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Cheesy Chicken Pizza Crust Delight

A low-carb, protein-packed pizza that uses a seasoned ground chicken crust topped with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella and colorful peppers. Easy to make and great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (new: adds depth)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2/3 cup diced green bell pepper about 1/2 medium pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced pickled or fresh jalapeños drained and patted dry if pickled
  • fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or a 12-inch pizza pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Use a fork or your hands to fold everything together until evenly distributed — don’t overwork the meat.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared parchment. Wet your hands slightly (or oil them) and press the mixture into a 10–11 inch thin round, about 1/4 inch thick, leaving the edges a touch higher to form a rim.
  • Bake the crust on the middle rack at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, until the surface is set and the edges are lightly golden. (Baking at a slightly lower temp first helps cook through without drying.) If you see pockets of moisture on top after baking, gently blot with a paper towel.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the warm crust, leaving the rim exposed. Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
  • Scatter the diced green pepper and jalapeños over the cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella. Return the pizza to the oven and bake 7–9 minutes at 450°F, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a touch of extra color, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Remove the pizza and let it rest 5–7 minutes so the topping sets and the crust firms up. Slice and finish with torn basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Tip: For a crispier crust, allow the baked crust to cool on a wire rack for a couple of minutes before adding toppings — this stops steam from softening it. Make-ahead: You can shape and refrigerate the raw crust (covered) for up to 24 hours; bake straight from the fridge, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the initial bake.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cheesy Chicken Pizza Crust Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.