This Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza is a fun twist on two favorites! With a crispy chicken crust topped with fresh greens, crunchy croutons, and zesty dressing, it’s both tasty and unique.
You get to eat pizza without the carbs! I love how easy it is to whip up and enjoy—a perfect meal for any time, especially when craving something different yet familiar. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: The main ingredient for the crust! Ground or finely processed chicken works best for a great texture. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use it for the topping instead.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor and helps bind the chicken. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste, though it may not add the same crispiness.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine gives that classic Caesar crunch. If it’s not available, you could use other greens like kale or spinach, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Caesar Dressing: I love creamy Caesar dressing here, but feel free to try a lighter vinaigrette or a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Get a Crispy Chicken Crust?
A crispy crust is key to this recipe! Here’s how to make sure you nail it:
- Press the chicken mixture into an even layer on parchment paper. Thickness matters, aim for about 1/4 inch thick for the best crispiness!
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s ready when it’s golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the crust before adding toppings, so it doesn’t get soggy.
Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Crust:
- 2 large chicken breasts, ground or finely processed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Caesar Salad Topping:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken pieces (optional, if desired extra chicken on top)
- Caesar dressing (about 1/3 cup), preferably creamy style
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper and extra Parmesan for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20-25 minutes baking the chicken crust, plus a little time for cooling and assembling. It’s a quick and fun meal to put together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the chicken crust once it’s baked.
2. Make the Chicken Crust Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined and you have a sticky mixture.
3. Shape the Crust:
Transfer the chicken mixture onto the parchment paper. Use your hands or a spatula to press it out evenly into a thin, round shape, about 9-10 inches in diameter. Make sure it’s not too thick, or it won’t cook through properly!
4. Bake the Chicken Crust:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the crust to be cooked through and golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
5. Prepare the Caesar Salad Topping:
While the crust is baking, prepare the Caesar salad topping. In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. If you want to add more protein, include cooked chicken pieces too.
6. Cool the Crust:
Once the crust is baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the crust set a bit before adding the toppings.
7. Assemble Your Pizza:
Top the cooled chicken crust evenly with the Caesar salad mixture. Spread it all out so every slice gets lots of delicious toppings!
8. Final Touches:
Drizzle a bit more Caesar dressing over the top to finish, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if you like.
9. Slice and Serve:
Carefully slice the pizza and serve it right away. Enjoy your low-carb, protein-packed Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it may have slightly different moisture content, so make sure to adjust baking time if necessary to get a crispy crust.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices back in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to help retain the crust’s crispiness.
Can I Make the Chicken Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken crust in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before adding the toppings. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use mozzarella cheese instead. However, it won’t provide the same flavor depth. Alternatively, consider using a mix of other hard cheeses you might have on hand, like pecorino romano.