Craving pizza while sticking to a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle? This chicken crust pizza is the perfect solution. Made with seasoned ground chicken as the crust, it’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly customizable. You get all the cheesy, saucy satisfaction of traditional pizza—without the carbs from dough.
Introduction
Pizza is one of those foods that seems off-limits on a low-carb or keto diet. Traditional crust is made from refined flour, which spikes blood sugar and doesn’t offer much in terms of nutrients. Enter chicken crust pizza: a genius workaround that uses ground chicken, cheese, and eggs to form a savory, sturdy base that mimics traditional crust.
This recipe has become popular in keto and high-protein communities not just because it’s low in carbs, but because it tastes amazing. The crust gets golden on the edges, holds toppings without falling apart, and adds a meaty, satisfying bite to every slice.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
Ingredient Overview
Ground Chicken
This is the base of the crust. Choose lean ground chicken for a firmer texture, or 80–85% lean for a juicier bite. Ground turkey also works.
Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded cheese helps bind the crust and adds flavor. Parmesan gives a slightly crispier texture, while mozzarella keeps things soft and stretchy.
Egg
Acts as a binder to hold the crust together. One egg per pound of meat is typically enough.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning
These simple seasonings give the crust a more traditional pizza flavor without overpowering the toppings.
Salt
Enhances the flavor of the chicken crust. Use sparingly since Parmesan is salty on its own.
Sauce
Use a low-carb marinara or sugar-free pizza sauce. Avoid store-bought sauces with added sugar if following a strict keto plan.
Toppings
Stick with low-carb options like:
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Mozzarella cheese
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Pepperoni
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Mushrooms
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Bell peppers
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Olives
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Spinach
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Fresh basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Chicken Crust
In a bowl, combine:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella
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1 egg
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp salt
Mix until well combined. You can use clean hands or a spatula. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the crust too dense.
2. Form the Crust
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
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Transfer the chicken mixture to the center and press it into a thin circle or rectangle—about 1/4 inch thick.
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Smooth the edges for even cooking.
3. Bake the Crust
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Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until the crust is firm and slightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and blot any moisture from the top with a paper towel.
4. Add Toppings
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Spread 1/4 to 1/3 cup low-carb tomato sauce evenly.
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Top with 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
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Add your favorite toppings—stick to low-moisture ingredients for best results.
5. Bake Again
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Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
6. Slice and Serve
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Let cool for a few minutes to set.
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Slice into 6 or 8 pieces and enjoy!
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips
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Line with parchment to prevent sticking. The crust is sticky before baking.
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Press thinly: A thinner crust bakes more evenly and gets crispier.
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Use lean ground meat to reduce moisture and avoid a soggy crust.
Variations
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Top with buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and sliced green onions.
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BBQ Chicken: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and red onions.
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White Pizza: Top with garlic-infused olive oil, spinach, and vegan or dairy mozzarella.
Substitutions
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Ground Turkey: A lighter alternative to chicken with similar texture.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives in the crust and on top.
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No Egg? Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for binding.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Chicken crust pizza is versatile and fits many meals:
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Weeknight dinners: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Meal prep: Make crusts in advance and top before reheating.
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Keto-friendly gatherings: Impress guests with a low-carb pizza party.
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Post-workout meals: High in protein to aid muscle recovery.
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Kids’ lunchbox: Cut into mini slices and pack cold or reheated.
Pair it with:
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A crisp green salad
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Roasted cauliflower or broccoli
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Keto garlic knots or almond flour breadsticks
Nutritional & Health Notes
This recipe is:
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Low-carb: Less than 4g net carbs per slice (depending on toppings)
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High-protein: Roughly 30–35g protein per serving
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Gluten-free: No flour, grains, or binders
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Keto-compliant: Perfect for carb-conscious eaters
Cottage cheese or ricotta can be added for creaminess, and fiber-rich vegetables make excellent toppings to round out the dish.
Approximate Nutrition (per slice, 1/6 of pizza with cheese & sauce):
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 32g
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Net Carbs: 3–4g
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Fat: 12g
FAQ
1. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the crust and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add toppings and bake again when ready to serve.
2. Is chicken crust soggy?
Not if cooked properly. Use lean meat, bake until firm, and blot excess moisture before adding toppings.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Bake the crust, cool completely, and freeze flat. Reheat from frozen or thaw and add toppings before baking again.
4. Can I grill it?
You can grill the crust on foil until firm, then add toppings and finish under a covered grill.
5. What toppings are keto-safe?
Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, arugula, and cheese—all fit within a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
6. Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground?
Yes. Shredded cooked chicken mixed with cheese and an egg will also form a dough-like crust, though it may be more crumbly.
7. How do I make it crispier?
Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking steel. Thinner crust and blotting moisture also help.