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    Home » Keto Pizza Recipes » Pizza Chicken

    Pizza Chicken

    Last updated: Sep 21, 2022 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

    Jump to Recipe Card

    All the familiar pizza flavors combine in this delicious recipe to create a tasty, keto, and gluten-free pizza-like experience.

    It's as easy as can be: partially bake chicken breasts, add pizza toppings, then finish baking until the chicken is cooked through. Easy and delicious!

    Pizza chicken served in a white baking dish.

    I always have chicken breasts in the fridge. And if not in the fridge, then I have them in my freezer. Can you relate? It's definitely not the most exciting food item one can eat. But it's accessible, affordable, and EASY.

    Pizza chicken is a great way to elevate the basic, boring-yet-reliable chicken breast into a fun, delicious dish that everyone likes - the adults and the kids.

    This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's so easy to put together and it's ready in just 40 minutes. Plus, it's a wonderful way to enjoy pizza flavors without a starchy crust.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe card

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make pizza chicken.

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty chicken recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    Chicken: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe.

    Olive oil cooking spray: I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you'd rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.

    Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty.

    Spices: Garlic powder and dried oregano. Make sure they are fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish.

    Pizza sauce: Try to use a brand with no added sugar such as Rao's.

    Cheese: I use shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Provolone is also good.

    Toppings: I like to use pepperoni and olives. You can use whatever you like!

    Instructions

    Making pizza chicken is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

    You start by placing the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Lightly spray them with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Bake them for 15 minutes at 450°F.

    A photo collage showing steps 1-4 for making pizza chicken.

    Next, remove the baking dish from the oven. Turn the chicken breasts. Top them with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

    A photo collage showing steps 5-8 for making pizza chicken.

    Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, about 15 more minutes.

    Placing the baking dish in the oven, and a photo of the finished dish.

    Expert tips

    1. When buying the chicken breasts, pick ones that weigh no more than 8 ounces each. So if you buy them in trays, pick the trays that weigh 1 lb. rather than those that weigh 1.5 lb.  The latter ones are too big for this recipe. 
    2. The basil is really important. It adds amazing flavor and really elevates this dish. I would go as far as saying that if you don't have fresh basil on hand, you shouldn't make this recipe.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make pizza chicken with chicken thighs?

    You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. But I feel that chicken breast does work better.

    Should I brown the chicken in a skillet before baking?

    No. There's no need to brown the chicken. Simply bake it in two stages, one without the toppings and then add the toppings and bake until cooked through.

    Should I bake the dish covered or uncovered?

    Definitely bake it uncovered. You want the dish to bake and brown in the hot oven, not to steam.

    Variations

    I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

    • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You will likely need to bake them for a shorter time. Try 10 minutes per side, but always use an instant-read thermometer to make sure they are cooked through. Aim for 165ºF.
    • Use shredded provolone instead of mozzarella. You can also add 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan for extra flavor.
    • Use different toppings such as mushrooms or sliced bell peppers.

    Serving suggestions

    Since I bake this dish in a 450°F oven, I like to serve it with vegetables that I can roast in the same oven. So I often serve it with one of the following:

    • Roasted broccoli
    • Roasted green beans
    • Roasted peppers

    Storing leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 4 days. Reheat them very gently, in the microwave on 50% power.

    Pizza chicken served in a white baking dish.

    Related recipes

    • Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
    • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
    • Pesto Chicken
    • Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu

    👩🏻‍🍳 I typically publish a new or an updated recipe once a week. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe card

    Pizza Chicken
    4.95 from 68 votes
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    Pizza Chicken Recipe

    All the familiar pizza flavors combine in this delicious pizza chicken to create a tasty, keto and gluten-free experience.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 443kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw

    INGREDIENTS

    • 4 (8 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts*
    • Olive oil cooking spray
    • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ cup pizza sauce no added sugar (I use Rao's)
    • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
    • 1 oz pepperoni (16 slices)
    • ¼ cup black olives sliced
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a rimmed baking dish with olive oil spray. I use a 10 X 7-inch ceramic baking dish from Sur La Table.
    • Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, flat side up. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Sprinkle them with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Remove the baking dish from the oven. Turn the chicken breasts. At this point, you can lightly spray them with more oil and sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper, but it’s optional. Top the chicken evenly with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and olives.
    • Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through (its internal temperature should reach 165ºF) and the cheese is melted, about 15 more minutes. Garnish with chopped basil and serve.

    WATCH THE VIDEO:

    NOTES

    *When buying the chicken breasts, pick ones that weigh no more than 8 ounces each. So if you buy them in trays, pick the trays that weigh 1 lb. rather than those that weigh 1.5 lb.  The latter ones are too big for this recipe. 
    The basil is really important. It adds amazing flavor and really elevates this dish. I would go as far as saying that if you don't have fresh basil on hand, you shouldn't make this recipe.

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    DISCLAIMERSMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

    NUTRITION PER SERVING

    Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
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    More keto Pizza Recipes

    • Chicken-Crust Pizza
    • Keto Breakfast Pizza
    • Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    • Crustless Pizza

    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered Deleeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


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