High-Protein BBQ "Chicken Pizza"

Name: High-Protein BBQ "Chicken Pizza"
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 1 large egg; 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 3 oz. extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (1 cup) and divided; Kosher salt and pepper; 1 1/2 lb. ground chicken (92% lean); 2 tbsp. low-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 tsp. ranch seasoning powder; 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice; 1/2 c. barbecue sauce; 1 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, rind removed, coarsely grated (1/3 cup); 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp. cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

The secret to this protein-packed pizza crust? Ground chicken!

By Tina MartinezPublished: Aug 16, 2025

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bbq chicken quote pizza made with ground chicken instead of dough

mike garten

Yields:

4 serving(s)

Total Time:

30 mins

Cal/Serv:

511

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Replacing pizza dough with a chicken base was a viral hit among those looking to pack in more protein. We created our own version based on the popular sweet-savory BBQ chicken topping.

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Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1
large egg
1/4 cup
grated Parmesan cheese
2
cloves garlic, grated
3 oz.
extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (1 cup) and divided
Kosher salt and pepper
1 1/2 lb.
ground chicken (92% lean)
2 Tbsp.
low-fat Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp.
mayonnaise
1 tsp.
ranch seasoning powder
1 tsp.
fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup
barbecue sauce
1 oz.
smoked Gouda cheese, rind removed, coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
1
small red onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp.
cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Step 1Heat broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat source. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2In large bowl, beat egg, then stir in Parmesan, garlic, 2/3 cup Cheddar, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Fold in chicken until just combined. Spread into 12- by 8-inch oval on prepared baking sheet and broil 6 minutes (chicken will finish cooking later).
3. Step 3Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon water.
4. Step 4Spread barbecue sauce evenly over chicken, then sprinkle with Gouda and remaining 1/3 cup Cheddar, followed by red onion. Broil until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and drizzle with ranch sauce.

Recipe Tip: Look for ground chicken with a higher fat content (we used 92% lean). It won’t dry out as easily and will be more forgiving if you overcook it.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving): About 511 calories, 31 g fat (12 g saturated), 230 mg cholesterol, 1,347 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 0.5 g fiber, 13.5 g sugar (12 g added sugar), 40 g protein

Did you make this recipe? Comment below!

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