This Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza is a low-carb, high-protein sensation that completely reinvents pizza night. By replacing a traditional dough base with a savory, crispy crust made from canned chicken and parmesan, you get a zero-guilt vehicle for your favorite toppings.
Topped with a fresh, cool Caesar salad, the contrast between the warm, savory crust and the crisp, creamy greens is absolutely delicious.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: The crust is savory and cheesy with a kick of garlic and heat from chili flakes, perfectly balanced by the creamy, tangy Caesar dressing and fresh greens.
- Texture: You get a thin, crispy, golden-brown edge on the crust that holds up well against the crunch of the salad topping.
- Time: 5 minutes prep, 35 minutes bake time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It requires just one bowl for the crust and a simple assembly.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper this is essential so the chicken crust does not stick. You will also need a large bowl to mix the crust ingredients and a spatula or your hands to press it out thinly. The ingredients are incredibly simple, relying on canned chicken for the base and a prepared salad kit or homemade mix for the top.
Ingredient Notes
- Canned Chicken – Use a standard can of chicken breast chunks. It is very important to drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture so the crust crisps up nicely.
- Egg – One egg acts as the binder that holds the meat and cheese together, giving it a dough-like structure.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – This helps bind the crust and adds a salty, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Spices – A mix of garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper seasons the crust so it tastes like a savory flatbread rather than plain chicken.
- Prepared Caesar Salad – You can use a bagged salad kit for convenience or mix your own romaine, dressing, and cheese.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spices – Feel free to swap the red chili flakes for Italian seasoning or dried oregano if you prefer a more herbal flavor profile without the heat.
- Toppings – While Caesar salad is the star here, you could also top this crust with sliced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a Caprese style, or simply marinara and cheese.
- Cheese – If you don’t have parmesan for the crust, shredded mozzarella works as a binder, though the crust will be slightly softer and chewier.
How to Make Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Crust: Combine the canned chicken (drained well), egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix it vigorously until everything is nicely blended together and looks uniform.
- Shape: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Press it down into a thin, even layer in the shape of a pizza base (round or oval).
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 28-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool: Let the crust cool slightly. This helps it firm up so you can pick it up, and prevents the hot crust from instantly wilting the lettuce.
- Dress the Salad: While the crust cools, toss the greens in Caesar dressing until they are well-coated. Add a bit of extra Parmesan and toss again.
- Assemble: Top your crispy chicken crust with the salad mixture. Garnish with more Parmesan, croutons, and a drizzle of lemon juice if desired.
Pro Tip: The key to a crispy crust is pressing the chicken mixture out as thinly as possible without creating holes. A thinner layer cooks faster and gets that cracker-like snap on the edges.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the Chicken: Canned chicken contains water. Drain it well, and if it seems very wet, you can even pat it dry with a paper towel before mixing.
- Parchment Paper: Do not skip the parchment paper. The cheese and egg in the mixture will stick to a regular pan or aluminum foil, making it impossible to flip or serve.
- Break Up Chunks: When mixing the crust, use a fork to break up any large chunks of chicken so the “dough” is smooth and cohesive.
FAQs
- Is this keto-friendly? Yes, the crust is almost virtually zero carbs, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets. Just check the croutons in your salad topping.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? This recipe is specifically formulated for canned chicken, which breaks down into a paste-like consistency easier than fresh chicken. If using rotisserie, chop it extremely finely.
- How do I eat this? It eats just like a thin-crust pizza! Slice it into wedges and pick it up.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Slice into small squares and serve as a protein-packed appetizer.
- Lunch: This makes a fantastic light but filling lunch that will keep you full for hours.
- Soup: Serve with a side of tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Crust Prep: You can bake the crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp it, then top with the fresh salad.
- Storage: Store the crust and salad separately. If stored together, the crust will get soggy from the dressing.
Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pizza (1-2 Servings) 1x
Description
This Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza is a low-carb, high-protein sensation that completely reinvents pizza night. By replacing a traditional dough base with a savory, crispy crust made from canned chicken and parmesan, you get a zero-guilt vehicle for your favorite toppings. The contrast between the warm, savory, garlic-spiked crust and the cool, crisp, creamy greens makes for a surprisingly delicious and balanced meal.
Ingredients
The Chicken Crust
- 1 can canned chicken breast, thoroughly drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The Topping
- 1 1/2 cups prepared Caesar salad (romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and optional croutons)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not skip the parchment paper, or the crust will stick.
Mix the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix vigorously, breaking up any large chunks of chicken until the mixture is uniform and paste-like.
Shape
Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or your hands, press it down into a thin, even layer in the shape of a pizza base (round or oval).
Bake
Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Cool
Remove from the oven and let the crust cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the crust to firm up so it can hold the weight of the salad, and ensures the heat doesn’t instantly wilt the lettuce.
Assemble
While the crust cools, toss your salad greens with the Caesar dressing. Pile the salad high on top of the crispy crust. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Drain the Chicken: Canned chicken contains a lot of water. Drain it very well. If it seems excessively wet, pat it dry with a paper towel before mixing. A drier mixture yields a crispier crust.
Thin is In: The key to a cracker-like snap is pressing the mixture out as thinly as possible without creating holes. Thicker areas will remain chewy.
Stickiness Warning: Because the “dough” is made of meat, egg, and cheese, it is very sticky. Parchment paper is essential; aluminum foil or a bare pan will likely result in a stuck mess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Low-Carb / Keto Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 Pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: chicken crust pizza, keto pizza recipe, low carb caesar salad, protein pizza, carnivore diet recipes, gluten free pizza crust, canned chicken recipes
