Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Pizza Chicken Recipe—a simple and healthy twist on classic pizza! This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with all your favorite pizza toppings, like melted mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni. It’s the perfect low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional pizza, and your whole family will love it! Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a weeknight dinner idea, this easy pizza chicken recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings for a truly unique meal. Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete dinner!

Indulge in this flavorful and easy-to-make Pizza Chicken recipe—an irresistible dish combining tender, juicy chicken cutlets, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices. This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of pizza while keeping it light and protein-packed. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for sautéing
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce as a substitute)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, part-skim)
- 1 Roma tomato, thinly sliced into 8 pieces
- 8 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
- Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create 2 thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a small bowl, combine oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the chicken in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.) Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared casserole dish.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the casserole dish. Spoon the pizza sauce over each piece, spreading it evenly to coat the tops.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then layer each cutlet with tomato slices and pepperoni.
4. Bake:
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and prevents it from drying out in the oven.
- Use High-Quality Sauce: For the best flavor, choose a pizza or marinara sauce you love. A robust, well-seasoned sauce will elevate the dish.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is traditional, you can try a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for added richness.

Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or zucchini for a veggie-packed alternative.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize your pizza chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your pizza sauce is gluten-free for a completely gluten-free dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if starting from cold.
3. What should I serve with pizza chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with pasta tossed in olive oil or marinara sauce.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a light mixed greens salad.
- Add a side of garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks for a fun pizza-inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Combines the best flavors of pizza in a hearty chicken dish.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Healthy Alternative: Satisfies pizza cravings without the extra carbs from a crust.
Enjoy this delightful Pizza Chicken Recipe for a unique twist on classic pizza night—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Pizza Chicken Recipe
4
servings15
minutes33
minutesIngredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for sautéing
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce as a substitute)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, part-skim)
1 Roma tomato, thinly sliced into 8 pieces
8 slices pepperoni
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
- Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create 2 thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a small bowl, combine oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the chicken in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.) Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared casserole dish.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the casserole dish. Spoon the pizza sauce over each piece, spreading it evenly to coat the tops.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then layer each cutlet with tomato slices and pepperoni.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy!

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