Chicken Crust Pizza
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for bold flavors, here’s one of my favorite healthy twists: Chicken Crust Pizza. Growing up, I loved making homemade pizza with my family, but as I got older, I started searching for lighter, low-carb alternatives. That’s when I fell in love with this high protein, low carb recipe. Instead of dough, we use seasoned ground chicken to form a crispy, sturdy crust that holds all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave. It’s the perfect recipe if you want pizza night without the guilt and full of flavor.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American, Keto |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low carb, high protein: This crust packs plenty of protein, making it perfect for keto, bariatric, or low-carb lifestyles.
- Crispy and sturdy: The chicken bakes into a firm crust that doesn’t fall apart, so you can hold your slice like real pizza.
- Customizable toppings: Go classic with pepperoni or pile on fresh veggies for a colorful and healthy twist.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have this on the table in under an hour.
- Family approved: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, saucy recipe.
Chicken Crust Pizza
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Chicken Crust Pizza is a crispy, cheesy, low-carb twist on your favorite comfort food. Made with a seasoned chicken base instead of dough, it’s perfect for keto, gluten-free, or high-protein diets.
Ingredients
- 450g ground chicken
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 20 pepperoni slices
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it into a thin, even shape about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm. Let rest 5 minutes.
5. Increase oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread pizza sauce evenly on the crust.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni or toppings of choice.
7. Bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp crust.
Let crust rest before topping to keep it sturdy.
For extra crispiness, broil the pizza for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Shred your own cheese for best texture and melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 714
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 88g
Ingredients
Chicken Crust
- 450g ground chicken
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 20 pepperoni slices
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Ground chicken | Use lean chicken for best texture, but avoid extra lean since it can dry out. |
| Eggs | Help bind the crust, so don’t skip them. |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds saltiness and crispiness to the crust. Grated works best. |
| Garlic powder | Balances the flavors without overpowering. |
| Italian seasoning | A quick way to get oregano, basil, and thyme in one. |
| Pizza sauce | Use a low-sugar sauce for a keto-friendly option. |
| Mozzarella cheese | Shred your own for better melt and less starch. |
| Pepperoni | Swap with turkey pepperoni or veggies for a lighter topping. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for a uniform crust.
- Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it into a thin, even circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. A spatula or your hands work best.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm. Let it rest for 5 minutes to set before topping.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Spread on your pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce, then add pepperoni or your chosen toppings.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, low-carb pizza!
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make flipping or handling easier.
- Don’t make the crust too thick, or it won’t crisp properly.
- Letting the crust rest before topping helps it stay firm.
- If you want extra crispy edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Drain excess moisture: If your chicken releases liquid during baking, carefully drain it off to keep the crust crisp.
- Cheese layering: Add a light layer of cheese before toppings to help everything stick.
- Cool slightly before cutting: This keeps slices neat and prevents toppings from sliding off.
- Use a pizza stone: For an even crispier base, bake the crust on a heated pizza stone.
Recipe Variations
- Veggie Delight: Load up with bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a lighter, plant-forward pizza.
- BBQ Chicken: Swap pizza sauce with sugar-free BBQ sauce, add red onions and fresh cilantro.
- Margherita Style: Use fresh mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Buffalo Chicken: Spread buffalo sauce instead of pizza sauce, top with mozzarella, and drizzle ranch after baking.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can bake the crust ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just add toppings and reheat. For freezing, bake the crust fully, cool it, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze up to 2 months. Add toppings and bake straight from frozen for quick meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Crust Pizza hot, sliced into wedges or squares, just like regular pizza. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness. Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies to make it a complete meal.
Pairing Ideas
This pizza pairs beautifully with sparkling water or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. For a fun twist, serve with keto-friendly garlic breadsticks or a fresh cucumber salad. If you’re in the mood for comfort, pair it with a creamy ranch dip on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or oven for the crispiest results. The microwave works too, but the crust won’t be as firm. If frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chicken Crust Pizza without eggs?
Yes, but the crust won’t bind as well. You can try adding extra cheese as a binder.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With high protein and very few carbs, it’s a popular keto dinner choice.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey works well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
4. How do I keep the crust from sticking?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking.
5. What toppings work best?
Classic pepperoni is great, but you can try veggies, barbecue chicken, or even a white sauce base.
6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and skip the parmesan in the crust. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
7. Can I meal prep this for the week?
Yes. Bake multiple crusts, freeze them, and just add toppings when ready.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 |
| Calories | 714 |
| Protein | 88g |
| Carbs | 11g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
If you’ve been craving pizza but want something lighter, this Chicken Crust Pizza is the answer. Packed with protein, low in carbs, and full of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try tonight and bring a little healthy comfort food to your table!
