Pizza Chicken
User Reviews
5
Pizza Chicken
Description
The recipe begins by butterflying the chicken breasts to create a pocket for stuffing with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. After seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, the chicken is arranged in a baking dish surrounded by diced tomatoes. Pizza sauce is spread over the chicken and tomatoes, followed by layering more mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and fresh basil on top. Baking at 400°F for about 45 minutes cooks the chicken thoroughly while melting the cheese and melding the pizza flavors together.
This approach transforms chicken breasts into a stuffed, oven-baked dish resembling pizza toppings on a protein base. The mozzarella inside and on top provides creamy, melted cheese, while the pepperoni contributes savory spiced notes. The diced tomatoes and sauce add moisture and acidity to balance the richness.
Pizza Chicken works well as a main course served with side salads or vegetables. It can be prepped in advance by assembling in the dish and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers reheat well, maintaining the combination of cheesy, tomato, and meat flavors.
Butterflying or pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and uniform thickness, avoiding dryness. Using fresh basil freshens the flavor, but it is optional.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast About 2 lbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes diced, 2 cups if fresh
- 24 ounces pizza sauce or marinara, about 3 cups
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 3 ounces pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons basil chopped, optional, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray, set aside.
- With a sharp knife, butterfly each chicken breast. (see notes) This means cutting the chicken breast horizontally while still leaving the two pieces of the chicken attached so it opens like a book. Pounding the chicken breast (see notes) can also help if your chicken breasts are not close in size.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a handful of cheese (about 1 cup) and a few pepperoni slices, then close the chicken.
- Brush olive oil on the top of each chicken breast. Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the prepared baking pan and surround with the diced tomatoes.
- Carefully spread the pizza sauce evenly over the chicken breasts and tomatoes.
- Top the chicken breasts with the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices and fresh basil.
- Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of chicken reads 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Then enjoy!
Notes
- Butterflying chicken breasts creates a pocket for stuffing and helps them cook evenly.
- If breast sizes vary, pound them to similar thickness for consistent cooking.
- Prepare the assembled dish up to 24 hours before baking; keep covered and refrigerated.
- Leftover Pizza Chicken reheats well and retains its flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 685 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 685kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 68g | 136% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 210mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 2057mg | 86% |
| Potassium | 1640mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1357IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 359mg | 36% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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