I do miss pizza.
**Chicken Crust Pizza** is a popular low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza. The "crust" is made primarily from ground chicken, egg, and Parmesan cheese. It gets crispy when baked and holds up well to toppings.
### Ingredients (makes one 10-12 inch pizza, about 4 servings)
#### For the Crust:
- 1 lb (450g) **ground chicken** (preferably dark meat or a mix for better moisture and flavor; avoid super lean breast if possible)
- 1–2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated works best)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (optional)
#### For Toppings (customize as you like):
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara (low-sugar for keto/low-carb)
- 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorites: pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, etc.
### Instructions
1. **Preheat the oven** to 400–425°F (200–220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it (this prevents sticking and helps with crispiness).
2. **Mix the crust**: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg(s), Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano/Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined. It should form a sticky "dough."
3. **Shape the crust**: Place the mixture on the prepared parchment. Press and spread it into a thin, even circle or rectangle (about ¼–½ inch thick). The thinner it is, the crispier it will get. Use another sheet of parchment on top and a rolling pin if needed to flatten smoothly.
4. **Pre-bake the crust**: Bake for 15–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and firm (internal temp around 165°F/74°C). Some recipes bake at higher temps (450°F) for extra crispiness.
5. **Add toppings**: Remove from the oven. Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella and add your toppings.
6. **Bake again**: Return to the oven for 8–12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
7. **Rest and serve**: Let it cool for a few minutes (this helps it firm up). Slice and enjoy!
### Tips for Success
- **Moisture control** — Ground chicken can release water. Pre-baking well helps. Patting the crust dry with paper towels after the first bake can improve crispiness.
- **Canned chicken option** — Drain a 12–20 oz can of chicken breast thoroughly, then mix with egg and Parmesan. It works but may be slightly less flavorful than fresh ground.
- **Make it crispier** — Bake on a pizza stone if you have one, or broil for the last minute or two (watch closely).
- **Nutrition (approximate, per slice, crust only)** — Very high in protein (~25–35g per serving), low carb (often under 5g net carbs depending on toppings). Great for keto or high-protein diets.
- **Storage** — Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
This recipe is highly customizable — try buffalo chicken toppings, alfredo sauce, or BBQ for variety. Enjoy your pizza night! 🍕