Introduction

This Chicken Crust Pizza offers a low-carb twist on traditional pizza by using ground chicken as the base. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for those looking to enjoy pizza without the usual dough. Topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal.

A close-up of a crispy layered dish cut into eight slices on a white plate, showing three main layers. The bottom layer is a golden brown, crumbly crust with a crunchy texture. Above it, a thick layer of melted creamy white cheese covers the surface unevenly, with spots of browned cheese. The top layer includes bright red tomato slices, thin rings of purple onion, and green shredded basil scattered over each slice. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into a round, even circle about ¼-inch thick to form your pizza crust.
Step 4: Bake the chicken crust for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
Step 5: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top, then layer with mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves.
Step 6: Return the pizza to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra basil if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Adding finely chopped spinach or herbs to the crust mixture can boost nutrition and flavor.
For extra crispiness, try broiling the pizza for 1-2 minutes after the final bake—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Swap marinara sauce with pesto for a fresh twist on the topping.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the crust’s texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust rubbery.

How to Serve

A pizza is shown on a wooden board with six slices. The base layer is a thick, crispy, golden-brown crust with a rough texture. On top of the crust is a smooth, rich, dark red tomato sauce spread evenly. The next layer has melted white mozzarella cheese that stretches and bubbles, covering most of the tomato sauce. On top of the cheese are bright red, fresh tomato slices, each topped with small strips of dark green basil leaves scattered around. The edges of the cheese are lightly browned, and the pizza looks freshly baked. The board sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken crust a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before adding the toppings to maintain freshness and texture.

Is this pizza keto-friendly?

Yes, using ground chicken as the crust keeps this pizza low in carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet when paired with low-carb toppings like mozzarella and fresh vegetables.