Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together comfort food and healthy eating in one delicious dish. You’ll love it because it’s:

• Packed with classic pizza flavors in a high-protein, low-carb form.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
• Family-friendly and kid-approved.
• Versatile — you can customize the fillings to your taste.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Pepperoni slices
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice a pocket into each one without cutting all the way through.
3. Season the outside and inside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce into each pocket, then stuff with shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni.
5. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed to keep the filling inside.
6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish. Spoon a little extra marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based chicken cutlets and vegan cheese alternatives.
• Different fillings: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach inside the chicken for extra flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
• BBQ version: Swap marinara for barbecue sauce and mozzarella for cheddar.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for gooey perfection.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the cheese may lose some of its texture. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work too — just adjust the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.

2. What type of marinara sauce works best?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara; thicker sauces prevent sogginess.

3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Use toothpicks to seal the openings and avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto meal plan.

6. Can I air fry this recipe?

Yes, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. What cheese melts best inside the chicken?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or Monterey Jack also work beautifully.

8. Can I make it without pepperoni?

Of course! Try chopped veggies, ham, or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

9. How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer — it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

10. What side dishes go well with this recipe?

Pair it with roasted veggies, garlic bread, a green salad, or cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast is a creative and delicious way to satisfy pizza cravings without the carbs. It’s easy, customizable, and full of flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner. Once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a juicy, low-carb chicken dish. Each chicken breast is stuffed with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then baked to golden, cheesy perfection for a comforting meal that’s both family-friendly and protein-packed.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 slices pepperoni
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice a pocket into each one without cutting all the way through.
3. Season both inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each pocket, then stuff with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
5. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to hold the filling in place.
6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Spoon a little extra marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use thick chicken breasts for easier stuffing and even baking.
• Don’t overstuff — too much filling may leak out during cooking.
• To keep it keto-friendly, use a sugar-free marinara sauce.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach inside for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 125mg