Pepperoni and Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza

Name: Pepperoni & Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Chicken; 2 Eggs; ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese (divided); 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; ⅓-½ Cup Pizza Sauce (I love @raoshomemade); 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded); 15 Slices Pepperoni; 1 Bell Pepper (sliced); ½ Red Onion (thinly sliced); 2 Tablespoons Hot Honey (optional); Red Chili Flakes (optional); Fresh Basil (optional)

This Pepperoni and Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza is proof that “bread-free” doesn’t have to mean “sad.’ This recipe brings the ooey-gooey cheese pull, the crispy pepperoni, and all the saucy goodness. It just does it with a savory chicken crust that’s high-protein, gluten-free, and so satisfying. No lecture or diet vibes here; just a legit delicious pizza that won’t put me in a food coma. I keep it classic with pepperoni, bell pepper, and red onion, then finish things off with basil and a little hot honey. But you can top yours however you like!

Six rectangular slices of pizza with melted cheese, pepperoni, red onion, and fresh basil on a wooden board. A pizza cutter, small bowl of red pepper flakes, and some extra basil are nearby.

Friends, can we agree that “high protein” doesn’t have to mean joyless? I’m not here for chalky shakes. I want the foods I actually crave like cheesy, saucy, and crispy pizza but built in a way that keeps me feeling good after dinner. That’s where this Pepperoni and Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza comes in.

At my house, pepperoni pizza requests show up on often (hi, tiny humans). I’m all for the real deal, but this version is a nice way to switch it up on weeknights. The crust mixes together fast, bakes up sturdy, and plays so well with classic toppings — pepperoni, bell pepper, and red onion — plus a finish of basil and a drizzle of hot honey because sweet heat on salty pepperoni is elite.

What I really love most is that nothing feels like a compromise. You still get saucy, cheesy, crispy, just with a base that’s more satisfying and doesn’t leave to a post-meal slump. Keep it classic, go full veggie, or somewhere in between. It’s totally flexible!

To make this pizza, you’ll need ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, red onion, hot honey, red chili flakes, and basil.

A food processor bowl filled with ground meat, two eggs, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and herbs sits on a table surrounded by bowls of spices, cheese, and sliced onions. — To make this pizza, you’ll need ground chicken, eggs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, red onion, hot honey, red chili flakes, and basil.

What You Need to Make This Pepperoni & Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza

Ground Chicken: The high-protein base that makes this crust savory, sturdy, and seriously satisfying.
Eggs: Simple binders that help the chicken crust hold together and slice cleanly.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, umami richness and structure. Half goes in the crust, the rest on top.
Italian seasoning: The classic herb blend that gives the crust that unmistakable pizza vibe.
Garlic Powder: A quick hit of garlicky flavor without extra moisture.
Kosher Salt: Wakes up all the flavors in the crust and toppings.
Ground Black Pepper: A little warmth and bite to balance the richness.
Pizza Sauce: Grab your favorite jar. Rao’s is my go-to, but any good marinara works here.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and responsible for that ooey-gooey cheese pull.
Pepperoni: Salty, crispy edges that make every bite feel like classic pizza night.
Bell Pepper: Sweet crunch and color that go so well with the pepperoni and cheese.
Red Onion: Thin slices add a sharp, zesty contrast to the creamy, melty toppings.
Hot Honey: A drizzle of sweet heat that takes pepperoni to elite status.
Red Chili Flakes: Extra kick for anyone who likes things a little spicy!
Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh finish that makes everything pop.

A hand uses a spatula to spread raw ground meat evenly in a rectangular baking pan on a light-colored countertop. — Next, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the chicken mixture onto it. Use your hands to gently press it into a thin, even rectangle. You need to be patient when working with this as it will be sticky and that is okay!

How to Make This Delicious & Gluten-Free Pizza

To make this pizza, start by preheating your oven to 400F. Next, prepare the pizza crust. In a food processor, add the ground chicken, eggs, ½ cup of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pulse to combine until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Next, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the chicken mixture onto it. Use your hands to gently press it into a thin, even rectangle. You need to be patient when working with this as it will be sticky and that is okay!

*Add a thin layer of pizza sauce, spreading it out evenly. Then top with the shredded mozzarella, the remaining ¼ cup parmesan, and your toppings of choice (pepperoni, bell pepper, and red onion).*

Once the mixture has formed a flat pizza crust, transfer it to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is set and the edges are lightly golden. When the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven. Add a thin layer of pizza sauce, spreading it out evenly. Then top with the shredded mozzarella, the remaining ¼ cup parmesan, and your toppings of choice (pepperoni, bell pepper, and red onion).

Transfer the pizza back to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted. For crispier edges, place it under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i make this without parchment?

You’ll risk sticking. If you must, use a well-oiled, rimmed sheet, but parchment is strongly recommended.

my crust seems pale. what do i do?

Bake 3–5 minutes longer on the first bake, and finish with a quick broil.

will it taste like chicken?

it tastes like pizza with savory, herby base. The sauce, cheese, and toppings make it feel like pizza first, and not chicken.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.