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Baked Pizza Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

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Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni, then topped with pizza sauce, more cheese, and savory Italian seasonings. This hearty baked dinner delivers classic pizza flavors in a protein-packed main course.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 24 pepperoni slices, plus more for topping if desired
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, optional
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast without slicing completely through.
  3. Season the chicken on both sides and inside the pockets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  4. Fill each chicken breast with about half of the mozzarella and several pepperoni slices, taking care not to overfill the pockets.
  5. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to help hold the filling inside.
  6. Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  7. Spoon the pizza sauce or marinara evenly over the chicken breasts.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. Add extra pepperoni slices on top if desired.
  9. Bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. For additional browning, place the chicken briefly under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the stuffed chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Remove any toothpicks before serving.
  12. Finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and optional red pepper flakes, then serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegetable pizza variation, replace the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or onions. Cook high-moisture vegetables before stuffing the chicken.
  • Provolone, ricotta, or additional Parmesan can be combined with the mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
  • Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, spicy pepperoni, or chili to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Cooked sausage, olives, or sautéed peppers can be used for other pizza-inspired filling combinations.
  • For a meatless filling, omit the pepperoni and stuff the chicken with mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, and Parmesan.
  • The chicken can be stuffed ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake. Add the final sauce and cheese shortly before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat covered in the oven with a spoonful of extra pizza sauce to help keep the chicken moist.
  • Cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/baked-pizza-mozzarella-stuffed-chicken/