Chicken Pizzaiola

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Pizzaiola brings together the bold flavors of Italian cuisine in an effortless, wholesome way. You get all the best parts of pizza—savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs—without the dough. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Plus, it’s a meal that feels special without requiring a long list of ingredients or complicated steps.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
5. Return the chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken, cover again, and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 40 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Pizzaiola: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra gooeyness.
• Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the sauce for more texture and flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a silky sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container with sauce, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What does “pizzaiola” mean?

“Pizzaiola” refers to a tomato-based sauce made with Italian herbs, similar to what’s used on pizza.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy.

Do I have to use mozzarella cheese?

Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone, Parmesan, or even Monterey Jack are great alternatives.

Can I make Chicken Pizzaiola ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat and add the cheese just before serving.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Definitely. After searing the chicken and adding the sauce, bake in a covered dish at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, then top with cheese and broil until melted.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of red or white wine adds depth and enhances the flavor of the tomato sauce.

What sides go well with Chicken Pizzaiola?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 4–5 ripe tomatoes, chopped and cooked down until thickened.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe itself is gluten-free—just serve it with gluten-free pasta or sides.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Chicken Pizzaiola is a flavorful, fuss-free Italian classic that delivers all the beloved flavors of pizza in a wholesome, hearty meal. With its tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Chicken Pizzaiola

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Chicken Pizzaiola is an Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and melted mozzarella. It’s a one-pan, comforting meal that captures the essence of pizza in a hearty, wholesome way—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
6. Sprinkle mozzarella over chicken, cover again, and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra tenderness.
• For a baked version, assemble in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, adding cheese at the end.
• Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for more flavor and texture.
• To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
• Pairs perfectly with spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg