Why You’ll Love this BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza
If you’re tired of traditional pizza crust but still crave that satisfying combination of savory toppings, this BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza will absolutely rock your world.
I’m obsessed with how the ground chicken creates a protein-packed base that’s both flavorful and surprisingly sturdy. No more carb guilt, just pure enjoyment.
The melty combination of mozzarella and gouda cheese? Divine.
And the way the sweet BBQ sauce complements the savory chicken crust is culinary magic. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free without trying to be, which means everyone at your table can dig in.
Who knew chicken could transform into pizza?
What Ingredients are in BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza?
For this innovative pizza, we’re completely reimagining the crust by using ground chicken instead of traditional dough. I’m always looking for creative low-carb options, and this protein-packed alternative delivers big flavor while keeping things gluten-free. The combination of savory chicken with smoky-sweet BBQ sauce creates a perfect foundation for the melty cheese and caramelized onions that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/16 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- ¼ sweet onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. Look for ground chicken that’s not too lean—a bit of fat helps create a more cohesive crust that holds together well. The BBQ sauce is another place where personal preference comes into play. Want something smokier? Spicier? More sweet? The sauce you choose will greatly impact the final flavor profile. And while the recipe calls for gouda, which adds a wonderful buttery richness, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone or even a pepper jack if you’re craving a bit of heat.
How to Make this BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is essential—trust me, you don’t want your chicken crust sticking to the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/16 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The cheese might seem like an odd addition to raw chicken, but it acts as a binder that helps your crust hold together.
Next comes the fun part—forming your crusts! Spray the parchment paper and your hands with non-stick cooking spray (seriously, don’t skip this unless you want chicken permanently attached to your fingers).
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and flatten each into a round pizza shape directly on the baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, and halfway through cooking, pour off any excess liquid that accumulates.
While your chicken crusts are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and sauté 1/4 of a sweet onion until it’s tender and slightly caramelized.
Once the crusts are cooked through, remove them from the oven and switch your oven to broil. Now it’s time for the toppings! Spread about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over each chicken crust—just a thin layer is all you need.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded gouda cheese over the pizzas, then top with your sautéed onions. Finish each pizza with a light drizzle of the remaining BBQ sauce (about 1/2 tablespoon per pizza).
Return them to the oven under the broiler just until the cheese is melty and starting to bubble and brown. Keep a close eye on them—the difference between perfectly golden and burnt is just a matter of seconds when broiling!
BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza, let’s explore some tasty substitutions and variations to keep things interesting!
Try swapping ground chicken for ground turkey or even a mix of chicken and pork. Not a fan of gouda? Smoked cheddar or provolone work beautifully.
I sometimes add diced jalapeños for heat or pineapple chunks for sweetness (controversial, I know).
For a Mediterranean twist, replace BBQ sauce with pesto and top with feta and olives.
Or go Tex-Mex with taco seasoning in the crust, salsa instead of BBQ sauce, and finish with avocado slices.
The possibilities? Nearly endless.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza
While your BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza serves as the star of the meal, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire dining experience.
I love serving mine with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens and bright acidity cut through the pizza’s richness.
Roasted vegetables, particularly bell peppers or zucchini, echo the smoky BBQ flavors.
Can’t decide between sides? A simple coleslaw works wonders too.
For drinks, nothing beats an ice-cold craft beer or sparkling water with lime.
Trust me, the fizz helps cleanse your palate between those cheesy, savory bites.
Final Thoughts
After making this BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza multiple times, I’m convinced it’s the perfect solution for anyone craving pizza flavors without the traditional dough. The chicken crust offers a protein-packed base that’s satisfying and surprisingly sturdy.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Don’t have gouda? Swap in cheddar. Prefer red onions to sweet? Go for it.
The BBQ sauce adds that perfect tangy-sweet balance that complements the savory chicken so well.
For those watching carbs or following specific diets, this pizza hits the spot without the guilt. Trust me, you won’t miss the flour one bit.
BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Spray the parchment paper and your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a round pizza shape directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken crusts for about 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, carefully pour off any excess liquid that accumulates.
- While the crusts are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and sauté until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the crusts are cooked through, remove from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over each chicken crust in a thin layer.
- Distribute the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the gouda cheese evenly over the pizzas, then top with the sautéed onions.
- Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce (about ½ tablespoon per pizza) over the toppings.
- Return the pizzas to the oven under the broiler just until the cheese melts and begins to bubble and brown, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
