Chicken Pizzaiola

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Pizzaiola is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, delivers big Italian flavor, and can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Plus, it’s family-friendly and naturally gluten-free—no fuss, just a hearty, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (thinly sliced)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Optional: black olives or capers for extra flavor

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
6. Top each piece of chicken with mozzarella. Cover and let melt, or broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add bell peppers: Sauté sliced red or green bell peppers with the onions for extra sweetness.
• Use chicken thighs: Boneless thighs stay juicy and work well in this dish.
• Low-carb version: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Add olives or capers: Stir in for a briny, bold twist on the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through.
This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What does “pizzaiola” mean?

“Pizzaiola” refers to a tomato-based sauce seasoned with oregano, garlic, and herbs—flavors reminiscent of pizza.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, for a shortcut, use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce instead of crushed tomatoes.

What kind of cheese is best?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but shredded mozzarella or provolone also works well.

Can I bake Chicken Pizzaiola?

Yes, layer everything in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.

What sides go well with this?

Pasta, rice, garlic bread, or a green salad pair perfectly with Chicken Pizzaiola.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate. Add cheese and reheat before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly seasoned, but you can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A splash of dry white or red wine added after sautéing the onions adds extra depth to the sauce.

Can I cook the chicken directly in the sauce?

Yes, but searing it first adds extra flavor and better texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Pizzaiola is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines the best of Italian home cooking and comfort food. With tender chicken, zesty tomato sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served over pasta or with crusty bread, this recipe is a simple way to bring bold, delicious flavor to your table.

Chicken Pizzaiola

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Chicken Pizzaiola is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish where tender chicken is simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and melty mozzarella. It’s like a pizza-flavored chicken skillet—quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella (sliced) or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives or 1 tbsp capers

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
6. Top each chicken piece with mozzarella. Cover to melt or broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

• Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
• Searing adds flavor but can be skipped to save time—just cook chicken fully in the sauce.
• Great served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• To reduce heat, skip the red pepper flakes.
• Refrigerates well for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg