High-Protein Pizza Recipe - easy, chicken crust pizza
High-Protein Pizza Recipe - easy, chicken crust pizza! is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 312 calories per serving. Recipe by Casual Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $8.40 total, $2.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (lean, fresh)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 0.5 cup Pizza Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
- 0.5 cup Turkey Pepperoni (sliced)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Mix Crust Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine the ground chicken, eggs, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the chicken mixture onto the sheet and spread it thinly (about ¼ inch) using a spatula or wet hands.
Time: PT5M
Bake Crust
Place the sheet in the oven and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest Crust
Remove the crust from the oven and let it rest on the sheet for 5 minutes to set.
Time: PT5M
Add Toppings
While the oven heats to 425°F, spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, arrange turkey pepperoni slices, and finish with a little extra mozzarella.
Time: PT5M
Bake Pizza
Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are crisp.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Cool and Serve
Take the pizza out, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 312
- Protein
- 23g
- Carbohydrates
- 4g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: High protein, Low carb, Gluten free (if sauce is gluten free), Keto friendly
Allergens: Eggs, Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano and basil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Cheddar
- Instead of Turkey Pepperoni: Regular pepperoni, Sliced salami
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix crust ingredients thoroughly
- Spread the chicken mixture thinly and evenly
- Bake the crust until golden and firm
- Bake the topped pizza until cheese is melted and crust is crisp
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- A kitchen scale gives the most accurate meat portion.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the mixture by 25% and bake an extra 5‑7 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy
Make sure the crust is spread thinly and bake the base a full 25 minutes; you can add an extra 5‑10 minutes if needed.
Crust falls apart when adding toppings
Let the crust rest for the full 5 minutes before topping, and consider adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of cheese for more binding.
Cheese burns on top
Watch the pizza closely during the last 2‑3 minutes; if it browns too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 400°F and finish baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; do not leave out more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the chicken crust a day ahead, let it cool, then store in the fridge; add toppings and re‑bake before serving.
- Pizza sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken pizza crust in Italian-American cuisine?
Chicken‑based pizza crusts emerged as a low‑carb adaptation of traditional Italian pizza, popularized in the United States by health‑focused cooks. They reflect the Italian‑American tradition of modifying classic dishes to suit local tastes and dietary trends.
What are traditional regional variations of chicken‑based pizza crust in Italy or the United States?
In Italy, chicken is rarely used for crust; instead, cauliflower or almond flour are common low‑carb bases. In the United States, especially in keto circles, ground poultry or chicken is shaped into a thin crust to mimic traditional pizza while reducing carbs.
How is chicken pizza traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is often served as a family dinner, sliced into wedges and paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The focus is on the crisp crust and generous toppings rather than elaborate side dishes.
What occasions is chicken pizza commonly associated with in American culture?
Chicken pizza is popular for quick weeknight meals, game‑day gatherings, and low‑carb or keto diet celebrations. Its convenience makes it a frequent choice for pot‑luck parties and casual get‑togethers.
How does chicken pizza fit into the broader Italian‑American cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Italian‑American spirit of adapting classic recipes to new ingredients and dietary needs, blending Italian flavors like Italian seasoning and mozzarella with American convenience.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken pizza crust versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic base uses ground chicken, eggs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Acceptable substitutes include ground turkey, Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, or a blend of dried oregano and basil instead of pre‑made Italian seasoning.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ground chicken pizza crust?
Common errors include making the crust too thick, which prevents crispness, under‑mixing the binder so the crust falls apart, and not preheating the oven fully. Also, adding too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
Why does this recipe use a thin spread of chicken mixture instead of a thicker one?
A thin layer allows the heat to penetrate quickly, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the interior moist. A thicker crust would require a longer bake and could remain gummy.
Can I make the chicken pizza crust ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the crust alone, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 425°F oven for 5‑7 minutes before adding toppings, or add toppings and finish baking as directed.
What does the YouTube channel Casual Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Casual Cooking focuses on simple, everyday recipes that require minimal equipment and time, often featuring healthier twists on classic comfort foods. Their style is relaxed, with clear step‑by‑step instructions suitable for home cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
