Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world. The variations of pizza toppings provide endless options for this convenient and delicious meal. Chicken pizza, topped with chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce, is a common pizza variety. But how many calories are actually in a piece of chicken pizza? Knowing the calorie content can help you make informed choices when ordering or eating this tasty food.
Quick Answer
On average, one slice or piece of a large, thin-crust chicken pizza contains between 250-400 calories. This estimate accounts for differences in pizza crust, chicken toppings, cheeses, and portion size per slice.
Factors that Influence Chicken Pizza Calories
Several key factors influence the calorie content in chicken pizza:
Pizza Crust
The type of crust impacts calorie content. Thin crust pizza tends to be lower in calories than thick, pan, or deep-dish pizza crusts. On average:
- Thin crust: 70-150 calories per slice
- Thick crust: 150-200 calories per slice
- Pan/deep-dish crust: 200-300+ calories per slice
Portion Size
Larger slices from a bigger pizza tend to have more calories than smaller slices. The size of the pizza and number of slices per pizza impacts calories per slice.
Toppings
Chicken, cheese, and other pizza toppings contribute significant calories. More generous portions or multiple toppings increase the calorie count.
Cooking Method
Traditional pizza is baked, but deep-fried chicken pizza will have significantly more calories from added fats and oils.
Calories in Different Chicken Pizza Styles
Here is the typical calorie range for one slice or piece of some popular chicken pizza styles:
Thin Crust Chicken Pizza
- Cheese or Margherita: 210-300 calories
- Chicken and onion: 250-350 calories
- BBQ chicken: 300-400 calories
Thick Crust Chicken Pizza
- Cheese: 350-450 calories
- Chicken and tomato: 400-500 calories
Pan/Deep Dish Chicken Pizza
- Chicken alfredo pizza: 500-650 calories
- Chicken bacon ranch: 550-700 calories
As you can see, thin crust pizzas are generally lowest in calories, while thick and pan/deep dish chicken pizzas contain significantly more calories per slice.
Calories in Popular Chicken Pizza Brands
Calorie content can vary between restaurants and pizza delivery chains. Here are calorie estimates for one slice or piece of some popular chicken pizzas:
| Pizza Restaurant | Chicken Pizza Variety | Calories (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Hut | Hand-Tossed BBQ Chicken Pizza | 300-400 |
| Domino’s | Pacific Veggie Chicken Pizza | 260-360 |
| Papa John’s | Chicken Alfredo Pizza | 440-540 |
| Little Caesars | Chicken Parm Pizza | 370-470 |
| California Pizza Kitchen | BBQ Chicken Pizza | 340-440 |
As shown, calories can vary significantly between chicken pizza styles and restaurant chains. Thinner crust pizzas from Pizza Hut and Domino’s tend to be lower in calories than the thicker crust chicken pizzas from Papa John’s and Little Caesars.
Tips for Ordering Lower Calorie Chicken Pizza
Here are some tips to reduce calories when ordering chicken pizza:
- Choose thin crust over pan, deep dish, or thick crusts
- Order smaller sized pizzas or individual slices to control portions
- Opt for lighter toppings like chicken, onions, tomatoes rather than heavy meats and extra cheese
- Request less oil or butter on the crust
- Avoid high-calorie dipping sauces and dressings
- Opt for vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, and spinach to add nutrition
- Ask for half the cheese to reduce saturated fat and calories
Being mindful of portion sizes, crust choices, and topping selections can help reduce the calorie content of your favorite chicken pizzas.
Healthiest Ways to Eat Chicken Pizza
While chicken pizza is not necessarily a low-calorie food, there are some healthy ways to enjoy it in moderation:
- Choose vegetable-based crusts like cauliflower or broccoli
- Load up on veggie toppings like peppers, onions, spinach
- Opt for part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat cheeses
- Add chicken breast instead of fatty meats like sausage or pepperoni
- Pile on tomatoes, mushrooms and other nutrient-dense ingredients
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes instead of sodium-filled seasonings
- Swap out fatty meat toppings for plant-based proteins like beans or tofu
Focusing on more nutritious ingredients can provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber along with the protein from chicken. This makes your pizza slice more balanced and wholesome. Portion control is also key – one slice along with salad makes a satisfying meal.
High Calorie Chicken Pizza Options to Avoid
Some chicken pizza options are extremely high in calories, especially from saturated fat and sodium. Here are some chicken pizzas to enjoy only occasionally or in smaller portions:
- Chicken bacon ranch pizzas
- Alfredo chicken pizzas with creamy sauce
- Loaded chicken pizzas with extra cheese and fatty meats like bacon or sausage
- Deep-fried chicken tenders or nuggets as toppings
- Buttery, oiled pan or deep dish crusts
- Chicken pesto pizzas with high-fat pesto sauce
While tasty, these indulgent chicken pizzas can pack 700 calories or more per slice. Keep portions small or balance with lighter toppings and crusts to avoid overdoing it on calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
Making Healthy Chicken Pizza at Home
One of the healthiest options is to make your own chicken pizza at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and portions. Here are some tips for a homemade chicken pizza with around 300 calories per slice:
- Use a pre-made thin pizza crust or make your own with whole wheat flour
- Top with tomato sauce and spread it thin
- Pile on sliced veggies like onions, mushrooms, peppers, and broccoli
- Add diced grilled chicken breast for protein
- Use part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sparingly
- Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle of oregano
- Bake until the cheese is melted and crust is crispy
Making chicken pizza at home enables you to load up on nutritious ingredients and avoid excess calories, sodium, and fat. Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and enjoy one serving along with salad for a satisfying meal.
Chicken Pizza Nutrition Facts
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for one slice (1/8th pizza) of a typical large thin crust chicken pizza:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
As shown, even a reasonably healthy thin crust chicken pizza contains a significant amount of calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Balance this by enjoying your chicken pizza in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Chicken Pizza Calories Compared to Other Foods
To provide some context, here’s how the calorie count of chicken pizza slices compares to some other popular foods:
| Food | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 slice of cheese pizza | 285 |
| 1 slice of pepperoni pizza | 340 |
| 1 slice of chicken pizza | 285 |
| 1 slice of apple pie | 330 |
| 1 cheeseburger | 333 |
| 1 cup mac and cheese | 258 |
| 1 slice chocolate cake | 370 |
As you can see, one slice of chicken pizza is fairly comparable to other popular indulgent foods. Knowing the calorie content can help you budget for and balance your favorite slice within your daily caloric needs and goals.
Should You Eat Chicken Pizza on a Diet?
Chicken pizza can be part of a well-balanced diet, but portion control is key. Here are some tips for enjoying chicken pizza sensibly if you’re trying to lose weight or watch calories:
- Opt for thin crust and load up on veggies
- Ask for light cheese and sausage instead of pepperoni
- Eat only 1 slice and pair with a side salad
- Skip the fatty sides and dipping sauces
- Enjoy occasionally, not as a regular meal
- Split one slice as an appetizer portion
- Mix up your protein sources and avoid chicken pizza daily
While not off limits, chicken pizza should be a sometimes food if you’re controlling calories. Be mindful of portions, ingredients, and frequency to keep your diet balanced, nutrient-rich and on track.
Conclusion
Chicken pizza can make a tasty and satisfying meal. However, it does come with a significant calorie cost. On average, one slice of a large thin crust chicken pizza contains between 250-400 calories depending on the restaurant and toppings. Thicker crusts, generous portions of cheese and chicken, and fatty ingredients like bacon can drive up the calories even more. Enjoy chicken pizza in moderation along with nutritious meals and lighter pizzas the rest of the time. Make smart choices to keep your daily calorie intake on track.