Description
Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a deliciously easy main course combining juicy chicken breasts with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and classic pepperoni slices. Prepared with simple seasonings and cooked first on the stovetop then baked to bubbly perfection, this Italian-inspired dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like pizza in a wholesome chicken-centric form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12–15 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for finishing the chicken dish by baking.
- Season Chicken: Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and evenly season both sides of the chicken breasts to impart classic pizza flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked, creating a flavorful crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top to melt and add richness.
- Top with Pepperoni and Spices: Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese and optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add color and herbal freshness. Serve hot for a comforting pizza-flavored chicken meal.
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh side salad to round out the meal.
- Customize toppings with olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite pizza ingredients for creative variations.
- Ensure pepperoni and marinara sauce are gluten-free if adhering to a gluten-free diet.
