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
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Place the chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture on both sides of the chicken.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the top of the seasoned chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add pepperoni slices across the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- 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.
PrintPepperoni Pizza Chicken
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.
- 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
- 15–20 pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Place chicken pieces into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; rub onto both sides of the chicken.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Add pepperoni slices across the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- 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