Easy high protein pizza toast for those who can't cook
Easy high protein pizza toast for those who can't cook is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 430 calories per serving. Recipe by Lee Lem on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 33 min
Cost: $3.75 total, $3.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 slices Sourdough Bread (store‑bought, thick slices)
- 35 g Pizza Sauce (pre‑made jarred sauce)
- 100 g Chicken Breast (cooked, diced or shredded)
- 30 g Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 25 g Onion (thinly sliced)
- to taste pinch Black Pepper (ground)
- to taste pinch Oregano (dried)
- to taste pinch Parsley (dried or fresh)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°C
Prepare Toppings
Thinly slice the onion and, if not already cooked, dice or shred the chicken breast. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Pizza
Place the two sourdough slices on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Spread the 35 g of pizza sauce evenly over each slice. Distribute the cooked chicken, sliced onion and shredded mozzarella on top. Finish with a pinch of black pepper, oregano and parsley.
Time: PT5M
Bake Pizza
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the sourdough are golden and crisp.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 200°C
Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes, then cut or eat as‑is.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 430
- Protein
- 37g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sourdough Bread: Whole grain bread, Ciabatta, Flatbread
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce, Tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, cooked ham, canned chicken
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Cheddar, Vegan mozzarella
- Instead of Onion: Green onions, shallots
- Instead of Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Parsley: Basil
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon or Small Spatula
- Measuring Scale (optional)
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 200°C before assembling
- Spread sauce evenly to avoid soggy spots
- Bake until cheese is fully melted and crust is golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Fresh herbs add a brighter flavor than dried; add them after baking if using fresh parsley
- For extra protein, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy
Toast the sourdough slices lightly for 2‑3 minutes before adding sauce, or use a pizza stone for better heat distribution.
Cheese does not melt
Increase oven temperature to 220°C or place the pizza under the broiler for the last minute.
Chicken is dry
Moisturize cooked chicken with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of low‑sodium broth before topping.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and shred the chicken breast a day ahead and store in the fridge
- Pre‑slice onions and keep them in a sealed container
- Measure out the sauce and herbs in small bowls for quick assembly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of high‑protein pizza in American cuisine?
High‑protein pizza reflects the modern American focus on convenience and nutrition, merging traditional Italian pizza concepts with fitness‑oriented ingredients like lean chicken and whole‑grain sourdough to create a protein‑rich, quick‑fix meal.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza in the United States that inspire this high‑protein version?
In the U.S., regional styles such as New York thin‑crust, Chicago deep‑dish, and California gourmet pizzas each emphasize different toppings and crusts; this high‑protein version borrows the thin‑crust concept and adds lean protein to suit health‑conscious diners.
How is high‑protein pizza traditionally served in American households?
It is often served as a quick lunch or dinner, sliced into bite‑size pieces, sometimes accompanied by a simple side salad or fresh fruit to balance the meal.
What occasions or celebrations is high‑protein pizza commonly associated with in American culture?
It’s popular for post‑workout meals, casual family gatherings, game nights, and as a convenient option for busy weekdays when a nutritious yet fast meal is needed.
What makes high‑protein pizza special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a whole‑grain sourdough base with lean chicken and modest cheese delivers a balanced macronutrient profile while retaining the familiar comfort of pizza, catering to both taste and fitness goals.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high‑protein pizza?
Common errors include using raw chicken (which can remain undercooked), overloading toppings causing a soggy crust, and baking at too low a temperature, which prevents the cheese from melting properly.
Why does this high‑protein pizza recipe use pre‑made pizza sauce instead of a fresh tomato base?
Pre‑made sauce saves time and ensures consistent flavor, allowing home cooks to focus on protein preparation and assembly without compromising the overall taste.
Can I make high‑protein pizza ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble the pizza, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake when ready, adding a fresh sprinkle of herbs after baking for maximum freshness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the high‑protein pizza is done cooking?
The crust should be golden‑brown and crisp, the mozzarella fully melted with light bubbling, and the toppings evenly distributed without excess moisture.
How do I know when the high‑protein pizza is done cooking?
When the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the sourdough edges are crisp, a quick tap on the crust should sound firm rather than soft.
What does the YouTube channel Lee Lem specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lee Lem focuses on quick, high‑protein, and budget‑friendly meals that require minimal cooking skills, often using everyday pantry ingredients and simple techniques.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Lee Lem?
Lee Lem’s cooking philosophy emphasizes simplicity, speed, and nutritional value, delivering recipes that are easy for beginners yet flavorful enough for seasoned home cooks, with a strong focus on protein‑rich dishes.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
