Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.