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Okay, let's be real. Pizza is life. But sometimes, I just feel weighed down after devouring a few slices of the usual suspects. That's why I became obsessed with finding a way to enjoy pizza without the carb coma. And one evening, while staring into my fridge, the answer came to me, a beacon of hope shining down. Quinoa! Why not use quinoa as the base? It's packed with protein, fiber, and frankly, it just sounds like a delightfully rebellious idea! So, I experimented... and oh my taste buds! The result was this Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Pizza, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer.
This recipe is more than just a pizza alternative; it's a flavor explosion! The slight nuttiness of the quinoa crust perfectly complements the spicy, tangy buffalo chicken. Then, the creamy cheeses melt together in a glorious harmony, balanced by a cool ranch drizzle. If I had to pick one thing that surprised me most, it was that my kids loved it, too! Even the picky one who insists that vegetables are the enemy... well, he asked for seconds. Miracles do happen! Making this pizza is surprisingly straightforward, and it's a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken or pre-cooked quinoa. So, are you ready to dive into a pizza experience that's both delicious and good for you? Let's get cooking!
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable and fun. So don’t worry if you’re not a pizzaiolo, you've got this! Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking – if you’re a heat seeker, add an extra dash of hot sauce! If not, cut back on it. The beauty of cooking is that it's an art, not an exact science, so feel free to get creative! And one last thing, try not to eat the whole pizza in one sitting like I did the first time. It's a delicious, satisfying pizza, but you might want to share...maybe...
Required Equipments
- Pizza Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater
- Pizza Cutter
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Pizza: Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Pizza
Craving pizza but want a healthier twist? This Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Pizza swaps the traditional crust for a protein-packed quinoa base, topped with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and a tangy ranch drizzle. It's a flavorful, guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite comfort food!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. I like using parchment paper because, well, less cleanup is always a win!
- Make the Quinoa 'Crust': In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of cooked quinoa, 1 large egg (lightly beaten), 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. If the quinoa is too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or flour at a time until it holds together.
- Press into Pan: Press the quinoa mixture evenly onto the prepared pizza pan, forming a crust. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty here, I've made a mess more times than I can count! Try not to leave it too thin, or it could crumble after baking.
- Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the quinoa crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden brown and set. This step is crucial; we want that crust to be sturdy enough to hold all the yummy toppings!
- Prepare the Chicken: While the crust is baking, shred 1.5 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great, let's be real, it's so much easier). In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce. If you're feeling brave, add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Just don't overdo it! It can ruin the fun.
- Add Cheese to the Crust: Remove the pre-baked quinoa crust from the oven. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust. This layer of cheese will help the toppings adhere better.
- Top with Buffalo Chicken: Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Don't pile it too high, or you risk a soggy pizza. Nobody likes a soggy pizza. It's just sad.
- Add More Cheese!: Sprinkle another 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese (if using) over the buffalo chicken. The blue cheese adds a fantastic tanginess, but if you're not a fan, just skip it!
- Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it; ovens can be temperamental!
- Drizzle and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (about 1/4 cup) and sprinkle with chopped green onions (optional). Slice, serve, and prepare for deliciousness!
- Serve and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Can substitute blue cheese with more mozzarella or cheddar.
- For a crispier crust, bake the pre-baked crust for a few minutes longer.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 200 mg
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