Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines two favorite meals—pizza and baked chicken—into one effortless dish.
  • Requires minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients.
  • Great for low-carb or gluten-free eating styles.
  • Kid-friendly and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

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

2 large chicken breasts (2 pounds)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
15–20 pepperoni slices

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
  3. Place the chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture on both sides of the chicken.
  5. Spread the pizza sauce over the top of the seasoned chicken.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
  7. Add pepperoni slices across the top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
  • Use marinara or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a flavor twist.
  • Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach under the cheese for extra nutrients.
  • Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or hot pepperoni.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
To freeze, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and will stay juicy. Adjust baking time as needed.

Can I use store-bought thin-cut chicken?

Absolutely, it saves prep time and works perfectly for this dish.

Do I have to cover the dish when baking?

Covering helps keep the chicken moist for the first part of baking and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Homemade sauce works great and adds even more flavor.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs since the base is chicken instead of pizza dough.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely—add any of your favorite pizza toppings before baking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though melting results may vary.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and increase sauces and toppings accordingly.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken is a fuss-free, crave-worthy meal that blends classic pizza flavors with juicy baked chicken. It’s easy to customize, perfect for weeknights, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

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A family-friendly, low-carb meal featuring tender baked chicken topped with pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni for all the classic pizza flavors without the crust.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), sliced into cutlets
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1520 pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets.
  3. Place chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; rub onto both sides of the chicken.
  5. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  7. Add pepperoni slices across the top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use thin-cut chicken to reduce baking time.
  • Customize with favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
  • Great for low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: Approx. 360
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
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