Ready to have your mind blown? A pizza crust… made from chicken! I know it sounds wild, but trust me on this one. This Chicken Parmesan Crust is a game-changer for anyone craving a satisfying, crispy flatbread without the carbs. It’s incredibly simple: blend chicken and Parmesan into a ‘dough,’ bake until golden, and then load it up with your favorite toppings. The result is a flavor-packed, high-protein meal that’s both healthy and ridiculously delicious. Paired with a simple side salad, it’s the perfect guilt-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
• For the Chicken Parmesan Crust
• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1¾ lbs / 675 g
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons fresh oregano leaves, or ½ teaspoon dried
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1½ cups / 165 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• For the Pesto & Tomato Toppings
• 8 teaspoons high-quality store-bought pesto
• 1 cup / 110 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces / 225 g fresh goat cheese, sliced
• 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep your station. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 205°C and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Create the crust. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a food processor. Add the egg, salt, pepper, oregano, ground mustard, and onion powder. Process until the mixture forms a smooth, uniform paste.
3. Add the cheese. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse just a few more times until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.
4. Form the flatbreads. Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Place two mounds on each prepared baking sheet. Using an offset spatula or the back of a wet spoon, spread each mound into a thin, tortilla-sized circle, about ¼-inch / 6 mm thick.
5. First bake. Drizzle the flatbreads with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the crust is firm to the touch.
6. Add the toppings. Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Spread 2 teaspoons of pesto evenly over each crust. Top with the shredded mozzarella, sliced goat cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. Finish with a generous grind of black pepper.
7. Final bake. Return the flatbreads to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.
8. Serve and enjoy. Let the flatbreads cool for a minute or two on the pan before slicing into quarters and serving warm. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
• Recipe Details
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• This recipe is high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Pro Tips
• For easier spreading, lightly wet your hands or the back of a spoon with water or oil to prevent the chicken mixture from sticking.
• Don’t have a food processor? You can use ground chicken instead. Simply mix all the crust thoroughly in a large bowl until well combined.
• Feel free to customize your toppings! Sliced mushrooms, olives, red onion, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes would all be delicious additions.
• To get an extra crispy crust, place the baked flatbreads on a wire rack for a few minutes after they come out of the oven.
FAQ
Q: What does a chicken pizza crust taste like
A: This chicken parmesan crust has a savory, rich flavor from the chicken and Parmesan cheese. When baked, it becomes firm and satisfyingly crispy, similar to a traditional thin-crust flatbread but with a much higher protein content.
Q: Can I make this chicken crust without a food processor
A: Yes, you can. If you don’t have a food processor, simply use an equivalent amount of ground chicken. Combine it thoroughly in a large bowl with the egg, Parmesan cheese, and all the seasonings until the mixture is uniform.
Q: How do I keep the chicken mixture from sticking when I spread it
A: The chicken ‘dough’ can be sticky. To make spreading easier, lightly wet your hands or the back of a spoon with a little water or olive oil. This will prevent the mixture from sticking and help you form thin, even circles.
Q: Can I use different toppings on this chicken parmesan crust
A: Absolutely! While the recipe suggests pesto and specific cheeses, feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. Sliced mushrooms, olives, red onion, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes would all be delicious additions.
