Rotisserie chicken pizza crust is an innovative and delicious way to enjoy pizza while keeping your meal high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Instead of traditional flour-based dough, this creative recipe uses shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with cheese, eggs, and seasonings to create a sturdy, flavorful crust that holds up to all your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly option, trying to increase your protein intake, or simply want to try something new and exciting, this pizza crust delivers incredible results that will surprise your entire family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can have a homemade pizza on the table in about thirty minutes with minimal ingredients and effort. The crust comes out crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with savory chicken flavor that makes every bite delicious.
Once you try this rotisserie chicken pizza crust, you’ll find yourself making it regularly as a go-to weeknight dinner or weekend entertaining option.
💚 Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chicken-Based Crust
There are so many reasons to fall in love with rotisserie chicken pizza crust. First, it’s incredibly convenient since you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which saves you time and cooking effort. You simply shred the chicken and combine it with a few other ingredients to create a pizza base that tastes amazing. Second, this crust is naturally gluten-free and grain-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Third, the nutritional profile is outstanding. This pizza provides substantial protein in every slice, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full longer than traditional pizza. Fourth, it’s budget-friendly since rotisserie chickens are affordable and available at virtually every grocery store.
Finally, this crust is incredibly versatile, allowing you to top it with whatever vegetables, meats, and cheeses you love. From classic pepperoni to gourmet combinations, your rotisserie chicken pizza can be customized exactly how you want it.
🥘 Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat without skin and bones
- one-quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
- one-half cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 large egg, one-half teaspoon Italian seasoning
- one-quarter teaspoon garlic powder
- one-quarter teaspoon salt
- one-eighth teaspoon black pepper
- one-half cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- optional toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, or your favorite pizza toppings
👨🍳 How to Create the Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Pizza Crust ?
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Take your rotisserie chicken and carefully remove all the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks. You should have about two cups of shredded chicken meat. If your chicken seems particularly moist or wet, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this helps the crust hold together better.
Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded rotisserie chicken with one-quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one-half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly using a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the cheese and egg mixture. The mixture should hold together when pressed, creating a dough-like consistency that’s different from traditional pizza dough but equally functional.
Step 3: Shape Your Pizza Crust
Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared pizza pan lined with parchment paper. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, spread and flatten the mixture into a round or rectangular pizza shape about one-quarter inch thick. Try to make the thickness as even as possible so the crust cooks uniformly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly shaped—it will still taste delicious, and many people prefer the rustic appearance. If you want a crispier crust, you can make it slightly thinner.
Step 4: Pre-Bake the Crust
Place your shaped chicken mixture in the preheated 425-degree oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The crust should look slightly golden around the edges and feel firm to the touch when it’s done. You may notice some moisture on the surface, which is normal. Let the crust cool for just two or three minutes after removing it from the oven—this helps it firm up a bit before adding the toppings.
Step 5: Add Pizza Sauce and Cheese
Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and spread about one-half cup of pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce in an even layer. This creates the classic pizza appearance and ensures melty, gooey cheese in every bite.
Step 6: Top with Your Favorite Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—adding your favorite toppings. Whether you love classic pepperoni, fresh vegetables, Italian meats, or any combination of toppings you can imagine, distribute them evenly over the cheese. Don’t overload the pizza, as too many toppings can make the crust soggy. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than five or six different toppings total.
Step 7: Final Baking and Serving
Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the crust to set slightly and makes slicing easier. Slice into six to eight pieces and serve while still warm and delicious.
🎨 Creative Variations and Customizations
There are endless ways to customize your rotisserie chicken pizza crust to suit your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or pepperoni. For a Mediterranean flavor, top it with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, olives, and feta cheese. If you love barbecue, toss some of the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, then top with red onion and fresh cilantro for a delicious BBQ chicken pizza.
You can also experiment with different cheese combinations. Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone, or add goat cheese for a tangy flavor. For vegetarians, load up the crust with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can even make a white pizza by skipping the marinara sauce and spreading the crust with a mixture of ricotta cheese, garlic, and herbs instead. Some creative cooks have even added a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy combination.
📝 Cooking Notes and Helpful Tips
The key to a successful rotisserie chicken pizza crust is ensuring the chicken is well-shredded and fairly dry. Excess moisture in the chicken can prevent the crust from holding together properly. If your rotisserie chicken seems particularly moist, pat it thoroughly with paper towels before mixing. Rotisserie chickens vary in size, so weigh your shredded chicken to ensure you have close to two cups for best results.
Don’t skip the pre-baking step. Baking the crust partially before adding toppings ensures it cooks all the way through and becomes crispy and firm. If you try to add all toppings to the raw crust, it may end up soggy or undercooked. For extra flavor depth, consider seasoning the crust mixture with additional garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning if you prefer a more heavily seasoned base.
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your rotisserie chicken pizza crust hot, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture. Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent pairing, providing freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken. A simple arugula salad or mixed green salad works wonderfully. For those who enjoy carbohydrates, this pizza pairs nicely with garlic bread or breadsticks, though it stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal.
If you’re serving this at a gathering, cut it into smaller squares for an appetizer-style presentation. You can also serve individual slices on small plates with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The pizza tastes best consumed within an hour of baking, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees for about five minutes until warmed through.
💡 Helpful Tips for Success
Invest in quality rotisserie chicken from a reliable source. The chicken should smell fresh and appetizing. Costco, Sam’s Club, and most grocery store delis offer excellent rotisserie chickens at reasonable prices. Using fresh chicken produces better results than previously frozen and thawed chicken. When spreading the crust mixture, use wet hands or a spatula to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too difficult to work with, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s easier to handle.
Consider using a pizza stone if you have one, as it helps create a crispier crust on the bottom. If using a stone, preheat it in the oven along with the oven itself. For a thicker, breadier crust, increase the thickness to one-half inch when spreading the mixture. For a thinner, crispier crust, make it slightly thinner than one-quarter inch. Keep your oven light on so you can monitor the cooking progress without opening the oven door and losing heat.
✨ Tips for Creating the Best Rotisserie Chicken Pizza Crust
Quality ingredients make a tremendous difference in the final result. Use good quality mozzarella cheese, whether freshly shredded or store-bought. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. For the Parmesan cheese, grate it fresh from a block if you can—freshly grated Parmesan has superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Save a bit of your shredded rotisserie chicken before mixing the crust and use it as a topping for extra chicken flavor throughout the pizza. This creates more chicken presence in every bite. If you find your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the baking temperature accordingly. Most ovens vary slightly, so knowing your oven’s tendencies helps achieve consistent results.
⏱️ Timing Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 to 35 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information
Per slice (approximately 1/6 of pizza):
Calories: 280-320
Protein: 30-35 grams
Fat: 12-14 grams
Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams
Fiber: 0-1 gram
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and toppings used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crust ahead of time?
You can prepare the crust mixture up to several hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Keep it covered until you’re ready to shape and bake it. If refrigerated, you may need to add an extra two to three minutes to the pre-baking time.
Is this recipe truly low-carb and keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is very low in carbohydrates with minimal impact on blood sugar levels. It’s appropriate for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
Can I use frozen rotisserie chicken?
While fresh rotisserie chicken is ideal, you can use frozen rotisserie chicken that you’ve thawed completely. Make sure to pat it very dry before using, as thawed chicken tends to be wetter than freshly cooked rotisserie chicken.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
You can use leftover cooked chicken from any source—baked, grilled, or poached chicken works equally well. You can also grind fresh raw chicken in a food processor, though this requires slightly different preparation.
How many people does this pizza feed?
One rotisserie chicken pizza typically serves four to six people, depending on appetite and whether it’s served alongside other dishes. For heartier appetites or as a main course without sides, plan for three to four servings.
🎉 Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken pizza crust is a game-changing recipe that proves you don’t need traditional flour dough to make delicious, satisfying pizza. With just ten simple ingredients and about thirty minutes of your time, you can create a high-protein, low-carb meal that impresses everyone at your table. Whether you’re following a specific diet, looking for new weeknight dinner ideas, or simply want to try something creative and different, this pizza crust delivers fantastic results every single time.
Make it this week and discover why so many people are making this innovative recipe part of their regular dinner rotation.
