Chicken Crust Pizza (Easy Low Carb Recipe) – High Protein & Keto Friendly!

Craving pizza while sticking to a low-carb or keto lifestyle? This Chicken Crust Pizza hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and completely guilt-free. Instead of traditional dough, this pizza uses a protein-packed crust made from seasoned ground chicken, cheese, and egg. The result? A savory, firm base that holds all your favorite toppings with zero flour in sight.

Whether you’re watching carbs, gluten-free, or just looking for a delicious high-protein meal, this pizza brings serious satisfaction without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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Ingredients Overview: Building Flavor From the Crust Up

Every ingredient in this chicken crust pizza plays a crucial role in keeping it low carb while maximizing taste and texture.

Ground Chicken

The star of the crust—choose lean ground chicken (around 90–93%) for a good balance of protein and moisture. Too lean, and the crust may dry out; too fatty, and it could become greasy.

Parmesan Cheese

Acts as a binder and adds salty, nutty depth. It also helps brown the crust and contributes to its crispiness.

Egg

Just one egg holds everything together, helping the crust firm up during baking. It’s essential for structure.

Seasonings

To avoid a bland base, season the crust with:

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

Optional:

• Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick

Toppings

Choose low-moisture toppings to avoid sogginess. Popular options include:

• Mozzarella cheese

• Pepperoni or turkey pepperoni

• Bell peppers

• Mushrooms

• Olives

• Basil

• Crushed red pepper

Sauce

Use sugar-free marinara or pizza sauce to keep carbs low. Many store-bought brands now offer keto-friendly options.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Crust Pizza

This recipe takes just over 30 minutes start to finish—and only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep a Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Crust

In a bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust

• Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared parchment.

• Shape into a thin circle or rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Keep the edges smooth to avoid crumbling.

• Bake for 20 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.

Tip: For extra crispiness, flip the crust after 15 minutes and bake the other side for 5–7 minutes more.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings

• Spread 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sugar-free marinara sauce on the baked crust.

• Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Add your favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, olives).

Step 5: Bake Again

• Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Expert Tips

• Use parchment paper: Chicken crusts stick easily without it.

• Drain moisture: If your chicken is wet, pat it dry or drain in a colander before mixing.

• Make mini pizzas: Form individual crusts for personal-sized servings or easier flipping.

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Crust: Add 2 tbsp of buffalo sauce to the crust mix and top with blue cheese and celery.

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap marinara for sugar-free BBQ sauce and top with red onions and cilantro.

• Veggie Lover’s: Top with sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and feta.

Substitutions

• Turkey: Ground turkey works the same way but has a milder flavor.

• Cheese Options: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the crust for extra cheesiness.

• Egg-Free: Try flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) but note the crust may be slightly softer.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This pizza is perfect for:

• Keto Meal Prep: Slice and store in the fridge for 4–5 days.

• Low-Carb Dinners: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

• Party Appetizers: Make mini pizza bites or slice into squares for a keto-friendly finger food.

• Kid-Friendly Meals: Great way to sneak in protein—kids love the cheesy, crispy crust.

Pair with:

• Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

• Keto ranch dressing or hot sauce drizzle

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This crust turns pizza into a protein-forward, low-carb meal:

• Protein: Each slice contains about 20–25g of protein, perfect for post-workout meals or active lifestyles.

• Low Carb: With just 2–3g net carbs per slice (depending on toppings), this pizza fits into keto, diabetic, and low-glycemic diets.

• No Flour, No Gluten: Ideal for gluten-free eaters.

• Calcium & B Vitamins: Thanks to cheese and egg, this recipe offers calcium and essential B vitamins.

To lighten it up:

• Use part-skim mozzarella

• Add more veggies

• Choose leaner meat or reduce cheese amount

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FAQ: Chicken Crust Pizza

1. Does the chicken crust get crispy?

Yes, if baked thin and long enough. Flipping the crust halfway through helps crisp up both sides. Broiling after adding toppings adds a nice finish.

2. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! Drain thoroughly, shred finely, and mix with egg and cheese. It’s slightly more crumbly but still holds well when baked.

3. Is this pizza keto?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat—perfect for keto.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

5. Can I freeze chicken crust pizza?

Yes. Freeze the crust after the first bake (before adding toppings). Wrap in foil and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, then top and finish baking.

6. How do I prevent the crust from sticking?

Always use parchment paper and lightly oil it. Avoid using foil or bare trays—chicken crust sticks easily.

7. What’s the texture like?

It’s firm enough to hold like traditional pizza, with a chewy, meaty bite and crispy edges. It’s not bready, but very satisfying.

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