Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Pizza Chicken recipe. This recipe brings chicken to the next level with juicy chicken breasts smothered in zesty pizza sauce, blanketed with gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. If you love chicken and you love Pizza, you are going to love this savory combination of two classic dishes.
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Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe
Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make this low-carb, gluten-free, alternative to pizza. This dish has all of the benefits of pizza— toppings, savory pizza sauce, and stretchy melted cheese, melded together on tender, juicy chicken breasts instead of crust.
We love Italian-inspired recipes from the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala to the comforting layers of cheesy Lasagna. If you love saucy, cheesy twists on classic recipes, our Pizza Chicken recipe promises an irresistible twist on classic flavors that you have to try!
Pizza Chicken Video
Watch Natasha make this baked Pizza Chicken. Say goodbye to the temptation of greasy pizza delivery and hello to an alternative that will surely satisfy your pizza craving. Now fire up that oven, and let’s get baking! You will be shocked at how easy it is to make.
The last time I made this, I QUADRUPLED the recipe, and it disappeared fast! Kids love that it tastes like pizza and has that irresistible mozzarella cheese pull, while adults love having a lighter option to satisfy their pizza cravings, guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Topped Chicken
Whether you’re a die-hard pizza lover or just looking for a delicious way to switch up your chicken routine, this recipe has you covered. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
- Quick and Easy – Say goodbye to pizza dough prep and waiting for delivery. This straightforward recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen and it will be done faster than a greasy pizza can be delivered.
- Tastes Like Pizza – By swapping out the traditional pizza crust for lean chicken, you can satisfy your pizza cravings. It’s a smart option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
- Family Friendly – Kids love that it tastes like an ooey-gooey pizza and can be customized with their favorite toppings. Plus, let’s face it, pizza crusts often get left behind on kids’ plates, so skip the unnecessary carbs and ensure smiles all around.
Ingredients
The key to making great Pizza Chicken is all about using quality ingredients. Traditional household ingredients come together with a taste that is sure to impress.
- Chicken – boneless, skinless breasts cut into quick-baking cutlets
- Mozzarella Cheese – you’ll love the stringy cheese pulls as you cut into your chicken
- Pizza Sauce – Whether homemade or storebought, opt for a thick sauce
- Tomatoes – thinly sliced Roma tomatoes enhance both the taste and presentation of your dish (or use your favorite pizza toppings)
- Pepperoni – for a classic pizza topping, or try our tempting variations listed below
- Seasonings – salt, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic powder and dried oregano add plenty of flavor to the chicken
Pizza Toppings For Your Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Use your favorite pizza toppings or what you have on hand. Be a real culinary hero and customize each cutlet for your family members or guests. Some of our favorite variations include:
- Chopped bell peppers, green or red
- Onion
- Sliced mushrooms
- Black olives (pre-sliced work great)
- White Pizza Sauce
- Roasted garlic
- Crumbled feta, sliced mozzarella, or parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs
Pro Tip:
You can use your favorite store-bought pizza sauce, but I recommend buying a thicker pizza sauce so it doesn’t get too watery when baked. A thick sauce will hold the toppings onto each chicken cutlet, if it is too thin, you will lose your toppings. You can use Homemade Pizza Sauce, but it tends to be thinner with a smoother texture, which is why I prefer storebought pizza sauce here.
How to Make Pizza Chicken
- Prep – Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
- Prepare – Slice each chicken breast into two cutlets. Pound between plastic wrap until 1/4” thin. Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl and then generously sprinkle over both sides of the chicken cutlets
- Sautée – Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and then add the chicken in a single layer. Sautée each side until beautifully golden, sealing in those juicy flavors (about 2 minutes per side), then transfer to your prepared casserole dish. Cook in batches as needed. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this point.
- Assemble – Arrange cutlets in a single layer in the casserole dish. Using a spoon, coat the top of each cutlet with pizza sauce. Next, add shredded cheese, then top with tomato slices, followed by pepperoni.
- Bake – Bake uncovered at 400°F for 25 minutes. The USDA (2019) recommends cooking chicken to 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Pro Tip:
If you’re cooking this for a crowd, use a large, rimmed baking sheet that’s just large enough to fit the chicken in a single layer and bake as directed.
What to Serve With Pizza Chicken
Complete your dinner with these side dishes that perfectly complement the flavors of any Italian dinner.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare this dish ahead of time to make mealtime a breeze. Slice and sautée the chicken, assemble the pizzas, and store covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing: Store the assembled, unbaked chicken cutlets in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: In a small skillet, cook for 5-7 minutes. You can add a few drops of water or additional sauce if needed to avoid dry chicken. Alternatively, place chicken on a plate in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Get ready to impress with this irresistible Pizza Chicken recipe. It’s a surefire way to turn an ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary adventure that everyone will love. So why wait?
More Recipes to Satisfy Your Pizza Cravings
If you love this Pizza Chicken recipe, then you won’t want to miss our other recipes that will help you satisfy your pizza craving. From appetizers to making a whole pizza from scratch, you don’t want to miss these classics.
Pizza Chicken Recipe (VIDEO)
Pizza Chicken brings chicken to the next level with juicy chicken breasts topped with savory pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
Servings: 4 servings
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, 8 oz each
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed to sautee
- 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 basil leaves, to garnish, (optional)
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish lightly with olive oil.
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Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise into 2 cutlets. Put cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound with the flat side of a meat mallet to an even 1/4” thickness. Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle it over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
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Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and when the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sautée about 2 minutes per side, or until golden then transfer to your prepared casserole dish. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this point. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.
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Arrange chicken cutlets in your casserole dish in a single layer. Spoon pizza sauce over each cutlet and spread to coat the tops. Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with tomato slices, followed by pepperoni.
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Bake uncovered at 400°F for 25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown in spots and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
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Remove from oven. Before serving, sprinkle fresh, chopped basil leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
200kcal Calories4g Carbs20g Protein11g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Pizza Chicken Recipe (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
