Pizza Protein Bowl

Craving pizza but trying to keep things light? This pizza protein bowl gives you all the bold, cheesy, saucy flavors you love packed into a bowl that delivers over 40 grams of protein per serving. I started making this after a long workday when I wanted something filling that didn’t undo my whole week.

I remember the first time I threw this together. I had leftover shredded chicken, a jar of pizza sauce sitting in the fridge, and some cooked quinoa from the night before. It came together in minutes and tasted better than I expected. That’s the thing about this pizza protein bowl – it feels like a treat but actually supports your goals. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and genuinely satisfying without the heavy carb crash that comes with a real slice.

What Goes Into This Pizza Protein Bowl

I always keep these staples on hand because they make weeknight meals come together in a flash. Pro tip: use a sugar-free pizza sauce to keep added sugar low without sacrificing any of that classic pizza flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (sub cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb version)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (I prefer rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce, sugar-free recommended
• 1/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, any color, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 tablespoon mini pepperonis
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Pro tip: cook a double batch of quinoa and chicken on Sunday. Assembling a fresh pizza protein bowl during the week takes under 5 minutes when the prep is done.

Step-by-Step: How to Put Together Your Pizza Protein Bowl

I recommend assembling this bowl while the quinoa is still warm. It helps the cheese soften just enough and makes the whole thing taste freshly made. Here’s how I put it together:

Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package directions. For extra flavor, swap plain water for low-sodium broth. This takes about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Cook your chicken breast by baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or boiling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Shred while still warm using two forks. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Rotisserie chicken skips this step entirely.

Step 3: Spoon 1 cup of cooked quinoa into a large bowl as your base. Spread it out evenly so every forkful gets a good foundation.

Step 4: Layer the shredded chicken over the quinoa. Spoon pizza sauce evenly over the chicken. You want a good coat, not a flood. Think of it the way you’d sauce an actual pizza.

Step 5: Scatter the diced bell peppers, red onion, and sliced olives over the top. These bring color, crunch, and fresh flavor to the pizza protein bowl.

Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and mini pepperonis over everything. This is where it really starts looking like pizza.

Step 7: Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. For melted, bubbly cheese, microwave the assembled bowl for 30-60 seconds. Serve immediately.

Best Sides to Serve With Your Pizza Protein Bowl

This bowl pairs naturally with simple, fresh sides that balance its bold pizza flavors without adding a lot of extra effort. Here are some of the best sides for pizza protein bowl nights:

Simple green salad: Crisp romaine or arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce while keeping the meal feeling light and fresh.

Light garlic toast: A thin slice of whole grain bread rubbed with garlic and a little olive oil satisfies that classic pizza night craving without going overboard on carbs.

Roasted zucchini or mushrooms: Both pair naturally with pizza seasonings and add extra fiber and bulk to round out the meal.

Balsamic glaze drizzle: A light drizzle right over the finished pizza protein bowl adds a sweet, tangy depth that takes the whole thing up a notch.

More High-Protein Bowls and Easy Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you love how easy and satisfying this pizza protein bowl is, you’ll want to add a few more bowl-style meals to the weekly rotation. The Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl brings a bold sweet heat that pairs just as well with meal prep, while the Chipotle Chicken Bowl delivers smoky, spicy flavors with the same kind of filling, high-protein base you get here.

For more quick chicken dinners built around wholesome ingredients, the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl offers a creamy, tropical twist that feels totally different but comes together just as fast. If you’re looking to keep the protein high and the prep minimal, the Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is another weeknight winner worth bookmarking alongside this pizza protein bowl.

Keeping Your Pizza Protein Bowl Fresh All Week

Store each component of this pizza protein bowl separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The quinoa, shredded chicken, and toppings all stay fresh for up to 4 days. Keep the mozzarella in its own small container and add it only when you’re ready to eat.

To reheat, assemble the bowl first, then microwave for 60-90 seconds until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through. Alternatively, warm the quinoa and chicken in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes before adding the fresh toppings cold.

I recommend making a double batch at the start of the week so you always have a protein-packed lunch or dinner ready to go. This pizza protein bowl is one of those meals that genuinely gets easier the more you make it.

Quick Answers About Your Pizza Protein Bowl

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