Diehard pizza fans love new recipes — so who can resist slices of chicken across melted cheese, accompanied by some sauteed veggies? Try the suggestions below to create a dish as good as a pizzaria’s and more healthy than traditional pepperoni.

Ingredients For the Crust

Combine 3 1/2 cups of flour with 1/3 cup of sugar; add a pinch of salt. Heat 1 cup of water until lukewarm, then add 2 1/2 tablespoons of yeast (1 package) and stir. Add to the flour/sugar mixture and stir until it’s a firm dough, then knead for ten minutes before letting rise. Add some dried Italian herbs or a teaspoon of dried parmesan for extra flavor.

Ingredients For the Topping

Grate 3 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. A parmesan or four-cheese blend can boost the flavor of your pizza, so consider substituting part of the mozzarella for a grated blend.  

Grill or saute two large white chicken breasts after basting them with olive oil and garlic. Or experiment with other spices, like Italian herbs, dried onion, or zesty Greek seasoning to add a new sensation. There are lots of spices that add few calories and lots of flavor when used properly.

Grilled or sauteed vegetables are a perfect additional touch. Onion helps sweeten the chicken and is a perfect accompaniment to sun-dried tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, or sliced peppers — with low-fat cheese and healthy vegetables, you can help cut calories from your slice.

Method

Press the risen dough onto a greased 12″x 18″ pan and bake on 350 degrees for seven minutes before adding the sauce — this makes the crust crispier. Sprinkle with cheese, then with the toppings of your choice, before baking until the top is bubbly and the crust is firm on the bottom (about twenty minutes or so).

With the right choices in veggies and grilled chicken, this combination can create a healthy yet tasty pizza choice that doesn’t feel like “diet” food or toppings deprivation. Slice, serve, and enjoy sweet toppings and savory chicken.