Ground Chicken Pizza Crust (High-Protein Pizza!)
If you love pizza but also want something a little more filling and protein-packed, this ground chicken pizza crust might become your new favorite weeknight sheet pan dinner trick. Instead of traditional dough, the crust is made with seasoned ground chicken, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then baked until it's sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings.
It’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for those nights when you want pizza but also want something that will actually keep you full. Once the crust is baked, you can top it with whatever pizza toppings you love like classic marinara and mozzarella, pesto and veggies, or even leftover roasted vegetables from the fridge.
If you love this, then you'll have to try my Easy Vegetable Pizza Casserole , Shrimp Sun-dried Tomato Pasta, or my Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake.
Why You Will Love This Dinner
- A high-protein pizza that actually keeps you full
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients
- Totally customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients For the Ground Chicken Pizza Crust
- Ground chicken – the base of the crust that makes this pizza high in protein
- Egg – helps bind everything together
- Parmesan cheese – adds flavor and helps the crust crisp slightly
- Italian seasoning – brings classic pizza flavor to the crust
- Garlic powder – adds extra savory depth
- Breadcrumbs – help absorb moisture and give the crust structure
For the Toppings
- Pizza sauce or pesto – your base flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – for that classic melty pizza finish
- Vegetables of choice – bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, or spinach work great
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken if that’s what you have.
- Swap breadcrumbs for panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Try pesto instead of pizza sauce for a different flavor.
- Add pepperoni, cooked sausage, or extra veggies for a heartier pizza.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes on top before serving.
How to make Ground Chicken Pizza Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined baking sheet and press into a pizza crust shape. The thinner you spread it, the crispier the crust will be.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until the crust is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and add your toppings—pizza sauce or pesto, mozzarella cheese, and vegetables.
- Broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and enjoy!
Tips and Notes
- Press the crust as thin as possible for the best texture.
- Use parchment paper so the crust doesn’t stick.
- If the crust releases liquid while baking, carefully drain it before adding toppings.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing so it holds together better.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this crust ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the crust first, let it cool, then refrigerate. Add toppings and broil when ready to eat.
Is this pizza low carb?
It’s lower in carbs than traditional pizza dough, especially if you reduce the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb alternative.
Can I freeze the crust?
Yes. Bake the crust, let it cool completely, then freeze. When ready to eat, add toppings and bake or broil until hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad for an easy dinner
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Cut into squares for a high-protein party appetizer
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions
1. Cool completely.
Never freeze hot food. Let it cool completely first (you can even refrigerate it overnight). Before sealing, wipe away any condensation inside the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion it for real life.
Freeze the amount you'll actually use. If your family won't eat a whole casserole in one night, divide it into smaller portions instead. Smaller portions also thaw much faster.
3. Leave a little room.
Don't fill containers all the way to the top, foods expand slightly as they freeze.
4. Label everything.
Write the recipe name and the date on each container so you know exactly what's waiting in your freezer.
5. Freeze.
I love freezing meals in 2-cup silicone freezer cubes. They're the perfect size for lunches or small dinners, stack beautifully, and thaw much faster than one giant frozen block.
How to Reheat
For best results, transfer your meal to the refrigerator the night before.
If it's still a little frozen in the center, microwave on the Defrost setting in 5-minute intervals until it can be broken apart easily.
Then simply reheat like you would any leftovers:
- Bake casseroles in the oven.
- Warm soups, pasta, and skillet meals on the stovetop.
- Use the microwave for quick meals.
- The air fryer works great for foods that should stay crispy.
My favorite freezer rule: Reheat food the same way you originally cooked it whenever possible. It almost always gives you the best texture.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy freezer meals within about 3 months.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
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Ground Chicken Pizza Crust (High-Protein Pizza!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce or pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press into a pizza crust shape. Spread the mixture thin for the best texture.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the crust is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and spread pizza sauce or pesto over the crust.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your favorite vegetables.
- Broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and serve.
