Delicious Low Carb Chicken Pizza Casserole (Cheesy & Customizable!)

Delicious Low Carb Chicken Pizza Casserole (Cheesy & Customizable!)

Enjoy all the satisfying flavors of pizza without the carb-loaded crust with this Delicious Low Carb Chicken Pizza Casserole! Tender shredded chicken is tossed with rich marinara sauce, then loaded with your favorite pizza toppings and plenty of melty cheese, all baked into a bubbly, comforting casserole. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a family dinner here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (if chicken is pre-cooked) Cook time: 30 minutes (plus chicken cooking time)

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (yields about 6-8 cups shredded chicken)
  • (If cooking chicken: ½ cup chicken broth, salt, and pepper to taste)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar Rao’s Marinara Sauce (or your favorite sugar-free, low-carb marinara)
• Your favorite low-carb pizza toppings (e.g., sliced pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, cooked sausage crumbles, etc.)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian blend), plus more for topping if desired
• Italian seasoning (to taste)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a light greasing (for casserole dish)

Equipment:

• Instant Pot or large pot/skillet (for cooking chicken, if needed)
• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions:

1. Cook & Shred Chicken (if not pre-cooked):
   • Instant Pot Method: Place 6 chicken breasts in your Instant Pot. Add ½ cup chicken broth, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
   • Stovetop/Oven Method: Cook chicken breasts until done (e.g., simmer in water/broth until cooked through, or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes). Shred with two forks.
   • Once shredded, place the cooked shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Base: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Add the entire jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce to the shredded chicken in the mixing bowl. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly with the sauce.
   • Lightly spray or grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
   • Pour the chicken and marinara mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Add Toppings & Cheese: Top the chicken and sauce base with your chosen low-carb pizza toppings. Arrange them evenly over the surface.
   • Sprinkle 2 cups of your shredded cheese generously over all the toppings.
   • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning to taste over the cheese.
4. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. For extra crispiness on the cheese, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
5. Serve & Enjoy! Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious and easy Low Carb Chicken Pizza Casserole!

Tips for Success:

• Rao’s Marinara: Rao’s is highly recommended as a sugar-free, keto-friendly marinara. Always check labels on any sauce to avoid added sugars.
• Chicken Preparation: Shredding the chicken finely allows it to mix well with the sauce and hold together in the casserole.
• Topping Customization: Be creative with your toppings! Common keto-friendly options include various cooked meats (sausage, ham, ground beef), low-carb vegetables (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts), and different cheese blends.
• Don’t Overcook: The chicken is already cooked, so the baking time is primarily for heating through, melting the cheese, and melding flavors.
• Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese and sauce set, making it easier to serve.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

This Low Carb Chicken Pizza Casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey!

• High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cheese.
• Low-Carb: Yes, by omitting a traditional crust and using sugar-free marinara and low-carb toppings.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the marinara sauce and all pizza toppings are sugar-free and low-carb compliant.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Read more on how to make a lime cheesecake.

Enjoy!!