Oh, boy! Do I have a treat for you! If you’re looking for a fun and creative twist on pizza night, then let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Canned Chicken Pizza Crust. I stumbled across this magical recipe during a late-night browsing session while waiting for the oven timer to ding on a batch of cookie dough (because, of course, life is all about balance). The idea of a pizza crust that doesn’t involve flour? Count me in!
What I love most about this dish is just how versatile it can be. You can toss on your favorite toppings or make it healthier with some veggies. There’s something utterly satisfying knowing that I can whip up a unique pizza crust using canned chicken—yes, the culinary world is full of surprises! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t make this sooner.
What’s in Canned Chicken Pizza Crust?
Let’s break down what we need for this exciting pizza crust!
Canned Chicken: The star of the show! I use 12.5 oz cans, which makes for a super easy-to-prepare crust. Just drain them well before mixing.
Egg: Acting like the glue that holds everything together, the egg adds some moisture and a bit of richness to the crust.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is what’s going to make your crust cheesily delicious! I like to use part-skim mozzarella for a little less fat, but hey, you do you!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of nutty goodness! This sharp cheese elevates the flavor of the crust and pairs beautifully with the mozzarella.
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better! This adds a subtle kick that makes the crust irresistible.
Italian Seasoning: With its mix of herbs, it brings a hint of the Italian countryside to your kitchen. Just a little goes a long way!
Salt and Pepper: The classic duo! Season to taste—it’s always good to let your taste buds guide you.
Pizza Sauce: Whether you go for homemade or store-bought, it’s essential for a classic pizza experience.
Additional Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
Sliced Pepperoni: My favorite topping! You can also get creative here—mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers work wonders too.
Is Canned Chicken Pizza Crust Good for You?
Absolutely! This unique crust has its fair share of health benefits, but there are also a few things to keep in mind.
Canned Chicken: It’s high in protein and low in carbs—great for a gluten-free option! However, do check for brands that use less sodium if that’s a concern for you.
Cheese: While it adds lovely flavor and calcium, it can also be high in saturated fat. Using part-skim varieties helps keep it a bit lighter without sacrificing taste!
Egg: Eggs are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, which are crucial for your body. Plus, they help create a nice crust texture!
Now, if you’re not a fan of pepperoni or cheese overload, you can always load your pizza with vegetables or opt for turkey pepperoni for a healthier spin.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup pizza sauce (for topping)
– 1 cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
– Sliced pepperoni (for topping)
This recipe will serve about 2-4 people, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Canned Chicken Pizza Crust?
So, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to create this delightful pizza crust that’ll surely impress friends and family:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well-combined.
3. Spread the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten it into a crust shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Get creative, it’s all about baking with love!
4. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and feels firm to the touch. It’s so satisfying to see it puff up just a little!
5. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. We want it saucy but not swimming!
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add those pepperoni slices you’ve been dreaming about!
7. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is all melty and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Trust me; the wait is worth it—dig in and enjoy your creation!
Let’s Talk Tips & Twists!
Let’s kick it up a notch! Here are some ideas to customize your Canned Chicken Pizza Crust:
– **Mix and Match Toppings**: Swap the pepperoni for other favorites like bell peppers and olives, or even some grilled chicken pieces for a protein boost.
– **Spice It Up**: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a kick!
– **Herbalicious**: Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled on top before serving can really elevate the flavors.
The best part? It’s a great conversation starter at the dinner table. If you give this a try, snap a picture and let me know how it turned out! I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures with this Canned Chicken Pizza Crust. Happy cooking! 🍕
