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cottage cheese chicken crust pizza

High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Crust Pizza

Delicious High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Crust Pizza recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 2000 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust::

  • 1 lb ground chicken (I use Perdue ground chicken breast for a leaner crust)
  • 3/4 cup cottage cheese (Good Culture brand adds the best creamy texture)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the toppings::

  • 2/3 cup marinara (I prefer Rao’s Homemade for a rich, authentic flavor)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded from a block for a better melt)
  • 1/2 cup green peppers (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup pepperoni
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

Instructions
 

  • Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet (or similar rectangular pizza pan) with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Having your pan ready before mixing the crust ensures you can work efficiently without the mixture sitting around.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the texture is uniform. The cottage cheese will break down slightly as you mix, helping to bind the chicken and create a cohesive crust. I like to get my hands in there and really work it together—it takes about 1-2 minutes but ensures no dry pockets of chicken.
  • Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared pan and spread it evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness using a spatula or your hands (lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking). Press it into the corners and edges to create an even base. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until the crust is set and lightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes—this cooling period allows the crust to firm up slightly so the toppings don't sink through.
  • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a small border around the edges if you prefer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then distribute the pepperoni and diced green peppers across the top. I like to layer the pepperoni slightly overlapping so every bite has a bit of it, and scatter the peppers evenly to avoid clumpy spots. Don't overload it—a moderate amount of toppings ensures everything cooks evenly and the crust stays sturdy.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, with light golden spots appearing on top. Watch it carefully during this high-heat finish—the goal is melted, slightly browned cheese, not burnt edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This final cooling helps the cheese set slightly so slices hold together cleanly.