Cheesy Pizza Chicken
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
226 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Pizza Chicken
Description
Cheesy Pizza Chicken features chicken breasts prepared by butterflying and seasoning with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sea salt, lending an herby, savory base. Browning the chicken before baking gives it a nice color and flavor layer. Topped with pasta sauce, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and pepperoni, the chicken bakes in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken fully cooked. This method allows the mozzarella to melt richly over the meat while the pepperoni adds a crisp, salty touch.
The chicken breasts provide a substantial, protein-packed meal that echoes pizza flavor profiles without dough. Baking the dish lets flavors meld and the cheese to brown slightly. Optionally, fresh cilantro adds a bright note at serving. It pairs well with simple sides like salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
This recipe works well for a homemade dinner when craving pizza tastes but wanting a low-carb or gluten-free option. It’s also convenient for preparing chicken with familiar ingredients everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken butterflied and cut into two
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp sea salt Celtic variety
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese I like using thick strings
- ¼ cup parmesan
- 12 pepperoni
- cilantro optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Butterfly chicken breasts and cut into two.
- Season each breast with salt and herbs.
- Add olive oil to a heavy pan, let heat until shimmery.
- Add chicken to pan in batches, brown each side well, about 4 minutes. Chicken will not be to 165 degrees internal temp - that is ok.
- Add chicken to baking sheet, and top with sauce, more herbs, and cheese.
- Place pepperonis on chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted, and chicken has reached internal temp of 165 degrees.
- Top with cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 226 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 226kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 2407mg | 100% |
| Potassium | 266mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 525IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 248mg | 25% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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