Pizza Chicken Baked Dinner

This hearty Pizza Chicken brings together all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a simple baked chicken dinner. I've been making this on busy weeknights for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the table. The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender chicken creates a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort.

I first created this recipe when trying to please my pizza loving family while keeping dinner somewhat nutritious. What started as an experiment has become one of our most requested meals, especially on nights when everyone craves comfort food but I need something straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the foundation of this dish, choose pieces that are relatively even in thickness for consistent cooking
• Pepperoni: adds that classic pizza flavor, I recommend using a natural brand like Applegate Farms for better quality
• Mozzarella: both sliced and grated creates that wonderful pizza cheese pull effect
• Tomato basil sauce or marinara: provides the saucy base, use your favorite jarred version to save time
• Garlic: adds depth to the sauce, fresh minced gives the best flavor
• Italian seasoning: a perfect blend of herbs that enhances the pizza profile
• Parmesan cheese: contributes a salty umami element that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: adds brightness and color to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to a hot 400ºF to ensure quick cooking that locks in moisture. Rub olive oil thoroughly around your baking dish, ensuring every corner is coated to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Butterfly the Chicken:

Place your hand flat on top of each chicken breast to stabilize it. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, stopping about half an inch from the edge so the two halves remain connected. This creates a pocket that will hold all your delicious pizza fillings while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

Add the Fillings:

Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book and arrange five pepperoni slices on one side. The pepperoni will release its flavors into the chicken as it cooks. Place a slice of mozzarella over the pepperoni, which will melt into gooey perfection. Mix your sauce with garlic and Italian seasoning until well combined, then spoon about a tablespoon over the pepperoni and cheese to add moisture and flavor.

Close and Transfer:

Gently fold the empty half of each chicken breast over the filled side, creating a stuffed pocket. Transfer each filled breast carefully to your prepared baking dish, being mindful not to lose any filling in the process.

Add Sauce and Toppings:

Pour the remaining sauce generously over all the chicken breasts, ensuring they're well covered. This creates that wonderful saucy base that will keep the chicken moist. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the top, then arrange the remaining pepperoni slices decoratively on the cheese layer for that authentic pizza look.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake until the chicken reaches the food safe temperature of 165ºF on an instant read thermometer, typically about 25 minutes. The cheese should be melted and beginning to brown in spots, and the chicken should be firm yet tender when pierced with a fork.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the hot dish just before serving to add brightness and color. The fresh herbs will slightly wilt from the heat, releasing their aromatic oils for maximum flavor.

Save This

My personal favorite part of this dish is the contrast between the crispy edges of the cheese on top and the tender, juicy chicken beneath. My family still talks about the first time I made this during a Friday movie night, and how it completely changed our pizza night tradition.

Make It a Meal

This Pizza Chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes of the salad balance the richness of the chicken perfectly. My family particularly enjoys it with roasted broccoli, which gets crispy enough to dip into the extra sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Pizza Chicken stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. The foil prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery while maintaining moisture in the chicken.

Customization Ideas

Just like a real pizza, this chicken dish welcomes your favorite toppings. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions between the chicken and cheese layer for additional vegetables. For spice lovers, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños brings welcome heat. You can even play with different cheese combinations, such as provolone or fontina mixed with the mozzarella for more complex flavor.

Portion Planning

While the recipe indicates one chicken breast per person, this is quite a generous serving. For lighter appetites or when serving multiple sides, consider cutting each cooked chicken breast in half to serve eight people instead of four. This works particularly well for dinner parties or when feeding a crowd on a budget. The substantial sauce helps stretch the protein further without anyone feeling shortchanged.

Common Queries

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well since they can be butterflied and filled with cheese and pepperoni.

→ Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Smoked mozzarella offers great flavor, but provolone or Monterey Jack can be substituted for a flavorful twist.

→ Is a homemade or jarred tomato sauce better?

Both work well. Use your favorite tomato basil or marinara sauce, homemade for freshness or store-bought for convenience.

→ How do I prevent overcooking the chicken?

Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, and let it rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, cauliflower polenta, spaghetti squash, steamed rice, or crusty bread are all delicious options to soak up the sauce.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for fresh flavor and texture.