Amazing Keto Chicken Crust Pizza (Low-Carb, High-Protein & Guilt-Free!)
Get ready for a game-changer with this Amazing Keto Chicken Crust Pizza! This ingenious recipe uses canned chicken, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to create a thin, crispy, and flavorful crust that’s naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free. It’s the perfect canvas for all your favorite pizza toppings, allowing you to enjoy pizza night without the carbs!
Yields: 1 (10-12 inch) pizza (2-4 servings) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes (plus broiling time)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Crust:
- 2 (10-ounce) cans chicken breast, drained very well (or 2 cups cooked, finely shredded chicken)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ounce (about ¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Toppings (Keto-Friendly):
- Low-carb marinara sauce (e.g., Rao’s, check for no added sugar)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooked meats (pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham)
- Low-carb vegetables (sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but recommended)
- Silicone spatula
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Rolling pin
- Another piece of parchment paper (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or place a silicone baking mat on it.
- Prepare Chicken for Crust: If using canned chicken, drain it exceptionally well. You can even press it in a sieve or squeeze it with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained canned chicken, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Use a hand mixer (recommended) or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a cohesive, somewhat sticky dough. The chicken should be finely broken down.
- Form the Crust: Transfer the “dough ball” onto the center of the prepared parchment paper or silicone mat on your baking sheet.
- Place another piece of parchment paper directly on top of the chicken mixture.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the chicken mixture out evenly until it forms a thin (about ¼-inch thick) circle or rectangle, approximately 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Carefully remove the top layer of parchment paper.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Bake the chicken crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to crisp up and turn golden brown. The crust should be firm enough to handle carefully.
- Add Toppings & Broil: Carefully remove the pre-baked crust from the oven.
- Add your desired low-carb pizza sauce and keto-friendly toppings to the crust.
- Return the pizza to the oven and switch the oven to the broil setting.
- Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching very closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned to your liking, and the toppings are heated through. Broilers can burn quickly, so do not walk away!
- Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the crust firm up even more. Enjoy your guilt-free pizza!
Tips for Success:
- Drain Chicken THOROUGHLY: This is the most critical step for a crispy crust. Excess moisture will make the crust soggy. Squeeze it dry!
- Thin Crust is Crispier: Roll the crust as thin as you can without tearing for the crispiest result.
- Parchment Paper is a Must: Do not attempt this without parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, as the crust will stick.
- Flavor the Crust: The seasonings in the crust are essential for flavor, as chicken itself is mild. Don’t skip them!
- Keto-Friendly Toppings: Be mindful of sauces and processed meats. Always check labels for hidden sugars or starches. Rao’s is a commonly recommended low-carb marinara.
- Watch While Broiling: Broiling can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stay by the oven!
Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Crust Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a hot skillet for best results to maintain crispness. Microwaving may make the crust soft.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using chicken as the crust base.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, with standard checks for toppings.
- Canned Chicken: Ensure it’s just chicken and water/salt, no added starches.
- Pizza Toppings: Crucial to use low-carb marinara (sugar-free) and keto-friendly meats/veg.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Stir Fry Cups.
