Protein Pesto Chicken Pizza 🍕🌿🧀

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If you're craving a savory, satisfying pizza that goes beyond the ordinary, this Protein Pesto Chicken Pizza with Pesto Cheese Sauce & Sourdough Discard/Greek Yogurt Crust is your answer. This pizza boasts a delightful depth of flavor from the combination of different cheeses and fresh basil pesto. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy cottage cheese, rich cheddar, and tangy feta, all perfectly complemented by the aromatic basil pesto. Plus, the added protein from the chicken and various cheeses makes this pizza not only delicious but also nutritious. Let's dive into the recipe!

Author: The Honey Buckle

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

Nutrition Information (per slice - makes 12 slices): 200 calories 14.5g protein 14.25g carbs 6.5g fat

Ingredients for Protein Pesto Chicken Pizza:

Dough:

• 180g (1 1/2 cups) freshly milled flour or Bob's Red Mill whole wheat flour

• 60g (1/4 cup) sourdough starter discard (optional)

• 240g (1 cup) Greek yogurt

• 1.5 tsp baking powder

• 0.5 tsp salt
  

Toppings:

• 50g (1/4 cup) basil pesto

• 113g (1/2 cup) 2% cottage cheese

• 52g (2 oz) mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup (28g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup (38g) feta cheese

• 60g (2 cups) spinach

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced and cooked (seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the freshly milled flour (or whole wheat flour), optional sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt. Knead until it forms a dough ball.

3. Roll Out the Dough: Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a large baking sheet and spread olive oil onto it. Roll the dough out with a roller (or a glass cup if you don't have one) as thin as you can without breaking it. Use your hands to press the dough down to help.

4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese and pesto. Spread this mixture evenly onto the dough.

5. Add Toppings: Spread the spinach leaves evenly across the sauce. Top with the chicken, spreading it evenly. Grate the mild cheddar cheese over the pizza or sprinkle pre-shredded cheese on top. Sprinkle mozzarella and feta cheese on top.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for around 20 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Slice and Serve: Slice into your desired pizza shape and enjoy! Refrigerate any leftovers for up to a week.
   

This Protein Pesto Pizza is a game-changer with its nutritious and flavorful components. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this pizza is sure to impress. Happy cooking! 🍕🌿🧀