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.
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