Description
This Pizza Chicken recipe combines juicy seared chicken breasts with classic pizza flavors such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil. It’s an easy, oven-baked dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that brings the taste of pizza in a protein-packed form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) jar DeLallo Pizzeria Style Pizza Sauce
- 2 ounces DeLallo Sliced Pepperoni (or to taste)
- 1 medium tomato (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (torn/chopped, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the middle for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour the pizza sauce over and around the chicken, spreading it evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of each chicken breast.
- Add toppings: Layer tomato slices and pepperoni pieces on top of the cheese-covered chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Adjust baking time based on chicken size—smaller breasts may need 15 minutes, larger breasts up to 25 minutes.
- Rest the chicken: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and allow residual cooking to reach safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the chicken before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If preferred, substitute pepperoni with other toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- The searing step adds great flavor and texture but can be skipped if short on time, increasing bake time slightly.
- Fresh basil can be added before baking for a more mellow flavor or just before serving for a fresher taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
