This fun chicken crust Caesar salad pizza is a creative twist on two classic favorites! It’s got a crispy chicken crust topped with fresh greens, creamy Caesar dressing, and parmesan cheese.
What’s better than pizza? Pizza that’s healthy and tasty! I love how easy it is to whip up. Plus, you get to eat your salad on a pizza—how cool is that? 🍕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of your pizza crust! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add nice flavor and moisture, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey can be a great substitute.
Cheese: I use mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan mozzarella. Nutritional yeast is another great cheese substitute adding a similar tang.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh, it’s the classic choice for Caesar salads. You could switch to other greens like kale or mixed salad greens, but keep in mind the flavor will differ a bit.
Caesar Dressing: I love homemade, but a good store-bought version saves time. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice can mimic the creamy taste without adding too many calories.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crust Crispy and Delicious?
The secret to a great chicken crust is in how you prepare it. Start with mixing the ingredients thoroughly, as this helps bind them together. Here are some simple tips:
- Don’t skip the egg; it acts as a binding agent to keep your crust together.
- Press the chicken mixture firmly on the baking sheet to avoid a thick crust. A compact crust will crisp up better.
- Make sure your oven is preheated well before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the edges while baking; they should turn golden brown for the best texture.
Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Crust:
- 1½ lb ground chicken (boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced or chopped
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to assemble the toppings. In total, you can expect to spend around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Chicken Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. This forms the base of your pizza!
3. Form the Crust:
Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, press and shape it evenly into a round pizza crust about 10-12 inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. Make sure it’s compact to hold together well while baking.
4. Bake the Crust:
Put the chicken crust in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The crust should be cooked through and golden brown on the edges. You can use a food thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Salad Toppings:
While the crust is baking, chop the romaine lettuce, slice or chop the grilled chicken breast, and crumble the cooked bacon. Set everything aside for easy assembly!
6. Assemble the Pizza:
Once the crust is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to set slightly.
7. Top the Pizza:
Spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly over the chicken crust. Then, add the grilled chicken pieces and crumbled bacon on top.
8. Dress and Garnish:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing generously over the salad toppings. Finish it off by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper to taste.
9. Serve:
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy this delightful combination of crispy chicken crust and fresh Caesar salad flavors!
This refreshing Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza combines the heartiness of a chicken-based crust with the crispness of a classic Caesar salad, making it a low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s full of flavor and texture!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well for the crust. It may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still deliver a delicious result.
How Do I Make This Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour. Just ensure that your Caesar dressing and any added toppings, like bacon or cheese, are also gluten-free.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps keep the crust crispy.
Can I Prepare the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the chicken crust in advance! After baking, let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just top it and add the dressing before enjoying!
