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Keto Chicken Pizza Casserole 🥘

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
7 Comments
4.80 from 15 votes

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Say hello to our Keto Chicken Pizza Casserole! This delightful twist on a traditional favorite brings all the flavors you love in a pizza without the carb overload. It is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, pepperoni, bell peppers, and more, all smothered in a blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a flavorful, low-carb meal on the table in no time.

Keto Pizza Casserole in cast iron skillet on blue board
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Preparation and cooking overview

Get ready for an easy-to-follow pizza bliss! Season and sear bite-sized chicken pieces in a hot skillet. Next, add a medley of pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, and black olives. Finish by topping it all off with a generous layer of melty, low-moisture mozzarella cheese, and pop it in the oven until it's bubbly. You'll have a mouthwatering keto chicken pizza casserole with a total cooking time of just 40 minutes.

Chef's note

For a unique touch, go for keto-friendly options like sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, or a dash of red pepper flakes to spice things up. Switch it up with kalamata olives and smooth alfredo sauce for a Greek-inspired keto pizza casserole. Add sausage, ham, or even a bit of prosciutto to create a meat lover's dream. Pick any toppings you love — we're fans of bacon, cheese, ham, and hot cherry peppers!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🍕 Ingredients for this keto chicken pizza casserole recipe

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1″ cubes
  • 4 ounces of pepperoni slices (quartered)
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • ½ white onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to use these ingredients as alternatives if you don't have the ones mentioned above.

  • Italian seasoning: Use a combination of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create your Italian herb blend.
  • Crushed tomatoes: If you can't find crushed tomatoes or want to add more flavor, use a low-carb marinara sauce instead.
  • Low-moisture mozzarella: You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just ensure it's a cheese that melts well.

Additional ingredients

These additional ingredients will complement the main ingredients and enhance the overall taste and texture of the casserole:

  • Fresh basil: Toss in a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish to boost the Italian taste of the casserole and add a burst of freshness to every bite.
  • Sliced mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms for an earthy and savory addition to the casserole.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Throw in some halved cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweet juiciness and a pop of color.
  • Spinach: Stir in a handful of baby spinach leaves for an extra dose of nutrients and a delightful leafy green element.
  • Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking to add a salty, nutty flavor and create a delicious crust on the surface.
  • Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the casserole to give it a spicy kick.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto pizza chicken casserole recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • 5″ cast iron skillet
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife
  • Spatula
  • Grater

Tools substitute options

  • 5" cast iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet, stainless steel skillet, or oven-safe baking dish.
  • Grater: If you don't have it, chop or slice the ingredients finely using a knife.

How to make Keto Chicken Pizza Casserole: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Searing
  • Baking

Cooking instructions

  1. Cut chicken breast into 1'' cubes.
  2. Slice the bell peppers and white onion thinly. Dice the black olives.
  3. Shred the mozzarella cheese.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat the oil in a 10.5″ cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to slightly soften. Top with cheese and transfer to the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
  • pizza casserole fillings (pepperoni, tomato sauce, onion, peppers, black olives, on cutting board
  • pizza casserole fillings (pepperoni, tomato sauce, onion, peppers, black olives, in skillet

Chef's pro tip

This casserole can turn out soggy. Be sure to drain the crushed tomatoes well before tossing them in the skillet. You can use a strainer or simply press the tomatoes against the can's sides to get rid of extra juice. Also, steer clear of watery ingredients like canned veggies or sauces that are high in moisture.

What to serve with keto chicken pizza casserole?

Enhance your chicken pizza casserole with these tasty sides:

  • Italian salad: Mix greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad brings a refreshing crunch and balances out the richness of the casserole.
  • Roasted veggies: Serve it with Roasted Broccoli or Oven-roasted Brussels Sprouts, as these offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
  • Keto garlic breadsticks: These breadsticks have the perfect "crust-like" texture. You can dip these in the casserole and enjoy.
  • Keto coleslaw: A simple coleslaw with shredded cabbage and keto-friendly dressing can be a great side dish with this casserole.
  • Zucchini Fries: Bake or air-fry zucchini strips coated with seasoned almond flour or parmesan coating until crispy, and serve them alongside this dish for a satisfying low-carb twist.

How to make it healthier

Here are a couple of tweaks to make the keto pizza casserole recipe healthier:

  • Load up on veggies: Increase the vegetable content by adding other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  • Choose low-sodium ingredients: Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and seasonings to reduce sodium. You can also reduce the amount of garlic salt or omit it altogether, relying on other herbs and spices for flavor.
  • Use organic ingredients: Whenever possible, choose organic chicken, vegetables, and free-range eggs for a healthier and more sustainable option.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut chicken breast or chicken tenders from your local grocery store to save time. 
  • Buy pre-cut vegetables: Grab sliced bell peppers and onions from your local grocery store.
  • Meal prep: This is one of those recipes you can make ahead of time and stash in the fridge for later in the week.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-cut and store the veggies: Slice the bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, and olives and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
  • Cut the chicken ahead of time: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and keep it in the fridge.
  • Crush and store tomatoes: To save time, crush tomatoes by placing them in a blender or food processor and pulsing until desired consistency. Transfer the crushed tomatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use in the recipe.
Keto Pizza Casserole in cast iron skillet on blue board

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

After your casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it with an airtight lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Note: Freezing the casserole is possible, but the texture and taste may change after thawing.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium-high power for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed throughout.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Chicken Pizza Casserole is your answer to satisfying those pizza cravings without sacrificing your keto goals. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.

So, don your chef's hat and apron, whip up this delightful dish, and don't forget to share the pictures on social media. Let your friends and fellow food enthusiasts in on the delicious secret. Bon appétit, and here's to savoring every cheesy, keto-friendly bite!

Looking for more Keto Casserole Recipes? Check these out:

Frequently asked questions

The pizza crust in a keto pizza is typically made from alternative flour such as almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower. These flours are low in carbs and higher in fiber, making them suitable for a keto diet. Go through this recipe for Keto Pizza to know more about the pizza crust. Check out our Keto Cauliflower Pizza and Keto Chicken Crust Pizza recipes. 

Yes, you can eat just the pizza toppings on a keto diet. Most pizza toppings, such as meats, cheese, vegetables, and some sauces, are generally low in carbs and can be enjoyed as a keto meal.

The amount of protein in a keto pizza can vary depending on the toppings and the recipe used. On average, a keto pizza may contain around 10-20 grams of protein per slice, but this can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used.

Traditional pizza is not keto-friendly, but you can enjoy a keto-friendly version using low-carb crust alternatives, sugar-free sauce, and keto-friendly toppings like grilled chicken, bacon, and vegetables.

📖 Recipe

Keto Pizza Casserole in cast iron skillet on blue board

Keto Pizza Casserole

This Keto Pizza Casserole with Chicken recipe has peppers, onions, cheese, pepperoni, and chicken making it low-carb and great for an easy weeknight dinner. #keto #lchf #ketorecipe
4.80 from 15 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: casserole, easy, pizza
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 581kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1″ cubes
  • 4 oz pepperoni
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • ½ white onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  • Heat the oil in a 10.5″ cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken with the garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  • Add in the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and cook 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to slightly soften. Top with cheese and transfer to the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Pizza Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 581 Calories from Fat 351
% Daily Value*
Fat 39g60%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Cholesterol 133mg44%
Sodium 1503mg65%
Potassium 812mg23%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 47g94%
Vitamin A 1471IU29%
Vitamin C 46mg56%
Calcium 463mg46%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcelle says

    5 stars
    Have been making this for about 4 years, but I do it in a 9" x 13" casserole and I double the Italian seasoning, add a bit more garlic salt, use Garlic, Basil & Oregano diced tomatoes instead of plain crushed tomatoes, skipped the black olives, and I doubled the pepperoni but cut half of them into quarters and mixed it into the casserole. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top and then add whole slices of pepperoni to the top of the cheese. Cook for at least 30 minutes. Not bland at all!!! One of hubby's favs and he isn't even keto!

    Reply

  2. Ted says

    5 stars
    Delicious! My wife and I love pizza but haven’t found a great keto version yet. This really hit the spot! I used homemade keto pizza sauce instead of the crushed tomatoes and it was great. This one will be part of our regular rotation

    Reply

  3. Juanita Yuhnke says

    5 stars
    I made this recipe last night and my husband loved it! We only had leftovers for one more meal, but wish we had more! Easy and quick to prepare!

    Reply

  4. Kristin says

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! We used this as our Thanksgiving main dish, and it was a huge hit! Easy, fast, scrumptious...I couldn't have asked for more!

    Reply

  5. KC says

    5 stars
    This was delicious! I used what we had on hand: frozen veggies instead of fresh, rao's pizza sauce instead of crushed tomatoes, omitted the black olives for personal preference. Everything else was the same. It was SO good! I ate way more than I should have and am even more excited about eating the cold leftovers tomorrow. Thank you for the new dinner in our rotation! 🙂

    Reply

  6. Kimberly Sawickey says

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this recipe so much having it celebrate May Day aka Happy Friday !!

    Reply

  7. Wendy says

    This was really good but lacked flavor. Next time I will swap the crushed tomatoes for pizza sauce and def add oregano.

    Reply
4.80 from 15 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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