What toppings go on chicken pesto pizza?

Some of the best toppings include mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, smoked turkey, crispy beef-style bacon, mushrooms, and fresh basil. These ingredients enhance the savory flavor of the pesto while keeping things light and low-carb.

Do you put pesto on a pizza before or after cooking?

It's best to spread the pesto on before baking. This allows the flavors to bake into the crust and blend with the cheese and toppings. For a fresh finish, you can add a light drizzle of pesto after baking.

Is chicken crust pizza good?

Absolutely. This pizza offers the same satisfaction as traditional pizza, but with fewer carbs and more protein. The chicken base is firm, flavorful, and a great alternative for those avoiding refined flour.

Is pesto pizza healthier than normal pizza?

Yes, especially when made with clean ingredients and a protein-based crust. Pesto adds healthy fats and antioxidants, and when paired with quality toppings, it makes for a more balanced and nutrient-rich meal than traditional takeout options.

Pesto Chicken Crust Pizza: 3 Best Reasons to Make It Today

Description

This Pesto Chicken Crust Pizza is a low-carb, high-protein twist on traditional pizza night. Made with a savory chicken base instead of dough, it’s topped with melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, beef bacon or smoked turkey, and fresh basil, all layered over rich, sugar-free pesto. With just 9g of carbs per serving, it’s a flavorful, guilt-free favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

450g ground chicken (about 1 lb)
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup pesto (sugar-free)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5 slices beef bacon or smoked turkey, cooked until crisp
5–6 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, eggs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape and bake: Press the mixture onto the baking sheet in a circle or rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
Add toppings: Raise oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Spread pesto over the crust, then layer with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
Final bake: Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for crispier edges if desired.
Finish and serve: Top with beef bacon or smoked turkey and fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a crispier crust, use a wire rack to cool before adding toppings. Swap beef bacon for turkey pepperoni, and consider adding a drizzle of pesto just before serving for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Low Carb
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/3 of pizza)
Calories: 631
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 2525mg
Fat: 47g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 68g
Cholesterol: 361mg

Keywords: pesto chicken crust pizza, low carb pizza, high protein dinner, gluten free pizza