Pizza Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a fun twist to your dinner table that combines two beloved classics, you have to try this Pizza Chicken Recipe. This dish takes juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts and transforms them with all the delicious flavors of a pizzeria favorite—rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and fresh basil. It’s like enjoying pizza in a whole new way, without the crust, making it a perfect weeknight winner for family dinners or casual get-togethers. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a colorful, comforting, and downright tasty meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Pizza Chicken Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays a key role, from seasoning to top-notch toppings, ensuring a dish that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying textures.

• Chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing juicy protein and a hearty base for the toppings.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing all other ingredients beautifully.
• Olive oil: Helps in searing the chicken to golden perfection and adds richness.
• DeLallo Pizzeria Style Pizza Sauce: Brings authentic Italian tomato goodness loaded with herbs and spices.
• DeLallo Sliced Pepperoni: Offers a spicy, savory punch and classic pizza flair.
• Medium tomato: Provides fresh juiciness and brightness atop the cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy layer.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish that lifts all the flavors.

How to Make Pizza Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Position your oven rack in the middle to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. This step sets the stage for gently baking all the pizza-inspired toppings atop your chicken to melty perfection.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning gives the chicken that initial savory punch, making every bite flavorful before adding any sauce or cheese.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, sear your chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side. This step locks in moisture and creates a lovely golden crust, building a rich foundation for the pizza toppings.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Arrange Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a 9×13 casserole dish. Ladle the pizzeria style pizza sauce evenly over and around the chicken, allowing the tangy tomato flavors to soak in and coat every morsel.

Step 5: Layer with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over each chicken breast. The cheese will melt and bubble in the oven, giving you that classic gooey, cheesy texture you crave from your favorite pizza.

Step 6: Top with Tomatoes and Pepperoni

Arrange fresh tomato slices and pepperoni atop the cheese. These toppings add a juicy freshness and a spicy kick that authentically mimic your beloved pepperoni pizza.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on your chicken size—smaller pieces may take 15 minutes while larger ones could need up to 25. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and juicy results.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This resting period makes sure every bite stays tender and moist.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish your Pizza Chicken Recipe by sprinkling torn fresh basil over the hot dish. The fragrant herbs add a burst of color and a fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich cheese and zesty sauce.

How to Serve Pizza Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must-have here, but you can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add shine and depth. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and flavor, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Pizza Chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in balsamic vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread to keep that pizza vibe going strong. These sides balance the richness of the chicken and cheese with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating each chicken breast on a bed of cooked pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs for an Italian-inspired twist. You can also serve slices with a sprinkle of parmesan or alongside a vibrant caprese salad to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover Pizza Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week. The flavors often meld even more deliciously after resting overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Frozen Pizza Chicken can last for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Pizza Chicken gently in a 350-degree oven until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. Microwave works for convenience, but the oven helps maintain texture and flavor without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this Pizza Chicken Recipe and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.

What if I don’t have pepperoni?

No worries! You can substitute with cooked sausage, ham, or even omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian-friendly version. The pizza sauce and cheese still deliver plenty of that classic pizza taste.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s generally mild, thanks to the classic pizza sauce and pepperoni’s mild spice. If you prefer more heat, adding red pepper flakes or using spicy pepperoni is a simple way to turn up the flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Since this recipe uses chicken as the base instead of dough, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your pizza sauce and pepperoni ingredients to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is using a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Resting for a few minutes after baking helps keep it juicy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and a little different, this Pizza Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes minimal effort but yields maximum deliciousness that’s sure to impress everyone around your table. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a regular favorite that brings warmth and fun to any mealtime.

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