Save to Pinterest Enjoy the savory, comforting flavors of pizza in a low-carb format with these 5-Ingredient Keto Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This easy American main dish takes juicy chicken breasts and stuffs them with gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and savory pepperoni. Prepared and cooked in just 35 minutes, it is the perfect solution for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner that satisfies your pizza cravings while adhering to keto and gluten-free lifestyles.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this recipe lies in the preparation of the chicken. By searing the stuffed breasts in a skillet before finishing them in the oven, you lock in the juices and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior. The result is a tender, flavorful meal that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Filling: 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (about 16 slices), 1/2 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- Topping: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
- Step 3
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce into each pocket, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni. Reserve remaining sauce and cheese for topping.
- Step 4
- Secure the edges of the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 5
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil if desired.
- Step 6
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Step 7
- Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with leftover mozzarella and all the Parmesan.
- Step 8
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9
- Remove toothpicks, let rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure this recipe remains keto-compliant, double-check your marinara sauce label to ensure it is sugar-free. Using an oven-safe skillet is essential for a seamless transition from stove to oven. If you find the filling leaking out, using toothpicks as suggested in the instructions is a great way to keep the gooey cheese inside the chicken.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or olives. For an aromatic boost, feel free to add fresh basil or Italian herbs to the filling before searing.
Serviervorschläge
This meal is best served hot and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to keep your dinner low-carb. The acidity of a vinaigrette in a salad provides a nice balance to the rich melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni.
Save to Pinterest With 320 calories and only 4g of carbohydrates per serving, these pizza-stuffed chicken breasts are a nutritional powerhouse that doesn't compromise on flavor. It's a satisfying, high-protein meal that will quickly become a staple in your keto recipe rotation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute pepperoni with other fillings?
Yes, sliced mushrooms or olives work well as substitutes, especially for a vegetarian variation.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking during cooking?
Secure the edges of the chicken breasts with toothpicks after stuffing to keep the filling contained while cooking.
- → What cooking tools are required?
A sharp knife, oven-safe skillet, toothpicks (optional), and measuring spoons are needed for preparation and cooking.
- → Is marinara sauce used here sugar-free?
Yes, using a sugar-free marinara sauce ensures the dish stays low in carbohydrates.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and refrigerate before cooking to save time on busy days.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Simple green salads or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors and keep the meal balanced.