Keto Pizza Chicken

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published September 7, 2019 • Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (3 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This is a one pot delicious keto dinner where you roast all your favorite pizza toppings on pan fried chicken thighs. Even better, the whole dish comes together in less than an hour!

Recipe
Print Pin

Keto Pizza Chicken

5 (3) Prep 10m Cook 45m Total 55m 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 slices thick cut bacon
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in & skin on
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 1/2 (28 oz) can of whole tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 4-6 basil leaves, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

preheated 400 degree oven
2
Season chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

seasoned chicken
3
Cook bacon

Heat a large oven-proof skillet to medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until desired level of crispiness. Transfer bacon to a paper towel and set aside.

cooking bacon in cast iron skillet
4
Pan fry chicken

Keeping bacon grease in the skillet, add chicken thighs to the skillet and cook at medium-high heat on both sides until browned (about 7 minutes the first side and 3 minutes the second). Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

cook chicken thighs in a skillet
5
Sauté garlic and seasonings

Add garlic, anchovy, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute.

sauting garlic and anchovy in a cast iron skillet
6
Make sauce

Add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and basil. Break up whole tomatoes with a spatula. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened.

simmering tomatoes with broth and basil
7
Baste chicken

Transfer chicken back into the skillet and bake at 400°F uncovered until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 30 minutes.

braise chicken in the oven
8
Broil

Adjust oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over chicken thighs. Return skillet to the top rack in the oven and broil until cheese is bubbled and melted, about 2 minutes. Top with more basil and bacon before serving.

sprinkle mozzarella cheese
Nutrition Per Serving
436 Calories
31.4g Fat
32g Protein
4.6g Net Carbs
5.6g Total Carbs
4 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

Similar Recipes

Others looking for “Keto Pizza Chicken” also liked:

Low Carb Pizza Chicken Recipe

keto pizza chicken for dinner All of your favorite pizza toppings can go on pan seared chicken thighs to make an easy one pot low-carb dinner the whole family will love. This pizza chicken is a delicious dinner you can make on busy weeknights since it comes together in under an hour. Plus, you don’t have to dirty tons of dishes since everything is made in one skillet. This pizza chicken is topped with tomato, bacon, and mozzarella cheese. The sauce is tomato based and uses canned tomatoes for ease of preparation. To help form a tasty and complex pizza sauce, I use garlic, anchovy, Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to use anchovy. Anchovy is used in many Italian recipes because it provides a umami flavor. Umami is a taste that enhances the flavor of your dish. It won’t taste fishy at all and will only make your pizza chicken taste better.

Best Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe

cooked chicken thights on plate The best cuts of chicken for this recipe are chicken thighs and drumsticks. These are considered dark meats and have a higher fat content compared to white cuts of chicken meat, like the breast. You can substitute the chicken thighs for any cut of chicken – drumsticks, wings, breast. In this recipe, I use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. If you prefer to use skinless, boneless thighs or breast, you can. Just know that the bones and skin provide loads of flavor, fat and nutrition, specifically in the form of collagen. Plus bone-in thighs are less expensive than the skinless, boneless variety.

Oven Proof Skillet for One Pot Dinners

pizza chicken in a skillet Since this dinner is finished in the oven, you’ll need an oven-safe skillet to make this recipe. I find a cast iron skillet works the best but most stainless steel skillets are oven proof as well. My favorite cast iron skillet is by Finex. The cast iron provides even heat distribution and the handles are made of stainless steel and cool off faster than a cast iron handle. If you are looking for a good set of stainless steel skillets that provide the best heat distribution and are easy to clean, I recommend these skillets by All-Clad. They are my favorite!

Variations to This Pizza Chicken Recipe

The pizza toppings used in this recipe are basil, mozzarella cheese and bacon. You can add your favorite pizza toppings. Here are some to consider:
  • pepperoni
  • salami
  • blue cheese
  • pancetta
  • olives
  • mushroom
  • bell pepper
  • red onion
  • sausage
Keto Pizza Chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they will dry out more quickly. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for the anchovy fillets?

If you're not a fan of anchovies or want to skip them, you can substitute with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

How should I store leftovers of the Keto Pizza Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This pizza chicken is great for meal prep. Just make a batch, portion it out, and store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Other Keto Dinner Recipes

A plate with creamy orzo pasta with spinach and sun dried tomatoes topped with sliced chicken and shredded parmesan cheese.
60 Mins
Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Pasta
5 Stars (3 Reviews)

This one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta is creamy, bold, and packed with Italian flavor—but without all the carbs. Each serving is high in protein, low...

See the Recipe
Crispy chicken cutlets on a wire rack topped with chopped parsley and lemon wedges near by.
30 Mins
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Not yet rated

These gluten-free, low-carb breaded chicken cutlets are juicy, tender, and way easier to make. No pounding needed. I found a simple method that keeps...

See the Recipe
Reviews 1
5 Stars (3 Reviews)
  1. C
    Crystal Nov 23, 2021

    OMG it was delicious

Leave a Review