Need a quick, high-protein meal that the whole family can agree on? I’ve got you covered with my High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza. This simple dinner or easy lunch is quick to prepare, very satisfying, and can be totally customized to suit your specific preferences.
My family does pizza night once a week. It’s a night that I honestly really look forward to, especially since I cook every other night of the week. A night off + pizza = a happy momma. But sometimes when I’m short on protein for the day, I opt to throw together my High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza instead. Sure, it’s not a full night off from cooking, but it’s pretty darn close and I get to enjoy pizza knowing that I’m still hitting my goals, which is always a big win.
If you enjoy a good pizza night like we do, be sure to check out our other pita pizza variations like our Macro Friendly Buffalo Chicken Pizza and our Macro Friendly BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthier, Higher Protein Option to Take Out Pizza
Compare our High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza to a typical slice from your local pizza joint and it’s easy to see the difference. Our pizza is far more macro-friendly and it contains 2-3x more protein per serving.
Ready in 20 Minutes
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time for complicated and time-consuming. When my crew is hungry, I need to get dinner on the table ASAP before they start digging in the pantry for snacks. This recipe is ready to serve in 20 minutes!
It Makes a Great Meal Prepped Lunch
I like to meal prep these pita pizzas by having all of the ingredients at the ready for a quick and satisfying meal at lunchtime. I will pre-cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge so when it’s time to make it, all I have to do is assemble the pizza and pop it in the oven quickly.
My High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need to make this:
- 3 oz chicken nuggets (Just Bare, Tyson, Kirkland, etc.)
- 1 Joseph’s Pita Bread (or pita bread of choice)
- 1-2 tablespoons marinara sauce
- ¼ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- Garnish: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, etc.
Ingredient Tips
- Choose a macro-friendly chicken nugget: I love the chicken nugget selection at Costco, their Kirkland brand nuggets are delicious and super macro-friendly. Look for one that’s got a light-breaded coating to keep carbs low.
- Look for a macro-friendly pita bread: Joseph’s Pitas are my go-to’s because they taste great and are very macro-friendly, however, there are some other options out there that will work great, too. Look for pitas that are lower in calories.
- Marinara or pizza sauce both work great: I use whatever I have on hand in the pantry. Sometimes It’s pizza sauce, other times it’s pasta sauce, it all works!
How To Make This Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions
Kitchen Tools
Before you start, grab these kitchen tools:
- Large sheet pan
- Air fryer
- Spoon
- Cutting board/knife
Step 1: Preheat oven and air fryer
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and pre-heat your air fryer to the temperature recommended on your chicken nugget instructions.
Step 2: Cook chicken
Once your air fryer is preheated, add your chicken nuggets and allow to cook until done and crispy. Allow to cool for a few minutes then slice into smaller pieces.
Step 3: Assemble your pizza
Lay your pita on your baking sheet. Using a spoon, add marinara or pizza sauce, top with sliced chicken nuggets, mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Bake
Put the sheet pan with pita pizza into the oven and allow to bake for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pita is beginning to get golden and crispy.
Step 5: Add extra toppings and enjoy!
Remove your pizza from the oven, top with extra cheese and spices, and enjoy warm!
Tips For Success
- Make sure your chicken is crispy: Something about the crispiness of the chicken nuggets just takes the flavor and texture of this recipe over the top. Allow your chicken nuggets to cook enough to get nice and crispy!
- Don’t over-bake. Keep a close eye on your Chicken Parm Pita Pizza while it’s in the oven so the pita doesn’t overbake and end up burnt.
- Add parmesan cheese to the top. The addition of parmesan cheese after baking gives this recipe a true chicken parm flavor experience, don’t skip it!
Macro Friendly Variations
Protein Adjustment
Increase Protein:
- Double the amount of chicken nuggets you’re using on your pita pizza to double the protein.
Fat Adjustment
Increase Fats:
- Use full-fat mozzarella cheese and add extra cheese.
Decrease Fats:
- Reduce the amount of cheese you top your pizza with.
Carb Adjustment
Decrease carbs:
- Use a low-carb pita or swap it for a flatbread.
- Use grilled chicken breast in place of the chicken nuggets.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is great on its own, but even better when you pair it with some extras to make it a complete meal.
With a side salad
- To make this High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza a complete meal that’s macro and micronutrient balanced, add a side salad with a light dressing. I like to make my own vinaigrette or use a Greek yogurt-based dressing like Bolthouse Farms.
FAQs
Yes, you can, however, I recommend pre-prepping the chicken and then having the rest of the ingredients ready to assemble. If you prep the entire recipe and then warm in the microwave, it loses some of its crispiness.
If you don’t have or don’t like pita, you can use a flatbread, tortilla, piece of regular bread, etc. Keep in mind that swapping out the pita will change the taste and macros of your pizza.
Anything your heart desires! I love adding chopped bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc. Adding some veggies will help make the meal more filling and get you a serving of veggies in the process.
To make this recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pita and gluten-free nuggets. Tyson and Applegate both make great gluten-free chicken nuggets.
Yes! My kids both enjoy this recipe. My only improvisation was to skip the red pepper flakes on their pizzas as it adds a bit of a kick.
Conclusion
Alright, enough reading, it’s time to go get this High Protein Chicken Parm Pita Pizza in the oven! This is seriously one of my favorite quick dinners that will feed the whole crew without complaint. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
If you make this, can you do me a huge favor and come back to leave me a quick review? It only takes a moment and your feedback helps other readers to find and enjoy my recipes!
Chicken Parmesan Pita Pizza
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 3 oz. chicken nuggets (Just Bare, Tyson, Kirkland, etc.)
- 1 Joseph’s Pita Bread (or pita of choice)
- 1 tbsp marinara sauce
- ¼ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- Garnish: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Microwave or air fry to heat chicken as desired. Cut into smaller pieces if needed then set aside.
- Place pita on a small baking sheet and spread marinara on top.
- Top with mozzarella and cooked chicken. Place in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and pita slightly golden.
- Garnish with additional seasonings before serving, if desired. Enjoy!
