Keto Grilled Chicken & Spinach Pizza

Keto pizza is no longer a dream. This grilled chicken and spinach version delivers all the flavor without the carbs.

What is Keto Pizza?

Traditional pizza is a carb-heavy indulgence thanks to the crust. Keto pizza swaps the wheat-based dough for a low-carb alternative. This allows pizza lovers to enjoy their favorite food while staying within their ketogenic macros. Popular keto crust options include cauliflower crust, almond flour crust, and mozzarella cheese crusts.

Why Grilled Chicken & Spinach Keto Pizza?

This recipe combines the protein power of grilled chicken with the nutrient-rich benefits of spinach, all on a keto-friendly crust. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Spinach adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, it’s a delicious and healthy way to enjoy pizza.

The Ultimate Keto Grilled Chicken & Spinach Pizza Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own delicious and keto-friendly grilled chicken and spinach pizza.

Ingredients

• Keto Pizza Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Grilled Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Spinach Topping:
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Pizza Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
• Cheese:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional Toppings:
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Grill or grill pan
• Large skillet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Keto Pizza Crust

1. Melt the Cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the almond flour, egg, and Italian seasoning to the melted cheese mixture. Mix well until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky.
3. Form the Crust: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
4. Pre-bake the Crust: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the crust onto a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

2. Grill the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Slice the Chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it into thin strips or small cubes.

3. Sauté the Spinach

1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly.
2. Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly over the crust.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Add Toppings: Distribute the sautéed spinach and grilled chicken evenly over the cheese.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.

5. Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

6. Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious keto grilled chicken and spinach pizza!

Tips for the Perfect Keto Pizza

• Crust Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the crust to your preference. For a crispier crust, roll it out thinner.
• Pre-baking is Key: Pre-baking the crust ensures it doesn’t get soggy from the toppings.
• Sugar-Free Sauce: Always use a sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the carb count low. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce is a popular keto-friendly option.
• Cheese Quality: Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach for a spicy kick.
• Chicken Marinade: Marinate the chicken in a keto-friendly marinade for extra flavor. Lemon juice, garlic, and herbs work well.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other keto-friendly toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

Health Benefits of Keto Grilled Chicken & Spinach Pizza

This keto pizza isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits.

• Low-Carb: By using a keto crust, this pizza is significantly lower in carbohydrates than traditional pizza, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
• High in Protein: Grilled chicken provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in Nutrients: Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
• Healthy Fats: The almond flour and cheese provide healthy fats, which are important for energy and hormone production on a keto diet.
• Fiber: Almond flour adds fiber to the crust, promoting digestive health and satiety.

Variations & Adaptations

Get creative with your keto pizza by trying these variations:

• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use buffalo sauce instead of marinara and top with shredded cooked chicken and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Pesto Chicken Pizza: Spread pesto sauce on the crust instead of marinara, and add sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese.
• Vegetarian Pizza: Skip the chicken and add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
• Different Crusts: Experiment with different keto crust recipes, such as cauliflower crust or coconut flour crust.

Troubleshooting Your Keto Pizza

• Crust is Soggy: Make sure to pre-bake the crust long enough to remove excess moisture. You can also try adding a layer of parchment paper between the crust and the toppings to absorb moisture.
• Crust is Too Dry: Add a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter to the dough to increase moisture.
• Toppings are Burning: Lower the oven temperature and bake for a longer time, or cover the pizza loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Cheese is Not Melting: Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts better.

The Science Behind Keto Pizza

The ketogenic diet relies on limiting carbohydrate intake to force the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Traditional pizza, with its wheat-based crust, is high in carbohydrates and therefore unsuitable for a keto diet.

By replacing the wheat flour with low-carb alternatives like almond flour or cauliflower, keto pizza allows individuals to enjoy their favorite comfort food while maintaining ketosis. The high fat content from cheese and the moderate protein from chicken contribute to the macronutrient balance required for a successful keto diet.

Keto Pizza and Weight Loss

Keto pizzas, like this grilled chicken and spinach version, can aid in weight loss when incorporated into a balanced ketogenic diet. The high fat and protein content promote satiety, reducing overall calorie intake. The low carbohydrate content helps maintain ketosis, encouraging the body to burn fat for energy.

However, it’s important to note that keto pizza should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet. Portion control and mindful eating are key to achieving weight loss goals.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Serve your keto pizza with a fresh green salad dressed with a vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Vegetable Sticks: Pair the pizza with raw vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber with a keto-friendly dip.
• Bone Broth: Enjoy a warm cup of bone broth alongside your pizza for added nutrients and hydration.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover keto pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the crust may become slightly soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices of pizza wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the crust, grill the chicken, and sauté the spinach ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the pizza just before baking.

Q: Is almond flour keto-friendly?

A: Yes, almond flour is a popular keto-friendly alternative to wheat flour. It is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and fiber.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before sautéing.

Q: What is the nutritional information for this pizza?

A: The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. However, a rough estimate for one slice (assuming 8 slices per pizza) is: Calories: 350-450, Net Carbs: 5-8 grams, Protein: 25-35 grams, Fat: 25-35 grams.

Q: Where can I buy keto pizza crust?

A: You can find pre-made keto pizza crusts in many grocery stores and online retailers. Some popular brands include Caulipower and Outer Aisle. However, making your own crust is often more cost-effective and allows you to customize the ingredients.

The Future of Keto Pizza

The popularity of keto pizza is on the rise as more people embrace low-carb lifestyles. Innovations in keto crust technology are leading to more delicious and convenient options. Expect to see more restaurants and pizzerias offering keto-friendly pizza alternatives in the future.

The versatility of keto pizza also makes it an exciting culinary frontier. Chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with new flavor combinations and toppings, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with low-carb pizza.

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This keto grilled chicken and spinach pizza is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track with your ketogenic diet. By using a keto-friendly crust and incorporating nutritious toppings like grilled chicken and spinach, you can enjoy a guilt-free slice of pizza that’s both delicious and good for you. Whether you’re a seasoned keto dieter or just looking for a healthier pizza option, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the process, experiment with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite of your homemade keto pizza!

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