If you love the comforting flavors of pizza and the wholesome goodness of chicken, then this Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner favorite. It’s a delightful fusion that brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts layered with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, tangy tomato slices, and classic pepperoni, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly straightforward to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Once you try this Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe, it’s hard not to crave it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role—from the seasoned chicken that forms a juicy base, to the vibrant tomato slices and melty cheese that bring that classic pizza vibe to the bake.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each): The main protein ensures a tender and juicy foundation for the dish.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed to sauté): Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a herbaceous, slightly peppery note reminiscent of traditional pizza seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a depth of warm, savory goodness without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste): For a gentle heat and freshness.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce if you need a substitute): The tangy, tomatoey heart that ties everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, part skim): Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top of the chicken.
- 1 Roma tomato (thinly cut into 8 slices): Adds freshness, juiciness, and a pop of color.
- 8 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that offers a spicy, meaty contrast.
- Fresh basil leaves (to garnish, optional): Provides a bright, aromatic finish and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish with olive oil. This will prevent sticking and help your bake finish with a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thin cutlets, then gently pound them to an even 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet with plastic wrap as a protective layer. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender results. Combine the dried oregano, sea salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle this aromatic blend over both sides of the cutlets for that authentic pizza flavor base.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sauté until golden brown on both sides—about two minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet; it will finish baking in the oven. Transfer the browned cutlets to your prepared casserole dish and repeat with any remaining chicken, adding oil as needed.
Step 4: Layer the Pizza-Toppings
Arrange the sautéed chicken cutlets in a single layer in the casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce generously over each piece, then scatter shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Next, add thin slices of Roma tomato and arrange the pepperoni slices on top. This layering ensures every bite captures the full essence of a pizza, but in a comforting, chicken-forward presentation.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. The cheese should bubble and turn golden in spots, while the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F. This step melds all flavors together and creates a luscious, baked texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a bright, fresh aroma and gorgeous color contrast. This final touch elevates the dish’s flavor and presentation beautifully.
How to Serve Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic and easy garnish that adds an herbal lift and vibrant green color. You can also sprinkle a little extra cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch of a salad balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, while garlic bread echoes the pizza concept in a fun, complementary way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins or bake the chicken in a rustic cast-iron skillet for an inviting presentation right from oven to table. For a family-style meal, keep it in the casserole dish and let everyone help themselves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds a sweet tang that pairs wonderfully with the tomato and basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve the bake’s crispy edges and melty cheese better than microwave reheating, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will stay juicier and add a richer flavor, though they may require slightly longer cooking times. Just adjust accordingly and check internal temperatures for doneness.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
You can substitute marinara sauce or even a simple tomato sauce mixed with Italian herbs. The key is having a flavorful tomato base to bring that pizza essence to the dish.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives, such as those made from cashews or coconut, to keep the melty, cheesy texture without the dairy.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this bake?
Definitely. Try adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives before baking to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just make sure the veggies are sliced thin to cook evenly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep everything up to assembling in the casserole dish and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes it a convenient dish for busy days when you want quick, fresh oven time.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy familiar pizza flavors in a new and satisfying form. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I truly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how the crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory toppings come together in every bite. It’s dinner magic!
Print
Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Chicken recipe is a delicious fusion of classic pizza flavors with tender, juicy chicken breasts. Coated in a blend of Italian seasonings, sautéed to golden perfection, and topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato slices, and pepperoni, this dish is baked until bubbly and golden. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner loved by pizza and chicken fans alike.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed to sauté)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken cutlets: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create 2 thinner cutlets from each. Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Combine oregano, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer and sauté for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked cutlets to the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with any remaining chicken, adding more olive oil as needed. At this stage, the chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Add toppings: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce over each cutlet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then layer tomato slices, followed by pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly in spots and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F measured by an instant-read thermometer.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for added color and bright flavor.
Notes
- Use low moisture, part-skim mozzarella for best melting and less grease.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken cutlets evenly to 1/4 inch thickness.
- If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara sauce is a perfect substitute.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds lovely freshness and aroma to the final dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in an oven or microwave.
