Pizza Chicken is a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes—pizza and chicken! This recipe transforms juicy, tender chicken breasts into a cheesy, saucy delight, topped with classic pizza flavors like marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, offering all the satisfaction of pizza without the need for dough. Whether baked or pan-seared, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 slices pepperoni (or more, as desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Assemble the Pizza Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara or pizza sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Place pepperoni slices on each piece of chicken.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the baked Pizza Chicken.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.
This Pizza Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a protein-packed meal. Would you like variations or tips on making it even more flavorful? 😊