Pesto Chicken Crust Pizza (Easy Recipe)

This pesto chicken crust pizza is high-protein, low-carb, and loaded with melty cheese, prosciutto, and fresh basil. A crave-worthy twist on pizza night!

Okay hear me out: what if pizza, but make the crust out of chicken?

No, this isn’t some weird gym bro food hack. This is crispy, cheesy, pesto-covered perfection with a high-protein base that’s way more exciting than sad cauliflower crust — and actually tastes good.

Enter the Pesto Chicken Crust Pizza — where juicy ground chicken meets Italian seasoning, garlic, parmesan, and eggs to create a golden, flavor-packed crust that holds all the good stuff.

We’re talking melty mozzarella, prosciutto, juicy cherry tomatoes, a pesto base that slaps, and a fresh basil finish that makes you feel like you own a villa in Tuscany (even if you’re just in sweats, watching Netflix).

It’s low carb, totally gluten-free, and honestly… might ruin regular pizza for you. You can eat it with your hands, pile on your favorite toppings, and not worry about a soggy crust situation ever again. 

Whether you’re trying to sneak in more protein or just looking for a pizza that hits different, this one delivers.

Let’s bake it up, slice it up, and devour it like the main characters we are.

If you love chicken crust pizza you may also like to try my BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza or my Buffalo Chicken Crust Pizza.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PESTO CHICKEN CRUST PIZZA

This pizza is everything: high-protein, low-carb, ultra-flavorful, and completely overachieving. 

The chicken crust is golden, juicy, and holds up under all the cheesy, saucy goodness without falling apart. It gives total pizza energy without the gluten, bloat, or carb crash. 

Whether you’re trying to hit your macros, clean up your dinners, or just love a good viral food moment — this one’s for you. 

Plus, it’s customizable AF. Add whatever toppings your heart (and fridge) desires.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HOMEMADE CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA RECIPE

You will need the full ingredient list below to make the crispy crust (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Ground chicken – the base of your crust; high protein and super juicy. Can substitute for ground turkey if desired

• Eggs – to bind everything together

• Parmesan cheese – adds richness and helps the crust crisp up

• Garlic powder – for flavor that punches through

• Italian seasoning – gives it that classic herby pizza feel

• Salt + pepper – don’t skip the basics

• Pesto sauce – your sauce, your moment

• Mozzarella cheese – classic, melty, stretchy goodness

• Cherry tomatoes – juicy, sweet, and slightly roasted

• Prosciutto – can also use bacon strips for that salty perfection

• Grated parmesan – for topping, because more cheese is always the answer

• Fresh basil leaves – to make it feel a little fancy

• Optional – red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, red peppers, kalamata olives, red onion, artichoke hearts, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA RECIPE

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Press the chicken mixture into a thin circle or rectangle on the baking sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Turn the oven up to 425°F (220°C). Spread pesto on the crust, then add mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.

Bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and melty.

Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crisp, but watch it closely.

Let it cool slightly, top with fresh parmesan, prosciutto and basil, then slice and serve.

STORING LEFTOVER KETO CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring the crust back to life — microwave works too, but it won’t be as crispy. 

You can also freeze the crust after the first bake and top it fresh later.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use parchment paper — trust me, it keeps the crust from sticking

• Make sure the chicken crust is thin and even so it cooks all the way through

• Let the crust rest before adding toppings so it holds its shape better

• Use pre-cooked bacon or cook it separately for max crispiness

• Don’t skip the basil — it gives freshness that balances all the richness

FAQS

CAN I USE GROUND TURKEY INSTEAD OF GROUND CHICKEN IN THIS PESTO CHICKEN PIZZA?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a slightly leaner flavor.

IS THIS LOW CARB CHICKEN PIZZA CRUST CRISPY OR SOFT?

It’s firm enough to hold like real pizza, but not crunchy like a thin crust — think juicy, cheesy, and sturdy.

CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT PESTO?

Absolutely. Go with your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling extra.

CAN I SWAP THE PESTO SAUCE FOR RED SAUCE?

Totally. If you’re not a fan of pesto or want to switch it up, use a low-sugar red sauce or your favorite pizza sauce for a more traditional twist.

CAN I USE CANNED CHICKEN INSTEAD OF GROUND CHICKEN IN THIS HOMEMADE PESTO CHICKEN CRUST RECIPE?

You totally can! Just make sure it’s well-drained and shredded. The texture will be a bit different (a little more dense), but still delicious.

IS THIS FRESH BASIL PESTO CHICKEN CRUST PIZZA KETO-FRIENDLY?

Yup! It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and perfect for those following a keto diet—just make sure your sauces and toppings are keto-approved.

CAN I SERVE THIS KETO PIZZA TO MY WHOLE FAMILY?

Absolutely! Even picky eaters and classic pizza lovers will be surprised at how satisfying this is. Pair it with a kale Caesar salad and call it dinner.

Other Easy Recipes For Dinner You May Want To Try!

• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Keto Greek Salad Recipe
• Low Carb Big Mac Salad Bowl
• Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Peach Tomato Feta Salad
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• High Protein Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Strawberry Quinoa Salad Recipe
• Protein Mac And Cheese
• Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
• Air Fryer Tuna Cakes
• McChicken Ground Chicken Burgers
• Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos

IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY KETO DINNER RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS COOKED CHICKEN CRUST ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails