Pizza Chicken Baked Dinner (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
01 -
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces)
02 -
25 slices pepperoni
03 -
4 ounces mozzarella, cut into 4 slices (smoked mozzarella optional)
04 -
3 cups tomato basil sauce or marinara (1 jar, 24 ounces)
05 -
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
08 -
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
09 -
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and rub olive oil evenly over a 9x13" baking dish.
02 -
Place one hand on top of each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, cut horizontally through the chicken breast, leaving about 1/2" uncut.
03 -
Lay 5 slices of pepperoni and 1 slice of mozzarella on one side of each chicken breast.
04 -
Mix the tomato basil sauce with garlic and Italian seasoning. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture over the pepperoni and cheese on each chicken breast.
05 -
Fold the chicken breasts closed and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
06 -
Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle evenly with grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Lay the remaining 5 slices of pepperoni over the top.
07 -
Bake in the oven until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165ºF and is no longer pink, approximately 25 minutes.
08 -
Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
This dish is intentionally extra saucy, which pairs well with mashed potatoes, cauliflower polenta, spaghetti squash, steamed rice, or crusty bread.
02 -
Each chicken breast serves one person generously, but you can halve the portions after baking to serve 8 with sides.