Pizza Chicken

I’ve had a love affair with comfort food for as long as I can remember, and Pizza Chicken tops the list of my favorites. This dish brings together two iconic flavors—pizza and chicken—into a delightful meal that satisfies your cravings in the most delicious way. I still recall the first time I made it for a family gathering; the aroma of melted cheese and sizzling chicken wafted through the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a moth to a flame. It was an instant hit, and now it’s a staple for all my get-togethers.

One of the best things about Pizza Chicken is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary whiz to whip this up. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Just imagine juicy chicken breasts smothered in savory pizza sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, and finished off with fresh basil. Each bite transports you to pizza heaven!

Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, Pizza Chicken never fails to impress. I love serving it alongside a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it time and again!

Pizza Chicken Ingredients

When it comes to creating the perfect Pizza Chicken, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role. Each component works in harmony to deliver a dish that’s both satisfying and delightful. The star of the show is the chicken, which provides a juicy and tasty base. Paired with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, you’ll get that classic pizza flavor. And don’t forget the fresh toppings that add a burst of freshness!

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each): These are the foundation of your dish, providing rich flavor and a hearty bite.
• 1 Tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, it adds depth and richness to the flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: This herb brings a lovely aroma reminiscent of classic pizza.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A must-have that gives an extra layer of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance the creamy cheese.
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce: The key pizza flavor, it ties everything together.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, part skim): Melts beautifully for that gooey texture we all love.
• 1 Roma tomato (thinly cut into 8 slices): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• 8 slices pepperoni: The classic topping that makes everything more exciting!
• Fresh basil leaves (to garnish, optional): A lovely garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Cook Pizza Chicken

Cooking Pizza Chicken is straightforward and fun! You’ll start with preparing the chicken, and soon, your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking. Grease the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise into 2 cutlets. Put these cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound them to an even 1/4” thickness. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
3. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, fine sea salt, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken cutlets. This step ensures the flavors penetrate the meat.
4. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sauté for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage; we’ll finish it in the oven.
5. Once the chicken is golden, transfer it to your prepared casserole dish. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken, adding more olive oil as needed.
6. Now, arrange the chicken cutlets neatly in a single layer in the casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce over each cutlet, spreading it to coat the tops evenly.
7. Generously top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, layer on the tomato slices followed by the pepperoni. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple chicken into a pizza delight!
8. Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is golden brown in spots and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!

Helpful Notes about Pizza Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Pizza Chicken turns out perfectly every time. These suggestions will help you enhance your cooking experience and enjoy this dish even more.

• Storage: Leftover Pizza Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the cheese’s texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze Pizza Chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Spice it up: For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
• Serving size: This recipe serves 4, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Pizza Chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Side Dishes: Pair your Pizza Chicken with a light Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, game day, or even a festive gathering with friends.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy later.
• Seasonal Pairing: Serve it with a refreshing summer salad or roasted vegetables in the cooler months for a balanced meal.
• Meal Prep: Consider making a double batch for easy meal prep throughout the week. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.
• Garnishing: Fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely touch and enhances the flavor profile.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Pizza Chicken is a fantastic fusion of flavors that’s sure to satisfy any pizza lover’s cravings. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. I encourage you to give it a try—you won’t be disappointed! Whether you enjoy it with family or friends, each bite is packed with deliciousness. So, roll up your sleeves and experience the joy of making this delightful dish!

Pizza Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Pizza Chicken combines juicy chicken with rich pizza flavors for an easy weeknight dinner. Topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh toppings, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 392

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts 8 oz each
• 1 Tbsp olive oil plus more as needed to sauté
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce if you need a substitute
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese low moisture, part skim
• 1 Roma tomato thinly cut into 8 slices
• 8 slices pepperoni
• Fresh leaves basil to garnish, optional

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking. Grease the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise into 2 cutlets. Put these cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound them to an even 1/4” thickness. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
3. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, fine sea salt, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken cutlets. This step ensures the flavors penetrate the meat.
4. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sauté for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage; we’ll finish it in the oven.
5. Once the chicken is golden, transfer it to your prepared casserole dish. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken, adding more olive oil as needed.
6. Now, arrange the chicken cutlets neatly in a single layer in the casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce over each cutlet, spreading it to coat the tops evenly.
7. Generously top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, layer on the tomato slices followed by the pepperoni. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple chicken into a pizza delight!
8. Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is golden brown in spots and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your Pizza Chicken turns out perfectly every time. These suggestions will help you enhance your cooking experience and enjoy this dish even more.

• Storage: Leftover Pizza Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the cheese's texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze Pizza Chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Spice it up: For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
• Serving size: This recipe serves 4, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings.

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Meet Naomi Prince

Cooking is about excitement, and I love taking simple ingredients and turning them into something bold. I work on every aspect of the blog, from brainstorming zesty new combinations to styling the final plate. I tested this recipe in my own home to guarantee it packs the perfect punch of flavor for you.