Pizza Chicken Recipe

Posted by Fitzroy Neville June 14, 2024

Background and History

Pizza Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of traditional pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a chicken entrée. This recipe is a fantastic low-carb, high-protein alternative to classic pizza, making it ideal for those following keto or low-carb diets. The origins of this dish lie in the creative merging of Italian-American cuisine with a focus on healthy eating trends. By using chicken as the base instead of pizza dough, this recipe provides all the deliciousness of pizza without the extra carbs.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Useful and Interesting Facts

  • Versatility: You can easily customize Pizza Chicken with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or sausage.
  • Health Benefits: This dish offers a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for those on keto or low-carb diets.
  • Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, Pizza Chicken is ideal for busy weeknights.

Serves

4

Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken

  • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Sear the Chicken

  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Add the Marinara Sauce

  • Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet.

Add the Toppings

  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.
  • Top with sliced pepperoni, black olives, and bell peppers if using.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  • Serve hot with a side of vegetables or a light salad.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Notes

  • Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a unique twist.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Allergy Warning

  • Dairy: This recipe contains dairy from the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Allium: Contains garlic. Avoid or substitute if you have an allium allergy.
  • Gluten: Ensure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.

What ingredients are used in pizza?

Common pizza ingredients include pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese (usually mozzarella), and various toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, chicken, vegetables, and herbs.

How to make homemade pizza better?

To make homemade pizza better, use high-quality ingredients, preheat your oven and baking surface properly, stretch the dough thinly and evenly, use fresh mozzarella cheese, and bake at a high temperature to get a crispy crust.

How to layer homemade pizza?

Layering homemade pizza typically starts with spreading the sauce over the rolled-out dough. Then add a layer of cheese, followed by your chosen toppings. Finish with another light sprinkle of cheese to hold the toppings in place.

What sauce to use for pizza?

Traditional pizza sauce is a seasoned tomato sauce. However, you can also use alternatives like barbecue sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a simple olive oil and garlic mixture depending on the type of pizza you’re making.

What’s good on homemade pizza?

Good toppings for homemade pizza include pepperoni, sausage, chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, fresh basil, and different types of cheese like mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta.

Is pizza sauce necessary for pizza?

Pizza sauce is not strictly necessary for pizza, but it adds flavor and moisture. You can use alternatives like olive oil, garlic, pesto, or Alfredo sauce, or even skip the sauce for a different style of pizza.

Is tomato paste or sauce better for pizza?

Tomato sauce is generally better for pizza as it has a smoother consistency and a more balanced flavor. Tomato paste is very concentrated and thick, and is usually used as a base for making pizza sauce rather than being used alone.

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Fitzroy Neville, the culinary maestro behind this site, boasts the impressive title of Cooking Prodigy. With a natural flair for the culinary arts, Fitzroy brings innovation and expertise to the world of pet cuisine. His site is a haven for pet owners seeking imaginative and nutritious recipes to delight their furry companions. Fitzroy's passion for transforming pet meals into culinary experiences is evident in the creative and delectable content he shares. For those looking to elevate their pets' dining experience, Fitzroy Neville's site is a testament to the artistry and skill of a true cooking prodigy dedicated to pampering our four-legged friends.