Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall well-being and effective weight management. However, everyone experiences cravings, and pizza is often at the top of that list. Traditional pizza, while delicious, can be low in protein and high in carbs and fats, making it less ideal for those aiming to lose weight or eat healthier. Thankfully, there’s a way to indulge in your pizza cravings without compromising your diet: use chicken as your crust! This innovative and high-protein alternative ensures you get the satisfaction of eating pizza while staying on track with your health goals.
Ilana Muhlstein, a.k.a. @nutritionbabe on TikTok, a registered dietitian who has successfully lost 100 pounds, recently her delicious and nutritious Mediterranean Chicken Pizza recipe on the platform. This recipe not only helps with slimming down but also packs a punch of flavor and essential nutrients. Here’s how you can make it at home, along with the numerous health benefits it offers.
@nutritionbabe I dreamed up this recipe during my morning workout Save and remake this Mediterranean Chicken Pizza asap plus Grab a copy of my new cookbook for 100+ easy, yummy, & healthy recipes. Your whole family will love them!! 1 1/2 lb ground chicken breast 1/3 cup (dairy free optional) mozzarella 1/3 cup (df optional) Parmesan 1 tsp onion salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder Optional 1/4-1/2 tsp dried basil Hummus 1 15 oz can chickpeas, save the liquid 1 1/2 tbsp tahina 1/2 – 1 lemon, juiced 1/2 tsp salt Top with cucumber, tomato, olive, red onion Would be awesome also with red chili flakes and amba #easyrecipe #meditteranean #mediterranean #mediterraneanfood #healthyfood #nutrition #healthyrecipes #highprotein #lowcarb #lowcarbrecipes #highproteinmeals #healthyrecipes #yummy #yummyfood #yummy #yummyrecipesforyou #dieting #recipedeveloper #chef #hearthealth #fiber #protein #macros #fitness original sound – NutritionBabe
Weight Loss-Friendly Mediterranean Chicken Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ pounds of ground chicken breast
- ⅓ cup mozzarella shreds (dairy-free optional)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan (dairy-free optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼-½ teaspoon dried basil
For the Hummus:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 heaping tablespoon of tahini
- Juice of half a lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chickpea juice (reserved from the can)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Chicken Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ pounds of ground chicken breast, ⅓ cup mozzarella shreds, ⅓ cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon onion salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and optionally, ¼-½ teaspoon dried basil.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form the Crust:
- Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
- Place the chicken mixture onto the parchment paper and shape it into a pizza crust. Round out the sides and press it flat to form an even layer.
- Bake the Crust:
- Place the chicken crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Make the Hummus:
- While the crust is baking, prepare the hummus. Drain a can of chickpeas, reserving the chickpea juice.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, 1 heaping tablespoon of tahini, juice of half a lemon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of the reserved chickpea juice.
- Blend until smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add more chickpea juice a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Once the chicken crust is done baking, remove it from the oven.
- Spread a generous layer of the homemade hummus over the crust.
- Top with your favorite Mediterranean veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onions, and bell peppers.
- Sprinkle black olives over the top to keep with the Mediterranean theme.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the pizza into pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy this protein-rich, low-carb, and delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pizza!
Health Benefits of Mediterranean Chicken Pizza
This Mediterranean Chicken Pizza is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:
High Protein Content: The chicken crust provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, especially important for those who are actively working out or trying to lose weight.
Low Carb Alternative: Traditional pizza crusts can be high in carbohydrates, but this chicken crust offers a low-carb alternative, making it suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The hummus topping adds healthy fats from tahini (sesame seed paste) and olive oil, which are beneficial for heart health and provide long-lasting energy.
Nutrient-Dense Veggies: Topping the pizza with a variety of colorful, healthy vegetables ensures you're getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
Dairy-Free Option: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, using dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan ensures that this recipe is inclusive and accommodating to various dietary needs.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, this Mediterranean Chicken Pizza is a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be. By swapping out traditional ingredients for nutrient-dense alternatives, this recipe supports weight loss and overall health without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're looking to lose weight or simply enjoy a nutritious meal, this Mediterranean Chicken Pizza is a perfect choice.
READ MORE: 3 Healthy And Affordable Low-Calorie Meals To Make On A Budget
