Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}

Name: Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups almond flour; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts; 2 cloves garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup spinach leaves; Optional: Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast

Let’s be real: no one wants to eat bland food. If you’re anything like me, you crave flavors that make your taste buds dance and your stomach sing. Enter Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza—a delightfully nutritious twist that’s not only gluten-free and dairy-free but also downright delicious! 🎉 Whether you’re on a Paleo diet or just looking for a healthier way to indulge your pizza cravings, this recipe has you covered. So grab your apron and let’s whip up something amazing—because yes, you can enjoy pizza guilt-free!

Why Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza?

You might be wondering, “Why should I even care about a gluten-free, dairy-free pizza?” Great question! Here’s the tea: Traditional pizzas are often packed with gluten-laden crusts and heavy cheeses. But with this paleo version, you’re not just skipping the gluten and dairy; you’re also loading up on flavor and nutrients. Here’s what makes this pizza a top pick:

Healthier Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken, fresh basil, and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: Goodbye, food coma! You’ll feel energized instead of sluggish after devouring this pizza.
Customization: Add toppings that suit your fancy. Extra veggies? Go for it! Peppered prosciutto? Why not?

So, ready to dive in? Let’s break down the magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza is a piece of cake if you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Pizza Crust (Paleo-Style)

1 ½ cups almond flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pesto Sauce

2 cups fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts (your choice!)
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup spinach leaves
Optional: Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that savory kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get this pizza party started! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza in no time.

Make the Pizza Crust

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is when the magic happens!
Mix Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, egg, olive oil, sea salt, and garlic powder. Mix until it forms a doughy consistency.
Shape the Crust: Spread the crust mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press it to form a circle (or get crazy and go for a rectangle—no judgment here). Aim for about ¼-inch thickness.
Bake: Pop that bad boy in the oven for 12-15 minutes until it’s golden brown. You can smell it already, right? 😍

Make the Pesto Sauce

Blend It Up: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, olive oil, nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If you like a little texture, don’t blend it too much.
Taste Test: Always taste and adjust. Add more salt or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

Assemble the Pizza

Spread the Pesto: Once the crust is baked, take it out and let it cool for a minute. Then spread the pesto sauce generously all over the crust. No holding back here!
Add the Chicken: Sprinkle the cooked, shredded chicken on top.
Toppings Galore: Scatter those cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves. Feel free to add any other toppings you fancy! Need some extra flavor? Toss on some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Bake Again

Pop your fully loaded pizza back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes. You want everything to heat through and those toppings to get a little cozy. 🍕

Slice and Serve

When done, take it out and let it cool for a minute. Slice it up and serve it fresh. Your friends will be blown away, and you’ll soon be the kitchen superstar!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pizza

Before you go off to pizza paradise, here are some pro tips to ensure your Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza is absolutely flawless:

Don’t Skimp on the Pesto: The pesto is where all the flavor lives. So, go ahead, lather it on!
Quality Over Quantity: Use high-quality olive oil and fresh basil for the best flavor. Seriously, it makes a difference.
Experiment with Toppings: Swap out chicken for shrimp or beef if that’s what you have! 🍤🥩
Make it a Meal: Pair your pizza with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Common Questions About Paleo Pizza

You may have some questions in mind. Let’s clear them up!

Can I Make This in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat it and add the toppings when ready to eat.

What Makes This Pizza Paleo?

This pizza replaces traditional wheats and dairy with almond flour and pesto, which aligns with the Paleo diet principles. So yes, guilt-free pizza enjoyment!

How About Leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just pop it in the oven to warm it back up!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a thrilling and tasty Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza that’s totally gluten-free and dairy-free! 🥳 Say goodbye to boring meals and enjoy the thrill of great flavors while staying true to your healthy choices.

So next time the craving for pizza hits, skip the delivery and invest a little love into this fabulous recipe. You won’t regret it—trust me! Now, go gather those ingredients and let your kitchen shine! What toppings will you choose to make this masterpiece your own? Happy cooking! 🍽️