Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Broccoli: 200 g (approx. 1 small head)
• Hard cheese: 50 g (finely grated)
• Eggs: 2 pcs (approx. 120 g)
• Garlic: 1-2 cloves (minced)
• Salt: 1 pinch
• Pepper mix: 1 pinch
• Vegetable oil: 3 g (about ½ tsp for greasing)

For the Topping:

• Raw chicken fillet: 150 g (cut into thin strips)
• Canned pineapple: 100 g (drained and cut into small pieces)
• Raw broccoli: 50 g (florets)
• Hard cheese: 50 g (finely grated)

For the Sauce:

• Thick yogurt or sour cream: 50 g
• Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
• Salt: 1 pinch
• Pepper mix: 1 pinch
• Oregano or mixed herbs: 0.3 tsp

How to Make Broccoli Pizza with Chicken and Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
2. Steam the Broccoli: Start by steaming or microwaving the 200 g of broccoli until it’s tender (about 5 minutes). Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Process the Broccoli: Transfer the steamed broccoli to a food processor and pulse until it resembles fine rice or crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop it by hand.
4. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the processed broccoli, grated cheese, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture comes together as a dough-like consistency.
5. Form the Crust: Place the broccoli mixture on the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a pizza crust, about ¼ inch (6-7 mm) thick. You can make it round or rectangular, depending on your preference.
6. Bake the Crust: Bake the broccoli crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm. This helps to create a solid base for your toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Cook the Chicken: While the crust is baking, cook the chicken fillet. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken strips until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Pineapple and Broccoli: Drain the canned pineapple and cut it into small pieces. Cut the raw broccoli into small florets.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the thick yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano (or mixed herbs). Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce: Once the crust is baked and slightly cooled, spread the garlic yogurt sauce evenly over the surface.
2. Add Toppings: Layer the cooked chicken strips, pineapple pieces, and raw broccoli florets on top of the sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 50 g of grated cheese evenly over the pizza.

Step 5: Final Baking

1. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.
2. Serve: Once done, remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve!

Nutrition Facts (Per 100 g)

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Protein: 13.1 g
• Fats: 7.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.2 g

These values are based on the total weight of 675 g for the entire pizza. Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact size of the pizza slices and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the crust without cheese?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this broccoli crust by omitting the cheese. However, the cheese helps bind the ingredients together and adds flavor, so you might need to add a bit more egg or a tablespoon of almond flour to help the crust hold its shape.

Can I freeze the broccoli crust?

Yes, you can freeze the broccoli crust. Simply bake the crust as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use it, reheat it in the oven directly from the freezer, and then add your toppings.

How can I make the crust crispier?

If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the crust on a pizza stone or prebake it for a few extra minutes before adding the toppings. Additionally, make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the broccoli after steaming it.

What can I substitute for chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The toppings can be customized based on your preferences.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Pizza

• Drain the Broccoli Well: After steaming or microwaving the broccoli, make sure to drain it well and squeeze out any excess moisture. Too much water in the broccoli will make the crust soggy.
• Don’t Overload the Toppings: Since the crust is made from vegetables, it’s softer than a traditional pizza crust. Avoid overloading it with too many heavy toppings to maintain its structure.
• Prebake the Crust: Always prebake the broccoli crust before adding the toppings. This ensures that the base becomes firm and doesn’t turn soggy after adding the sauce and toppings.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pizza in the oven or in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispiness.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the entire pizza or just the crust, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Pizza with Chicken and Pineapple offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to regular pizza. With a vegetable-packed crust and protein-rich toppings, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. The balance of flavors—from the savory chicken to the sweet pineapple—combined with the creamy garlic sauce makes for an irresistible combination. It’s easy to customize this recipe based on your dietary preferences, and with its low carb content, it’s perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets.

Give this healthy pizza alternative a try, and enjoy all the indulgence without the extra calories!