Quick Description:
This Pepperoni Chicken Casserole is a cheesy, high-protein dish packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep! Featuring lean chicken, a bit of spicy sriracha, and gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal you can enjoy any time.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 ½ cups cooked cauliflower rice (or regular rice for a non-low carb version)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 package of pepperoni (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free sriracha sauce (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or individual serving bowls with olive oil. -
Prepare Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the cooked and shredded chicken with the cauliflower rice (or regular rice), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. -
Add Sauce and Cheese
Stir in the marinara sauce and mix until the chicken and rice are well-coated. Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir to combine. -
Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish or divide evenly into individual bowls. Top each with a handful of sliced pepperoni and the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. -
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven. Drizzle with sriracha (optional) and garnish with additional herbs if desired. Serve hot!
Additional Notes
- Meal Prep: This recipe works great for meal prep! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Rice Alternatives: For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice. If you prefer regular rice, go ahead and swap it in for a more traditional dish.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Chicken and cheese provide a great protein boost, making this casserole a perfect option for anyone looking to build muscle or stay full longer.
- Low-Carb (if using cauliflower rice): This dish can be easily adapted to be keto-friendly by swapping the rice for cauliflower rice.
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha sauce or even some chopped jalapeños for a stronger kick.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make the casserole even more nutritious.
- Cheese Lovers: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, try mixing in some cream cheese for extra richness or use a blend of different cheeses.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sriracha: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can leave out the sriracha or use a different hot sauce of your choice.
- Pepperoni: You can use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or omit it entirely for a different flavor profile.
