Name: Viral Chicken Crust Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 ounces finely shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken (or drained canned chicken); 1 large egg; ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

A revolutionary low-carb pizza that swaps traditional dough for a protein-packed chicken base. This innovative recipe transforms shredded chicken into a crispy, flavorful crust that holds up beautifully to your favorite toppings while keeping carbs to a minimum.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for keto and low-carb diets with virtually zero carbs in the crust
High in protein and incredibly filling
Customizable with any toppings you enjoy
Simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen
Great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken
Naturally gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza
Surprisingly crispy texture that satisfies pizza cravings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotisserie chicken provides the protein-packed base for this unique crust. The fine shredding is crucial for proper binding and texture—you want it to hold together without large chunks. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken works well, including canned chicken (just be sure to drain it thoroughly).
Egg acts as the essential binder that holds your chicken crust together. It provides structure during baking and helps the crust achieve that golden exterior.
Parmesan cheese contributes both flavor and function. It melts slightly during baking to help bind the crust while adding a savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly. Freshly shredded works best as pre-packaged versions often contain anti-caking agents.
Garlic powder infuses the crust with a subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the overall pizza experience without overpowering. It adds that classic pizza-like quality to the chicken base.
Crushed red pepper flakes bring optional heat and dimension to your crust. They can be adjusted according to your spice preference or omitted entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Mix well until uniform and clump-free.
Spread mixture evenly into a ¼-inch thick round on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden and firm.
Remove from oven and top with your favorite pizza toppings—classic Caesar salad or mozzarella and basil work great.
Slice and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields enough for 4-6 servings, depending on appetite and what you serve alongside it. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with 45 minutes of baking time, for a total of 55 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 180-220 calories, primarily from protein, making it an excellent option for those watching their caloric intake while maintaining high protein consumption.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Top with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a sauce base, then add feta cheese, olives, diced tomatoes, and cucumber after baking.
Buffalo Chicken: Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over the baked crust, then top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery.
BBQ Chicken: Add a light brushing of sugar-free BBQ sauce, red onions, and smoked gouda cheese.
Breakfast Pizza: Top the baked crust with scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese for a protein-packed breakfast option.
Mexican Inspired: Layer with salsa, Mexican cheese blend, and finish with avocado and cilantro after baking.
Alfredo Base: Use a light alfredo sauce topped with spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella for a white pizza variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the crust separate from any fresh toppings if possible.
Freezing: The baked chicken crust (without toppings) freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a conventional oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. A microwave will work in a pinch (1-2 minutes on high), but the crust may not retain its crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the chicken crust up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking, or bake the crust ahead of time and add toppings just before serving.

FAQs

Why is my chicken crust falling apart?

This typically happens when the chicken isn’t finely shredded enough or the mixture is too wet. Make sure to thoroughly drain canned chicken or pat dry freshly cooked chicken. Adding an extra tablespoon of Parmesan can also help bind the mixture better.

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?

Yes, raw ground chicken can work, but you’ll need to cook it completely first, then cool and drain extremely well before mixing with the other ingredients. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the crust is done baking?

The crust should be visibly golden brown around the edges and feel firm to the touch. If you’re uncertain, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes – it’s better to have it slightly over-baked than underdone for the best texture.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, this recipe contains Parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free version, you could experiment with nutritional yeast as a substitute, though the binding properties will be different.

Can I make individual smaller pizzas instead of one large one?

Absolutely! Divide the mixture and form several smaller rounds on your baking sheet. Reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, watching carefully for doneness.

What’s the best way to get a crispy bottom crust?

For maximum crispiness, flip the crust halfway through baking. Another option is using a pizza stone that’s been preheated in the oven before adding your crust.

Can I add seasonings to the crust mixture?

Yes! Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried basil, or oregano all make excellent additions to customize the flavor profile of your crust.

Why does my crust shrink when baking?

Some shrinkage is normal. To minimize this, make sure to spread the mixture slightly larger than your desired final size and avoid overworking the mixture which can activate the proteins and cause more shrinkage.

Can I use a different cheese in the crust?

While Parmesan works best due to its low moisture content and strong binding properties, other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago can work well. Avoid high-moisture cheeses in the crust itself.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare several crusts ahead of time, bake them fully, then freeze. This makes for an incredibly quick weeknight meal – just add toppings and broil briefly when ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Viral Chicken Crust Pizza represents the perfect marriage of innovation and tradition. By reimagining the pizza base with protein-rich chicken, this recipe offers a delicious solution for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles without sacrificing the pizza experience. The versatility of this crust makes it an ideal canvas for countless topping combinations, allowing you to enjoy pizza night without compromise. Whether you’re specifically seeking healthier alternatives or simply curious about this creative cooking technique, this chicken crust pizza delivers on both flavor and nutrition while keeping the essence of what makes pizza so universally beloved.