Americans love their pizza, eating about 350 slices per second of pizza! That's 100 acres of pizza per day.
Pizza is cherished for its versatility and universal appeal. While traditional pizza crusts made from wheat flour are popular, there's a growing trend toward alternative crusts, particularly those that cater to low-carb and gluten-free diets. One such innovation is the chicken pizza crust.
This high-protein, low-carb option is not only healthier but also uniquely delicious. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to make a homemade pizza crust at home, ensuring a perfect base for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
To make a chicken gluten-free pizza crust, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground chicken
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are easy to find, so you can go to your local grocery store and buy them all in one go. They also all work together to create a flavorful, cohesive crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chicken crust pizza is easy to prepare, but it does require you to follow the chicken crust pizza recipe listed below diligently. Once you do it a few times, you can make modifications as you desire.
1. Prepare the Ground Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to go as soon as your crust is prepared.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese helps to bind the chicken together, providing the crust with a chewy, cohesive texture.
Mix in the egg. This acts as an additional binder and helps to keep the crust together as it bakes.
2. Season the Mixture
Season the chicken mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. These spices enhance the flavor of the crust, giving it a more traditional pizza taste.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add other spices and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also add these spices and herbs on top after the pizza is cooked, so everyone gets their pizza as they prefer.
3. Form the Crust
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray. This will prevent the crust from sticking and make cleanup easier. Transfer the chicken mixture onto the parchment paper.
Using your hands or a spatula, spread the mixture into a circular shape, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure the crust is even to ensure it cooks uniformly.
You can create a slight lip around the edges. This mimics a traditional pizza crust and helps hold your toppings in place.
4. Bake the Crust
Bake the chicken crust in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center should be firm. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it a few minutes longer.
5. Add Toppings
Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This step is crucial as it allows the crust to firm up a bit more, making it easier to handle.
Now, it's time to add your favorite pizza toppings. Start with a layer of tomato sauce or pesto.
Next, add more shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese blend. Top with your preferred ingredients such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or any other pizza toppings you love.
6. Final Bake
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are cooked to your liking. Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into wedges.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pizza Crust
Everyone has their own special way of making the best pizza at home. We have our tips to share with you.
Use Quality Ingredients and Tools
Fresh, high-quality chicken and cheese will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. A good-quality pizza oven from Crustify can help you make a better pizza at home. Don't forget to add some pizza oven accessories into the mix as well.
Drain Excess Moisture
If your ground chicken is very moist, consider patting it dry with paper towels before mixing. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
Experiment With Seasonings
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your crust. It's your pizza, so you should make it as you like it.
If your first try doesn't work out, don't fret. Making a good pizza takes experience and time. A good pizza oven helps as well, so don't balk about investing in one, especially if you make a lot of pizzas at home.
Health Benefits of Chicken Pizza Crust
Everyone is going for the keto diet nowadays. Opting for a low-carb pizza crust over a traditional wheat crust can offer several health benefits. Some of them are:
- Ideal for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet
- Ground chicken provides a substantial amount of protein
- Perfect for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease
- Chicken is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals
A Chicken Pizza Crust Is Easy Enough to Prepare
It's always fun to experiment with the foods you love, making them better and better every time. A chicken pizza crust might sound like a lot of work, but it's quite easy to prepare at home, especially if you have a pizza oven.
Don't have a pizza oven yet? What are you waiting for? It makes pizza-making at home a cinch.
Crustify has a wide range of pizza ovens for sale, from countertop, built-in, and freestanding. We make outdoor cooking more accessible to everyone. Check out our online catalog today.
