Chicken Pizza with Carmelized Onions (healthier version)

Eating healthier does not have to mean giving up all of those wonderful foods that were always a part of your life, such as pizza. You just have to make better choices with those food categories. Instead of pepperoni, try chicken breast. Instead of 2 lbs. of cheese, try just a handful.

The one thing I've heard Rich talk about missing the most since he chose to live a healthier lifestyle is pizza.

So I came up with this recipe, and although it's not super low in calories, it's made with good ingredients and skips the processed meats and sauces. It's also very hearty and filling. When Rich came home for lunch and saw this, he said, "Wow, that's a whole lot of pizza!"

And he ate it and he liked it. A lot. When people like the food I make, it always makes me smile.

Chicken Ranch Pizza

1 storebought whole wheat pizza crust (see below)

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, baked for fried

1 medium red onion, chopped

1/4 c. Marzetti's Light Ranch dressing

1/4. mild salsa

4 T. olive oil, portioned

1/4 c. fresh shaved parmesan

1/4 to 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar

1 T. minced garlic

dash of sea salt

For the Crust: You could easily make your own favorite whole wheat pizza crust, but I was short on time and used this brand, which was easy:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Chop the chicken breast into fine pieces. Heat 2 T. of olive oil in a small frying pan and saute the onions (and a dash of salt) for 10 minutes or so, or until they are soft and carmel-colored. Add the minced garlic the last 2 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the crust by rubbing the entire crust with 1 T. of olive oil. Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan and sea salt. Next, spread the ranch sauce over the entire crust, followed by the salsa.

Sprinkle the chicken evenly over the top, followed by the carmelized onions, cheddar cheese and remaining parmesan. Take remaining 1 T. of olive oil and sprinkle over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt once again.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

**Taste great as leftovers too!

Thanks so much for entering the giveaway below (it's still open until Wednesday!) and also the super nice compliments via comments and email about my blog. I have to say, I do work pretty hard on it because it's such a passion, and to hear that you enjoy it makes it all worth it.

I think that Henry thinks it's normal to always take a picture of your food..

ALSO....

I was so excited to find out that my recipes were featured at two amazing websites! My Sea Salt Blueberry Muffins are featured on Blogher's Food Section of their site.

Also, one of my favorite ever fitness-inspiring websites, BodyRock.tv, featured my banana oatmeal chewie cookies! Wow, I am thrilled and flattered!

Welcome new followers! I hope you enjoy everything here :)