This Paleo Pizza Chicken has all the flavors of pizza- stuffed into a chicken thigh. Easy, delicious, and healthy! Gluten free, dairy free, Whole30, and tastes amazing!
Chicken thighs are one of my favorite things to make! They are packed with flavor, easy, and cheap. I'm always trying to come up with new flavors so we don't get bored- 2 of our other favorites are the Paleo Lemon Butter Chicken and Paleo Chicken with Figs and Olives and people are loving those as much as we are!
I came up with this idea just by looking what I had to use up and knowing how much we love pizza- it just made sense. It is super easy and I've made it so many times since then. I usually make double this amount so there's leftovers for the week!
Pull the skin back, add sauce and pepperoni.
Pull the skin back over the toppings, drizzle with oil and top with seasonings. So easy!!
The skin gets crispy, the edges of the pepperoni get crispy, the chicken is juicy and the sauce adds great moisture. It's all works perfectly together!
For the seasoning, I use Frontier Pizza Seasoning. I found it at my local health food store one day and knew I needed to try it. All the ingredients are real and even just the smell of it is just like pizza. Of course you can make your own blend if you want, but it's so easy with the pre-made mix.
*A little note about the pepperoni and Whole30. I have heard both sides- that the dextrose in it is such a small amount that it doesn't matter and others saying yes, it still counts as added sugar. If you're not comfortable using it during your Whole30 then wait until your done to make this dish.
If you love pizza then you will love this chicken! It is easy and so full of flavor!
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Paleo Pizza Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup pizza sauce no sugar added
- 24-30 slices uncured pepperoni
- 1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pizza seasoning I use Frontier Co-Op brand
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° and place the chicken thighs in a 13x9 pan.
- Pull the skin away from each thigh and place 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on the chicken.
- Top each one with 4-5 slices of pepperoni, then pull the skin back over, covering the sauce and pepperoni.
- Drizzle the oil on top of the chicken, sprinkle with salt and pizza seasoning.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the skin is browned.
Kodi says
What kind of sides do you recommend for this ?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kodi- I usually make a veggie for the side. Roasted squash sometimes, sautéed zucchini, baked potato. Really, whatever you have that you like.
Kristi says
Can you use skinless thighs?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kristi- that should work, but all the ingredients won't be tucked in the skin like the recipe calls for.
Meaghan says
What was used for the pizza sauce? Store bought?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Meaghan- yes, store bought. Muir Glen makes a clean one with no added sugar. Hope you enjoy!
Laura says
Do you have to cook the chicken some first?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Laura- nope, you don't cook the chicken at all before stuffing it 🙂 Hope you try it and love it!
Sidney says
Hello!
I'm not a fan of bone-in chicken, did you debone these thighs? Or leave the bone in? I'm afraid to try chicken breasts because I'm always afraid I'll under cook the chicken! Lol
Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Sidney- I leave the bone in for the thighs. You could try boneless, but definitely reduce the cooking time or they will be overcooked. You're welcome- hope you enjoy 🙂
Wanda says
I've just made this chicken pizza tonight for a dinner party. It was a complete success. This will definitely be on our menu in the future. We loved it.
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome! I'm so glad to hear that, Wanda! Thanks for making it and for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂
Patty says
Can you use boneless skinless chicken breasts? I would make a pocket and fill it. Would that work?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Patty- yes, that should work fine. I'm not sure the time would be the same since they're boneless. I would say maybe 30 minutes and temp it to see if it's done. I hope you love it!
Micheline says
Hi,
I made your pizza chicken recipe this evening. My husband and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Micheline! Thank you for making it and taking the time to come leave me feedback! 🙂 I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed it!
Heather Sullivan says
I add a slice of mozzarella (cut from a cheese log), between the pepperoni and sauce; and grated Quantro Formigiano (Trader Joe's) sprinkled on top after cooking. It isn't a pizza without cheese-- right!
Jessica DeMay says
That sounds delicious! If we could tolerate dairy then I would totally try that! Thanks, Heather!
Lisa @ Cook Eat Paleo says
LOVE this idea! I will be making it soon. 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you, Lisa! I hope you love it!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
My son Casey is going to be all about this chicken Jessica! Me too! It looks sooo delicious!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mary Ann 🙂