Let’s be honest—BBQ chicken pizza is one of those comfort foods that hit all the right notes. You’ve got smoky, sweet sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and that irresistible crispy crust. The problem? Regular BBQ sauce and pizza crusts are loaded with sugar and carbs. Not ideal when you’re living the keto lifestyle, right?
Well, here’s some good news—you can absolutely make a Keto Pizza BBQ Chicken that’s just as satisfying as the classic version, minus the sugar crash and carb overload. I’ve been making this one for a while, and every time I do, I wonder why anyone would ever go back to the regular stuff.
Why This Keto BBQ Chicken Pizza Works
Ever tried a “keto” version of something and felt like you were eating a science experiment? Yeah, me too. This one’s different. It hits that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, cheesy goodness while staying fully low-carb.
Here’s why it works so well:
- The crust is golden, slightly crispy, and sturdy enough to hold toppings. No floppy, soggy mess here.
- The BBQ sauce is 100% sugar-free, but still sweet and smoky thanks to a little trick I’ll share below.
- The chicken stays juicy and flavorful (even if you’re using leftovers).
You’ll get all the flavor, none of the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down into three parts: crust, sauce, and toppings. Everything here is simple and easy to find.
For the Keto Pizza Crust
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup sugar-free ketchup (I like Primal Kitchen or G Hughes)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (look for a sugar-free one)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or Monk Fruit)
For the Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional but worth it)
How to Make Keto Pizza BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start with the crust—it’s what makes or breaks your keto pizza.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt mozzarella and cream cheese together (about 45 seconds).
- Stir until smooth, then mix in almond flour, baking powder, salt, and the egg.
- Form a ball of dough and place it between two pieces of parchment paper.
- Roll it out into your desired shape—round, rectangle, whatever makes you happy.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 7–8 minutes, until lightly golden.
Here’s the trick: par-bake the crust. That means baking it halfway before adding toppings. It keeps the bottom crisp, not soggy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
Most store-bought sauces are sugar bombs, so making your own is key.
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Taste it. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more sweetener. If it’s too sweet, a dash more vinegar does the trick.
FYI, this sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great on grilled chicken, ribs, or even keto meatloaf.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Now comes the fun part.
- Spread about ¼ cup of BBQ sauce over the crust.
- Add your cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
- Bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over the top and sprinkle fresh cilantro.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing (I know, hard to wait).
Taste and Texture: What to Expect
The first bite? Absolute heaven. The crust is crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and strong enough to hold everything together. The BBQ sauce gives that sweet-smoky kick, and the cheese ties everything together with a gooey stretch.
IMO, the red onion is non-negotiable—it gives just the right bite of sharpness to balance the sauce.
You’ll never miss the carbs, promise.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to switch things up a bit? Try these easy variations:
- Add bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Use grilled chicken thighs instead of breast for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for gouda for a deeper, smokier taste.
- Top with jalapeños if you like a little heat.
Keto pizza doesn’t mean boring pizza. Think of this recipe as your base, and go wild from there.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Here’s something I learned the hard way: keto pizza reheats beautifully—if you do it right.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer (never microwave, unless you enjoy soggy crust).
- You can even freeze individual slices for a quick meal later.
It’s perfect for lunch prep or a Friday night quick fix.
Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate per Slice)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 21g
- Net Carbs: 5g
Not bad for something that tastes like cheat-day pizza, right?
My Personal Tip for the Best Flavor
Here’s my personal trick: I brush the crust edges with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder before the final bake. It gives that “pizzeria crust” flavor that makes it next-level.
Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking. It helps the cheese firm up a bit and keeps everything in place when you slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the par-bake. Your crust will turn out soggy, and that’s just sad.
- Don’t overload toppings. Keto crusts can’t handle a mountain of cheese. Keep it balanced.
- Don’t burn the sauce. Sugar-free sweeteners caramelize faster, so simmer gently.
A little care goes a long way toward pizza perfection.
FAQs About Keto Pizza BBQ Chicken
1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, but make sure it’s labeled sugar-free. Check the carb count—some “low sugar” sauces still sneak in 6–8g per serving.
2. Can I make the crust without almond flour?
Sure, you can swap with coconut flour, but you’ll need less (about ¼ cup). It’ll be slightly denser but still tasty.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to experiment with dairy-free mozzarella and cream cheese. The texture won’t be quite the same, though.
4. What can I serve with this pizza?
A crisp salad with ranch dressing, some roasted veggies, or just a cold keto soda—it’s pizza night, keep it simple.
5. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. In fact, it makes things even easier and more flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Keto or not, this BBQ Chicken Pizza stands on its own. It’s rich, cheesy, smoky, and totally satisfying. You won’t miss the carbs, and you definitely won’t miss the sugar.
It’s one of those recipes that reminds you why the keto lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrifice—it just means getting a little creative in the kitchen.
So next time that pizza craving hits, skip the delivery app, grab your almond flour and sugar-free sauce, and whip this up. Your taste buds (and your macros) will thank you.