Chicken Pizza Bake Recipe
Published Feb 28, 2024
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Indulge guilt-free with our easy Chicken Pizza Bake! This low-carb, gluten-free dish is bursting with flavor and requires minimal prep. Say hello to a delicious dinner solution the whole family will love! Dairy-free option included.
What Makes This Recipe Great
This Chicken Pizza Bake is a keto-friendly winner, combining the classic flavors of pizza with a low-carb twist. It’s not only incredibly easy to make but also satisfies cravings without derailing your dietary goals. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it offers a delicious solution for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to become a family favorite!
If you love this recipe, you’ll love my low carb Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers and my gluten-free Pizza Pasta Bake. There are both sure easy choices for a delicious family dinner.
Ingredient Notes
Full recipe with measurements is located in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless, boonless chicken thighs will also work.
- Salt and pepperÂ
- Olive oil: Or oil of choice such as, avocado oil.
- Pizza sauce:Â Or sub-Rao’s marinara for dairy-free.
- Mozzarella cheese: Sub dairy-free cheese of choice if desired.
- Pepperonis: Regular or turkey
- Italian seasoningÂ
- Fresh basil leavesÂ
Step by Step Instructions
Chicken Pizza Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside. Season the whole chicken breasts with salt and pepper and half the Italian seasoning or add more according to your taste.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through, just about 80%.
- Arrange the chicken breast in the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the pizza sauce over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly. Add the mozzarella cheese slices over the sauce, followed by the sliced pepperonis. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the top for added flavor. IF you want it extra saucy, add some extra pizza sauce around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temp of the chicken is 165F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Chicken Pizza Bake
Recipe Tips
- Chicken Breast Preparation: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the base. Season them with your favorite herbs and spices to add flavor without extra carbs.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives such as almond-based or coconut-based mozzarella-style cheese. Also make sure that the pizza sauce you are using doesn’t contain dairy.
- Low-Carb Pizza Sauce: Choose a low-carb pizza sauce or make your own using tomato paste or crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Be mindful of added sugars in store-bought sauces.
- Vegetable Toppings: Load up on low-carb vegetable toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. These add flavor, texture, and nutrients without significantly increasing carb count. If you are not worried about carbs, load up on veggies of choice.
- Fresh Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor of your pizza bake with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Sprinkle Italian seasoning or garlic powder for an extra kick.
Chicken Pizza Bake
Storage
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the Chicken Pizza Bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place it on a shelf, not in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more.
- Freezer Storage (Optional): If you want to store the pizza bake for longer periods, you can freeze it. Wrap the portions tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
FAQs
For sure! Feel free to cut the chicken into cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add to the baking dish along with the other ingredients in the recipe card!
You do not have to brown the chicken first. It does help with the flavor and something I always recommend for best results. However, you can just add the raw chicken breast with the pizza sauce, cheese and pepperonis. Cook time will increase and vary based on thickness of the chicken. Cook until the internal temp is 165F.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
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Chicken Pizza Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup pizza sauce or sub-Rao's marinara for dairy-free
- 4-5 thick slices mozzarella cheese or dairy-free cheese of choice
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperonis regular or turkey
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or more to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside. Season the whole chicken breasts with salt and pepper and half the Italian seasoning or add more according to your taste.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through, just about 80%.
- Arrange the chicken breast in the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the pizza sauce over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly. Add the mozzarella cheese slices over the sauce, followed by the sliced pepperonis. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the top for added flavor. IF you want it extra saucy, add some extra pizza sauce around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temp of the chicken is 165F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Subs: Substitute 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for the cheese slices or dairy-free cheese of choice.Â
- Vegetable Toppings: Load up on low-carb vegetable toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. These add flavor, texture, and nutrients without significantly increasing carb count. If you are not worried about carbs, load up on veggies of choice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it! Thank you, Mac, for all your hard work in creating and sharing delicious, beautiful recipes for us and our families! Every one is 5🌟!💖💖💖
Thanks Debbie. I appreciate you being here and trying my recipes!
I just noticed this recipe is for 5 servings but you only use 4 chicken breast… Is that a typo? Thanks!