High Protein Pizza Bowls

Craving pizza but hate waiting for dough to rise or the inevitable grease slide? I got you. I built this High Protein Pizza Bowl to scratch that pizza itch without the carb coma. I use shredded chicken as the star ingredient because it packs protein, soaks up flavor, and keeps dinner satisfying. Ever wanted pizza that actually helps your gains? Yeah, same.

I first made this on a weeknight when I wanted comfort food but also wanted to feel like a responsible adult. It hit that sweet spot—fast, filling, and weirdly wholesome. If you want a snack to stash in the fridge or a full-on dinner that fills you up, stick around. Also, if you like portable protein bites, check out these high-fiber oatmeal-raisin protein balls for another easy option I swear by.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein: the chicken plus cheese gives you a real, muscle-friendly meal.
• Low-carb option: the cauliflower rice keeps things light without sacrificing texture.
• Fast to make: from mixing to oven, you get dinner in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: swap toppings like a charred pizza artist—go wild.
• Family-friendly: picky eaters usually eat it without political debate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

I bolded the essentials so your shopping brain doesn’t have to work too hard. FYI, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time and still look like you tried.

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

Method

I break this into simple steps so you don’t overthink it. Follow the steps and you’ll get melty, cheesy goodness that behaves itself in the oven.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I always set a timer so I don’t forget and end up reheating snacks three times. Preheating gives you that nice cheese melt without soggy bottom problems.

Step 2: Mix the base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, marinara sauce, bell peppers, onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything looks evenly saucy. I taste a tiny dab to check seasoning—don’t judge me.

Step 3: Transfer to baking dish

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Press gently so the bowl holds together when you scoop. You don’t need to be a surgeon; just be even.

Step 4: Top with cheese

Top with mozzarella cheese. Don’t skimp—cheese melts into happiness. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching like a hawk.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese looks bubbly and golden. I usually pull it at the first wink of brown because I like gooey more than charcoal. Use an oven mitt; your oven does not negotiate.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. I throw on a few red pepper flakes if I feel spicy. Scoop into bowls or eat straight from the dish—no judgment here.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Use day-old cooked chicken: it holds texture better and absorbs flavor.
• Squeeze excess moisture from cauliflower rice: blot it with a towel to avoid a watery bowl.
• Taste before baking: adjust salt and seasoning—this step saves many sad dinners.
• Pre-cook onions and peppers if you like them softer: 3–4 minutes in a pan adds magic.
• Try two cheeses: mix mozzarella with a little parmesan for extra savory depth.

Bold tip: press out moisture from cauliflower rice to keep a non-soggy texture.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

• Swap chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef for a different protein punch.
• Use canned tuna and a lighter cheese for a pescatarian spin—yes, it works.
• Turn it vegetarian by swapping chicken for chickpeas or extra firm tofu seasoned with smoked paprika.

Toppings:

• Sliced olives for classic flavor.
• Pepperoni bites if you need a guilty pleasure (I won’t tell).
• Roasted mushrooms to add umami.
• Arugula and lemon zest after baking for a fresh twist.

Want a crunchy topping? Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with garlic and parsley add a nice contrast.

Storing and Reheating

I love leftovers. They make me feel like I planned ahead, which I rarely do.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Label it if you’re fancy.
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat in oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Reheat in microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stir, then another 30–60 seconds if needed.

Pro tip: sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra sauce before microwaving to avoid dryness. IMO, the oven tastes better, but the microwave saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this meal gluten-free?

Yes. The recipe contains no gluten as written. Always check your marinara if you buy pre-made; some brands add thickeners.

How much protein does one bowl have?

It varies by portion, but with 1 cup shredded chicken and cheese, you’ll typically hit 20–30g of protein per serving. If you want precise macros, weigh and calculate—nobody judges your spreadsheet.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the base and refrigerate for a day, then top with cheese and bake when ready. This trick saves time on busy nights.

Will cauliflower rice make the bowl soggy?

Not if you squeeze out excess moisture first. I press it in a towel or pan-fry briefly to dry it out. That step makes a big texture difference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara?

You can, but you’ll likely need to cook them down with herbs to get the concentrated flavor marinara provides. Fresh tastes bright but less saucy.

Conclusion

Alright, here’s the bottom line: High Protein Pizza Bowls give you pizza vibes with actual nutritional value and way less drama than dough. You get a satisfying mix of protein, veggies, and melty cheese in about 30 minutes, and you can make it your own with endless variations. Try it when you want comfort food that still behaves like a semi-responsible meal.

If you want a cottage-cheese twist on high-protein pizza bowls, check out this recipe: High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls (27g!) « Clean & Delicious. Drop a comment and a rating if you make this—tell me your favorite topping and whether you broiled it into crunchy perfection or kept it soft and gooey. Go on, make pizza night productive. 🙂