pizza slice.

Ingredients for the Chicken Crust

The basic chicken crust requires just a few simple ingredients:

Shredded, Cooked Chicken: This is the base of the crust. Canned chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts can be used. For the best texture, shredded chicken is often preferred.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the chicken crust together. Use room temperature eggs for optimal results.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds flavor and helps to create a crispy crust. Pre-grated or freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be used.
Seasonings (Optional): Italian seasoning, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or onion powder can be added to enhance the flavor of the crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make your own keto chicken crust pizza:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken: If using canned chicken, thoroughly drain it, pressing out as much moisture as possible. For even better results, spread the chicken on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
Mix the crust ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, egg, and any desired seasonings. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Shape the crust: Place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel, baking tray, or pizza stone. Spread the chicken mixture thinly and evenly onto the parchment paper, forming a circle or rectangle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. For easier spreading, place another piece of parchment paper on top of the mixture and use a rolling pin to flatten it.
Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is firm and golden brown around the edges.
Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and add your favorite low-carb pizza toppings.
Bake again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through. For a more browned cheese topping, place the pizza under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and serve: Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Crust Pizza

Dry the chicken: Drying the chicken in the oven before mixing the crust ingredients helps to create a crispier crust.
Spread the crust thinly: A thin crust will cook more evenly and become crispier than a thick crust.
Use parchment paper: Parchment paper is essential for preventing the crust from sticking to the baking sheet or pizza stone.
Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures that it is firm enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
Let the crust rest: Resting the crust after pre-baking allows the cheese to solidify, creating a sturdier base for the toppings.
Use a pizza stone: A pizza stone helps to create a crispier crust by distributing heat evenly. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven before baking the pizza.

Topping Ideas

The possibilities for toppings are endless, but here are a few keto-friendly suggestions:

Meat Lover's: Pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, ground beef, or crumbled oven-baked bacon.
Hawaiian: Keto pizza sauce or sugar-free marinara sauce, Canadian bacon, and pineapple (in moderation).
Veggie Lover's: Red sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Margherita: Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, and juicy tomatoes.
Pesto and Chicken: Pesto sauce, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Buffalo Chicken: Buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Sauce Options

Traditional pizza sauce can be high in sugar, so it's important to choose keto-friendly alternatives:

Read also: Creamy Keto Ranch Chicken Recipe

Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce: Look for marinara sauces with no added sugar.
Pesto Sauce: Pesto is a great low-carb option, but check the ingredients to ensure it's made with healthy fats like olive oil and doesn't contain any added sugars.
Olive Oil and Garlic: A simple drizzle of olive oil and minced garlic can add flavor without the carbs.
Butter: For a carnivore-friendly option, use melted butter as a base.

Variations and Substitutions

Ground Chicken: Ground chicken can be used in place of shredded chicken. Roll it out thinner for a crispier crust.
Canned Chicken: Canned chicken is a convenient option, but be sure to drain it well and check the ingredient label for fillers.
Other Ground Meats: Ground turkey, beef, or pork can also be used to make the crust.
Egg Whites: For a lower-fat option, use egg whites instead of whole eggs.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the crust, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover chicken crust pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pizza in a microwave, air fryer, or oven. For the crispiest results, reheat it directly on a pizza stone or baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: Pre-bake the crust and freeze it on a baking sheet. Once solid, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. To bake the frozen pizza, do not thaw the crust first. Add toppings and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for chicken crust pizza will vary depending on the ingredients and toppings used. However, a basic chicken crust pizza made with shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, and egg is very low in carbs and high in protein.

Read also: Low-carb chicken nuggets recipe.

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