Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering recipe for Pizza Chicken! These genius pizza-inspired chicken breasts are the perfect solution for when you’re craving the flavors of pizza but want something lighter and healthier. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken topped with gooey mozzarella, savory parmesan, zesty pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce.

This Pizza Chicken bake is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining all your favorite flavors in a low-carb, high-flavor dish. The seasoned chicken with a perfect crust, melty cheese, and crispy pepperoni will have your taste buds singing. It’s a hit with picky eaters, making it a family-friendly option that satisfies those pizza cravings without the guilt.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it with your preferred toppings, whether it’s mushrooms, olives, or peppers, to create a personalized pizza chicken masterpiece. Plus, with leftovers that stay delicious in the fridge for days, you can enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness over and over again. So, say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade Pizza Chicken that will surely become a regular on your dinner menu!

Quick Benefits

• Provides a lighter, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza.
• Offers a satisfying way to curb pizza cravings while keeping things simple and healthy.
• Customizable with favorite pizza toppings for a personalized touch.
• Ensures even cooking and better portions with thin chicken breast slices.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

• This recipe is a creative and delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping things light and healthy.
• The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, and flavorful seasoning creates a truly magical dish that tastes like it’s from your favorite pizzeria.
• The chicken breasts cook evenly and quickly, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
• You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or peppers, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
• The leftovers stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days, giving you a convenient and tasty meal option for multiple days.
• Using freshly shredded cheese ensures a smooth and creamy melt, elevating the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
• 2 teaspoons onion powder.
• 2 large chicken breasts (2 pounds).
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
• 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce.
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
• 15-20 pepperoni slices.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

For making this Pizza Chicken recipe, a pro tip is to cut the chicken breasts thin to ensure they cook evenly and create better portions. When seasoning, using freshly shredded mozzarella cheese will melt smoother and creamier, providing a delicious gooey texture. Additionally, while adding parmesan cheese for a salty flavor, opt for pre-grated to prevent burning during baking.

To enhance this dish further, consider switching up the sauce with marinara or alfredo for variety. You can also try using chicken thighs for extra juicy meat or adding more toppings like mushrooms, olives, or peppers to customize it just like your favorite pizza. Remember to avoid watery vegetables as additional toppings to prevent excess moisture while baking, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Step 02

Slice the chicken horizontally to create thinner pieces.

Step 3: Step 03

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4: Step 04

Combine seasonings and rub them onto both sides of the meat.

Step 5: Step 05

Evenly distribute pizza sauce over the top.

Step 6: Step 06

Add the remaining cheeses and seasonings.

Step 7: Step 07

Sprinkle pepperoni over the top.

Step 8: Step 08

Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 9: Step 09

Remove cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pizza Chicken bake, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The dish will stay delicious for about four days, allowing you to enjoy it as leftovers or for meal prep throughout the week. When reheating, using an air fryer will help maintain the crispy texture of the chicken and toppings, or you can opt to reheat it in the oven with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.

For best results, consider cutting the chicken breasts into thinner pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking and better portion sizes. Additionally, using freshly shredded mozzarella cheese will result in a smoother and creamier melt compared to pre-shredded cheese. While adding your favorite pizza toppings is a great idea, be mindful of avoiding watery vegetables to prevent the dish from becoming too soggy. Following these storage and reheating tips will help you enjoy the delicious flavors of Pizza Chicken even after it’s been prepared.

Ingredient Substitutions

For this Pizza Chicken recipe, if you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juicy meat. The thighs will also work well with the pizza flavors and toppings, providing a delicious alternative to the original recipe.

If you want to change up the flavor profile, you can experiment with different sauces such as marinara or alfredo instead of pizza sauce. These variations can add a new dimension to the dish while still maintaining the essence of a pizza-inspired chicken bake.

Feel free to customize the toppings on your pizza chicken bake according to your preferences. You can add toppings like mushrooms, olives, or peppers to mimic your favorite pizza flavors. Just be mindful to avoid watery vegetables that may release too much liquid during baking, which could affect the texture of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative twist, serve the pizza chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. The juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni pair perfectly with the light and fresh zoodles, making for a satisfying and guilt-free meal that satisfies your pizza cravings.

Another serving suggestion is to slice the pizza chicken into strips and serve them on skewers as a fun and interactive appetizer at your next gathering. Guests can dip the chicken skewers into a side of warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a delicious and crowd-pleasing snack that will have everyone coming back for more.

FAQs for Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer them. They will result in extra juicy meat and work well with the pizza flavors in this dish.

How long does this pizza chicken bake stay fresh in the fridge?

This pizza chicken bake stays delicious in the fridge for about four days. When reheating, use your air fryer for the crispiest results or pop it in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Why is it recommended to use freshly shredded cheese in this recipe?

Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and creamier compared to pre-shredded cheese, enhancing the gooey and melty texture of the dish.

Can I add additional pizza toppings to this recipe?

Yes, you can add more pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or peppers to customize the dish to your liking. Just ensure to avoid watery vegetables that may release excess moisture during baking.

Conclusion

As you take your first bite of this delicious Pizza Chicken, you’ll be amazed at how it captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a healthier and more wholesome way. The melty cheeses, crispy pepperoni, and perfectly seasoned chicken come together to create a dish that will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and satisfying.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Pizza Chicken recipe as much as I do. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your heart’s content, making it perfect for picky eaters and pizza lovers alike. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Let Pizza Chicken bring the flavors of your favorite pizzeria right to your kitchen table!