Bbq Chicken Crust Pizza (High-Protein Recipe)
This BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza is a high-protein, low-carb dream! Crispy chicken crust topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, red onion, and melty cheese—so good!
Pizza night just got a high-protein, low-carb upgrade, and I’m obsessed. BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza is not only packed with flavor, but it also ditches the traditional dough for a crispy, protein-packed chicken crust.
Yep, we’re making pizza out of chicken, and trust me, it’s as wild (and delicious) as it sounds.
If you’re a BBQ chicken pizza lover, this recipe takes it to the next level.
The crust is made with ground chicken, eggs, and parmesan, giving it a chewy, crispy texture that holds up to all the toppings.
Then we load it up with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Because if we’re doing pizza, we’re going all in.
The best part? This BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza is completely customizable.
Want it spicier? Add jalapeños.
Need extra cheese? Go for it.
Trying to impress a crowd? Make a double batch because this one disappears fast.
It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and ridiculously easy to make, meaning you can enjoy all the pizza vibes without the carb coma.
Alright, enough talk—let’s get to the good stuff. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make a pizza that’s so good, you won’t even miss the dough.
If you love high protein dinners you may also want to try my Steak Stir-Fry or my Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BBQ CHICKEN CRUST PIZZA RECIPE
High-Protein & Low-Carb – Ditch the dough and load up on protein-packed goodness without sacrificing flavor.
Crispy & Chewy Crust – This chicken-based crust holds up to all the toppings, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Smoky, Sweet & Savory – The combo of BBQ sauce, bacon, and melty cheese hits every craving.
Easy to Make – No fancy dough-rolling skills needed—just mix, shape, and bake.
Totally Customizable – Add extra spice, more cheese, or your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy delicious leftovers all week long.
Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly – A low-carb alternative that still delivers all the pizza satisfaction.
Tastes Like a BBQ Chicken Pizza Dream – Seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHICKEN PIZZA CRUST
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):
- Raw Ground Chicken: The base of your crust, can also swap with ground turkey.
- Eggs: Act as the binder that holds your dough together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy kick and helps firm up the crust; you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlic punch; if you prefer, use freshly minced garlic (just be careful not to overpower the flavor).
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the crust with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme; you can mix your own dried herbs if needed.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste for that perfect flavor balance.
- BBQ Sauce: The sweet and tangy sauce that ties the toppings together; if you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy buffalo sauce or homemade bbq sauce.
- Bacon: Brings smoky, crispy bits to your pizza; turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
- Red Onions: Provides a bit of sharpness and crunch; white or sweet onions can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping; for a different twist, try cheddar for extra sharpness or provolone for a smooth melt.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness to finish off your pizza; if you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley or fresh basil are great alternatives.
- Optional: shredded cooked chicken for topping (rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken), olive oil, pizza sauce, gouda cheese, canned chicken, cheddar cheese, onion powder, other favorite pizza toppings, etc.
HOW TO MAKE THE BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA RECIPE
Preheat & Prep – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Crust – In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Form the Pizza Base – Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it into a thin, even circle or rectangle.
Bake the Crust – Pop it in the oven for 25 minutes, or until golden and firm. Let it rest for 5-7 minutes to set.
Turn Up the Heat & Add Toppings – Crank the oven up to 425°F (220°C). Spread on your bbq sauce, cheese, and toppings (red onion, bacon, etc).
Final Bake – Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Slice & Enjoy – Let it cool slightly, top with fresh cilantro, then dig in and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
STORING LEFTOVER CHICKEN GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA
Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in foil. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
-
- Oven/Air Fryer (Best Method): Reheat at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
- Skillet: Heat on medium heat with a lid on for 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Microwave (Quickest Option): Heat in 30-second intervals, but note that the crust may become slightly softer.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Use Lean Ground Chicken for the Best Texture – Too much fat in the chicken can make the crust greasy, so opt for lean ground chicken or ground turkey for a firm, crispy base.
- Drain Excess Moisture – If your chicken mixture feels too wet, pat the ground chicken dry before mixing or press out excess moisture after baking the crust. This helps create a sturdier, crispier crust.
- Shape the Crust Evenly – Spread the chicken mixture into a thin, even layer to ensure it cooks through properly. If it’s too thick, it may stay soft in the center.
- Pre-Bake the Crust Before Adding Toppings – This allows the chicken crust to firm up before loading it with BBQ sauce and toppings. It also prevents a soggy pizza!
- Let the Crust Rest Before Adding Toppings – After the first bake, let it sit for 5 minutes before adding your sauce and toppings. This helps it set and hold up better.
- Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet – A pizza stone helps absorb moisture for a crispy crust, but a regular baking sheet works great too. Just make sure to line it with parchment paper.
- Customize Your Toppings – Love spice? Add jalapeños. Want extra cheesiness? Sprinkle some cheddar on top. Craving crunch? Throw in some bell peppers.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer or Oven – Microwaving can make the crust soft, so reheat slices at 375°F in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
- Go Easy on the BBQ Sauce – Too much sauce can make the crust soggy. A thin layer is all you need for maximum flavor without excess moisture.
FAQS
CAN I USE CHICKEN BREAST INSTEAD OF GROUND CHICKEN?
Yes! If you don’t have ground chicken, you can blend cooked or raw chicken breast in a food processor until it reaches a fine, ground texture. Just be sure to drain excess moisture before forming your crust.
Additionally you can use shredded chicken as is and mix with the eggs, parmesan cheese and seasonings.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REHEAT CHICKEN CRUST PIZZA?
For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and the edges of the crust turn golden brown again. Avoid microwaving—it may soften the crust.
CAN I MAKE A TRADITIONAL PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH THIS CRUST?
Absolutely! If you’re not in the mood for BBQ, skip the barbecue sauce and use regular pizza sauce with pepperoni and cheese for a keto-friendly cheesy pizza.
CAN I USE FRESH HERBS ON TOP OF THE PIZZA?
Yes! Cilantro, parsley, or even basil are some of my favorite herbs to add for freshness. Just sprinkle them on after baking for the best flavor.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET A CRISPY CRUST?
Use large baking sheets to ensure even baking, and make sure to pre-bake the crust until golden brown before adding toppings.
IS THIS BETTER THAN A CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST?
In my opinion, yes! But it depends on what you’re looking for!
If you want a sturdy, protein-packed crust, chicken is your best friend. If you prefer a veggie-based option, cauliflower pizza crust might be a great way to add extra fiber.
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
Bbq Chicken Crust Pizza (High-Protein Recipe)
This BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza is a high-protein, low-carb dream! Crispy chicken crust topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, red onion, and melty cheese—so good!
Ingredients
CHICKEN CRUST
- 450g ground chicken
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
TOPPINGS
- 2/3 cup sugar-free bbq sauce
- 1 cup mozarella cheese
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 3 bacon strips, cooked
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Transfer the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it into a thin, even circle or rectangle.
- Pop it in the oven for 25 minutes, or until golden and firm. Let it rest for 5 minutes to set.
- Crank the oven up to 425°F (220°C). Spread on your bbq sauce, cheese, red onion and bacon.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on your pizza so it doesn't burn.
- Let it cool slightly, top with fresh cilantro, then dig in and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 509Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 296mgSodium: 1097mgCarbohydrates: 7.6gFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.5gProtein: 48g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
IF YOU TRIED THIS LOW-CARB RAW CHICKEN PIZZA CRUST PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails