KETO PIZZA CASSEROLE
Made with: Cooked chicken, Pepperoni, Pizza sauce, and Cheese, this recipe is easy to prepare and doable at the comfort of your home.
This gooey and cheesy casserole is the ultimate keto solution for satisfying your pizza cravings. It's remarkably simple to prepare, particularly when utilizing pre-cooked chicken. You'll have it ready in approximately 30 minutes!
I adore pizza. 🍕 Who doesn't? It's the epitome of culinary excellence. The melding of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings creates a work of art.
Therefore, when I decided to adopt a low-carb diet, abandoning pizza was not an option. Instead, I discovered delectable alternatives like cauliflower pizza, coconut flour pizza, and almond flour pizza.
This scrumptious casserole provides yet another avenue to savor the delightful essence of pizza while keeping carb intake in check.
Recipe Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this keto pizza casserole. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and either shredded or diced. I almost always bake chicken breasts, but you can cook them any way you like. You can also use rotisserie chicken.
- Pepperoni: I mix it into the casserole and I also use it to top the casserole.
- Pizza sauce: I prefer a sugar-free sauce such as Rao's.
- Spices: I like to use garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cheese: I use shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Some of the cheese gets mixed into the casserole and some of it is sprinkled on top.
Instructions
Making this keto pizza casserole is SO EASY. The detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Here's an overview of the steps:
Step 1: You start by mixing together the shredded chicken, diced pepperoni, pizza sauce, spices, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Step 2: Next, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and top it with more cheese and pepperoni (or with your choice of toppings).
Step 3: Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes in a 400°F oven, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving it.
Expert Tip
It is perfectly acceptable to utilize rotisserie chicken for this particular recipe. Both the succulent white meat and the flavorsome dark meat are suitable options, and you have the flexibility to either shred the meat into delicate strands or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
However, it is crucial to ensure that you thoroughly strip the chicken of its skin. Undoubtedly, chicken skin boasts a tantalizing flavor, but its texture may not harmonize well within the confines of a casserole dish.
Therefore, it is advisable to discard the skin entirely before incorporating the chicken into the recipe, preserving the ideal consistency and enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Possible Variations
The most delightful aspect of this recipe lies in the endless possibilities of customizing it with diverse toppings. Feel free to indulge in your personal preferences and experiment with an array of flavors!
There are numerous options to consider, such as sautéed peppers that add a vibrant burst of color, flavorful olives that offer a briny twist, sautéed mushrooms that lend a savory depth, or thinly sliced, fully cooked Italian sausage for a hearty and satisfying touch.
In addition to exploring toppings, you can also venture into the realm of cheeses, further enhancing the taste and texture of your dish. For a delightful variation, consider using shredded fontina cheese as an alternative to the classic shredded mozzarella. Its rich and creamy profile will bring a unique and delicious twist to the casserole.
To elevate the visual appeal of your creation, there's a simple yet effective garnishing trick you can employ. When the casserole emerges from the oven, consider sprinkling it with dried parsley or oregano, adding an aromatic touch that not only enhances the presentation but also infuses the dish with a delightful herbal fragrance.
Additionally, if you enjoy a hint of spiciness, you can generously scatter some red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Remember, this garnishing step is purely aesthetic, but the resulting combination of colors and textures is undeniably pleasing to the eye.
Storage Guidelines
To ensure the freshness and longevity of your leftovers, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator. Place the remaining food in a tightly sealed, airtight container to prevent any air exposure.
By doing so, you can extend the shelf life of the leftovers, allowing them to stay edible for a period of 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is crucial. To maintain their flavor and texture, it is advised to use a microwave for this purpose. First, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap.
This will help to retain moisture and prevent splattering. Adjust the power settings to 50%, ensuring a gentle reheating process that prevents overheating and preserves the food's quality. Be sure to heat the leftovers thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature that guarantees they are safe to consume.
Freezing Instructions
In addition to refrigeration, another option to consider for preserving your leftovers is freezing. By dividing the food into individual portions, you can conveniently freeze them for future use. To do this, transfer the desired amount of leftovers into separate airtight containers or freezer bags.
Properly labeling each container with the name of the dish and the date of freezing is recommended for easy identification. With this method, you can safely store your leftovers for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal at a later time.
Recipe Card
- 3 large chicken breasts (cooked, shredded or diced)
- 1 oz pepperoni (diced (about 15 slices))
- 1 1/2 cup pizza sauce ((I use Rao’s))
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella ((4 oz))
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella ((3 oz))
- 1 1/2 oz pepperoni ((about 20 slices))
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and reaches a delicious golden brown finish.
As the oven heats up, take a moment to lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. This will prevent the ingredients from sticking and make serving the dish a breeze.
In a generously-sized bowl, combine the flavorful elements that will bring your casserole to life. Start by mixing together the shredded chicken, which adds a savory and tender texture, with the diced pepperoni.
The pepperoni will infuse the dish with its distinct smoky and slightly spicy taste. Next, add the rich and robust pizza sauce, along with a tantalizing blend of spices that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
For a delightful cheesy twist, incorporate 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a gooey and mouthwatering binding for the ingredients.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, it's time to transfer the mixture to the awaiting baking dish. The casserole dish will provide the perfect vessel for all the flavors to meld together as they bake.
Carefully pour the mixture into the dish, ensuring an even distribution for a consistently delicious outcome.
To elevate the presentation and intensify the flavors, it's time to adorn the casserole with a final layer of cheesiness. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, both mozzarella and Parmesan, over the top of the casserole.
This will create a delectable golden crust as it bakes, while also adding an extra dose of cheesy goodness.
For an eye-catching touch, strategically place slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese, creating a tempting and visually appealing design.
Slide the casserole dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Allow the casserole to bake until it is heated through and the cheese has melted to perfection.
This process typically takes around 15 minutes, though keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches the desired level of melty, bubbly goodness.
Once the casserole is fully baked, it's important to exercise a little patience before diving into your creation. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
This brief period of rest allows the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly, making it easier to serve. As you patiently wait, tantalizing aromas will fill the air, further heightening your anticipation.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 312kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Sodium 580mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 37g74%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
It is perfectly acceptable to utilize rotisserie chicken in this particular recipe. Both the succulent white meat and the flavorful dark meat will complement the dish harmoniously, and you have the option to either delicately shred or finely dice the tender chicken.
However, it is imperative to ensure that you meticulously eliminate the skin, as its texture may not be suitable for a casserole preparation.
On certain occasions, I find pleasure in enhancing the visual appeal of the casserole by sprinkling it with a generous amount of aromatic dried parsley or oregano, along with a tantalizing touch of additional red pepper flakes, just as it emerges from the oven.
Although these additions serve primarily as garnishes, they undeniably contribute to the overall aesthetic presentation of the dish, imparting an alluring and appetizing visual allure.
Hi, I’m Esther, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I currently live in New York with my family. Loves travelling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.