Pizza Stuffed Chicken

When I first decided to make Pizza Stuffed Chicken, I wanted something that combined two of my favorite comfort foods: pizza and chicken. Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken, only to discover a warm, cheesy center bursting with zesty pizza sauce and melted mozzarella. It was a chilly evening, and I found myself craving something hearty yet simple to prepare. This dish was perfect for that cozy night in, and it quickly became a favorite in my household. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pizza Stuffed Chicken

The foundation of any great dish lies in its ingredients. For Pizza Stuffed Chicken, we focus on a handful of key players that come together in perfect harmony to deliver a satisfying meal. The juicy chicken acts as a vessel for the rich flavors of pizza sauce and melted cheese, while the herbs elevate the taste to another level. Together, these components create a dish that’s not only delicious but also comforting.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) – This is used to coat the chicken and add a subtle richness.
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show; tender and perfect for stuffing.
• 2 teaspoons italian herbs – A blend of dried herbs that infuses the chicken with delicious flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a nice depth of flavor to the chicken.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – For a hint of spice and warmth.
• 1-½ cups pizza sauce (divided) – The tangy flavor of the pizza sauce is essential for this dish.
• 1-½ cups shredded mozzarella – Melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• 24 pepperoni slices – Classic pizza topping that adds flavor and crunch.
• Fresh basil (for garnish) – A lovely touch to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Step by Step Guide for Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Cooking Pizza Stuffed Chicken is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. I love taking my time during each step to ensure that the chicken is perfectly seasoned and stuffed. Follow these easy-to-follow steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF. While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13” baking dish and rub it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it crisp up nicely.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface. To ensure they cook evenly and are easy to stuff, consider pounding them to an even thickness. Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Once your chicken is at an even thickness, take a sharp knife and slice through the chicken horizontally, stopping about ½ an inch from the end. This creates a pocket for the filling.
4. Coat the outside of the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil. Then, season both sides with italian herbs, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder for fantastic flavor.
5. Open up the chicken breasts and fill each pocket with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella and 4 slices of pepperoni. Don’t be shy—stuff them well!
6. In your prepared baking dish, add 1 cup of pizza sauce to the bottom. Lay the stuffed chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
7. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and any additional pepperoni you may have.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden.
9. If you prefer a crispy top, switch to broil for the last minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in!
11. Slice and serve your delicious Pizza Stuffed Chicken with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or garlic bread for a comforting meal.

Tips and Variations

When making Pizza Stuffed Chicken, there are plenty of ways to add your personal touch. Here are some tips and variations to consider:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled chicken before baking. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to personalize the flavor profile.
• Cheese Options: Try using different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a unique flavor experience.

What to Serve With Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Pairing Pizza Stuffed Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, add a nice touch of color and nutrition to the plate.
• Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad makes for a great side dish, balancing the warm, hearty chicken.
• Rice: Fluffy rice, whether seasoned or plain, is another great side that absorbs the flavors nicely.
• Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

Pizza Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that beautifully marries the flavors of pizza with the juiciness of chicken. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, and its customizable nature makes it a favorite for everyone. I encourage you to give it a try; you might just find your new comfort food!

Pizza Stuffed Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Pizza Stuffed Chicken delivers a delightful combination of juicy chicken and cheesy goodness. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Filled with tasty ingredients and topped with bubbly cheese, you won't be able to resist making this tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1-½ cups pizza sauce divided
• 1-½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 24 slices pepperoni
• Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF. While it's heating up, grab a 9x13” baking dish and rub it with 1 tablespoon olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it crisp up nicely.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface. To ensure they cook evenly and are easy to stuff, consider pounding them to an even thickness. Place the chicken between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Once your chicken is at an even thickness, take a sharp knife and slice through the chicken horizontally, stopping about ½ an inch from the end. This creates a pocket for the filling.
4. Coat the outside of the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil. Then, season both sides with italian herbs, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder for fantastic flavor.
5. Open up the chicken breasts and fill each pocket with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella and 4 slices of pepperoni. Don’t be shy—stuff them well!
6. In your prepared baking dish, add 1 cup of pizza sauce to the bottom. Lay the stuffed chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
7. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and any additional pepperoni you may have.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden.
9. If you prefer a crispy top, switch to broil for the last minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in!
11. Slice and serve your delicious Pizza Stuffed Chicken with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or garlic bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the assembled chicken before baking; just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.