Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Salad Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ounce) can chicken breast, well drained
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce, plus more to drizzle
• 1 large egg
• 1 (9.8 ounce) bag Caesar salad mix
• 1/4 cup sliced celery
• 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained chicken, Parmesan cheese, Buffalo sauce, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Firmly press the chicken mixture into a 10-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and toasted.
5. Once baked, let the crust cool for about 5 minutes.
6. Drizzle about 2 teaspoons of dressing from the Caesar salad kit over the cooled crust.
7. Toss half of the salad mix with half of the remaining dressing from the kit, following the package instructions. Reserve the croutons, remaining salad mix, and dressing for later.
8. Top the crust with the tossed salad. Sprinkle evenly with sliced celery and blue cheese, if using.
9. Drizzle the pizza with additional Buffalo sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 562
• Total Fat: 30g (39% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (42% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 244mg (81% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1349mg (59% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 57g (113% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 15mg (17% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 294mg (23% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (20% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 759mg (16% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin of Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza

The Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza is a modern culinary invention that blends two iconic American flavors: Buffalo-style chicken and Caesar salad. Its roots trace back to the United States, where innovative home cooks and chefs began experimenting with low-carb and high-protein pizza alternatives in the early 21st century. By replacing the traditional dough with a crust made from shredded chicken and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a lighter yet protein-rich take on classic pizza, catering to those following ketogenic or gluten-free diets.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is particularly popular in regions known for their love of bold flavors, such as the Midwest and the East Coast. Buffalo sauce, originating in Buffalo, New York, provides the signature spicy tang, while Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and crisp romaine, reflects the influence of Italian-American cuisine. In many parts of the U.S., local variations include adding blue cheese crumbles, extra celery, or even drizzling ranch dressing alongside Buffalo sauce for a balance of heat and creaminess.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional Buffalo chicken pizza, which uses a wheat-based crust and is baked with toppings, the Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza features a crust made entirely from chicken and Parmesan cheese. This not only intensifies the flavor of the chicken but also makes the pizza lower in carbohydrates. Additionally, while most pizzas are topped with cheese and baked ingredients, this pizza uniquely incorporates a fresh Caesar salad and Buffalo sauce after baking, creating a fusion of hot and cold elements that distinguishes it from conventional pizzas.

Typical Serving Settings

Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza is often served in casual dining restaurants, sports bars, and trendy eateries focused on inventive American cuisine. It is a favorite for game-day gatherings, weekend lunches, and home-cooked meals that aim to impress without complicated preparation. Its vibrant presentation, combining golden crust, crisp salad, and colorful toppings, makes it ideal for sharing among friends or as a centerpiece for informal entertaining.

Interesting Facts

• The idea of using chicken as a pizza crust was inspired by the growing popularity of protein-rich, low-carb diets, such as keto and paleo plans.
• Buffalo sauce itself was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, originally to coat fried chicken wings, which have now become a global phenomenon.
• The combination of a hot baked crust with a cold Caesar salad topping provides a unique textural contrast that is both visually appealing and flavorful.
• Some chefs experiment with alternative cheeses or add roasted vegetables, giving rise to numerous regional interpretations of this inventive pizza style.

FAQ about Buffalo Caesar Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe